Rise of the Banished She-Wolf (Evelyn) novel Chapter 64

**Where Falling Leaves Whisper Stories Written In Silence by Ryn Jace Reed**
**Chapter 64**

**Devon**

I found myself standing like a statue in the stark, sterile corridor of the hospital, the fluorescent lights casting a harsh glow on everything around me. Richard’s intense gaze shifted from me to Evelyn, a silent interrogation that made the air thick with tension.

“Who is she?” Richard’s voice was low, yet it resonated with an authority that had compelled countless wolves to submit to his will over the years. It was clear to me that he had sensed the undeniable bond forming between Evelyn and me, a connection that grew stronger with each fleeting moment, becoming increasingly impossible to conceal.

I inhaled deeply, the weight of the moment pressing down on my chest. There was no longer any reason to hide the truth. I was ready to reveal who Evelyn truly was to me, come what may. But just as I opened my mouth to speak, I felt her hand grasp my arm with an unexpected ferocity.

Glancing down, I was taken aback to see a flash of hatred in her silver-gray eyes—not directed at me, but aimed squarely at Richard. Her body trembled slightly against mine, and I could hear the rapid thumping of her heart echoing in the silence. Instinctively, I shifted my position, placing myself firmly between Evelyn and Richard, as if to shield her from his piercing gaze.

“Devon,” Richard began again, his tone sharpening like a blade. “I asked you—”

“Grandpa, you’re here!” Lily’s cheerful voice sliced through the heavy atmosphere as she approached down the corridor, blissfully unaware of the tension that hung between us like a storm cloud.

“This is Evelyn, one of the brightest students at Seattle University. She’s the one who saved Jack!” Lily’s enthusiasm was palpable, and she immediately began her introductions, her innocence a stark contrast to the gravity of the moment.

I noticed Richard stiffen at the mention of “student,” that single word hanging in the air like a curse.

“You…” His face contorted with fury, his grip tightening around his wolf-headed cane. With a swift motion, he brought it crashing down across my back. “You’re involving yourself with a girl young enough to still be in university? Have you lost your mind?”

I stood my ground, absorbing the blow without flinching. I had faced far worse during territorial disputes; this was nothing in comparison. Behind me, I sensed Evelyn jerk in surprise, her body tensing at the sudden violence.

“Father,” I said quietly, my voice steady, “you don’t understand—”

“I understand perfectly!” His complexion had turned a sickly pale, and I could see the strain in his labored breathing. “You’re following in my footsteps after all, aren’t you? Taking advantage of young—”

Before he could finish, he suddenly swayed, his cane clattering to the floor as he clutched his chest. Panic surged through me as I lunged forward, catching him before he could collapse to the ground. The scent of illness and pain rolled off him in waves, an odor that made my stomach churn.

“Dad!” Olivia’s voice broke through the chaos, her expression etched with concern as she rushed to my side. Together, we half-carried, half-dragged Richard into his hospital room, where a nurse burst in, urgency in her every movement.

“What happened?” she demanded, her professional demeanor kicking in as she began checking his vitals.

“He got upset,” I explained, stepping back to give her space. “His heart—”

“I need everyone out,” she ordered, pressing the call button for the doctor with an air of authority that brooked no argument.

Outside in the hallway, Lily wrung her hands anxiously, her face a mask of worry. “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to cause trouble. Will he be okay?”

“It’s not your fault,” I reassured her, though my mind was racing with thoughts of Evelyn. I glanced around, suddenly realizing she was no longer with us. “Where’s Evelyn?”

“Maybe she could help check on your dad? I’ll go find her!” Lily’s eyes brightened with a spark of hope.

Before I could voice a protest, Lily dashed down the corridor. Moments later, she returned, pulling Evelyn along by the hand.

“Evelyn’s super good with medicine,” Lily declared, her voice brimming with optimism. “She could take a look at your father.”

The moment I saw the coldness in Evelyn’s eyes, I knew it was a mistake. “No,” she said flatly, her voice devoid of warmth.

Lily blinked in surprise, her enthusiasm faltering. “But—”

“I said no.” Evelyn’s tone was firm as she yanked her hand away from Lily’s grasp and turned her back, walking away with purpose. “I’m leaving.”

“Evelyn, wait!” Lily called after her, but Evelyn was already striding briskly toward the exit, her resolve unyielding.

I exchanged a quick glance with Olivia, a silent agreement passing between us. “Take care of Dad. I need to talk to her.”

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