Rise of the Banished She-Wolf Chapter 135

Evelyn

The morning sun cast long shadows across Sterling Mansion's grounds as I stood in the garden, sipping my coffee. After yesterday's surprising encounter with Gregory, I needed time to process his sudden change in demeanor. I heard footsteps approaching and turned to see Ryan walking toward me, his expression thoughtful.

"Good morning," Ryan said, joining me at the stone bench overlooking the garden. "How did you sleep after all that excitement yesterday?"

I smiled wryly. "Better than I expected. Gregory's visit was... unexpected."

Ryan nodded, his eyes scanning the property. "What are you planning to do with him now? Do you trust his sudden change of heart?"

"Trust? No." I set my coffee cup down. "But I think there's an opportunity here. I need to speak with him again, get more information about what he knows." I paused, considering my next words carefully. "I've decided to meet with him today. I want to have an honest conversation about what's really going on."

Ryan frowned. "Are you sure that's wise? The man threatened you just days ago."

"I'll be careful," I assured him. "But there's something about his story that doesn't add up. And with everything that's happening with The Crimson, we need all the information we can get."

---

At precisely noon, I waited in the east garden. I had chosen this spot carefully—an open area with multiple exit points, yet secluded enough for a private conversation. I heard the crunch of gravel and turned to see Gregory approaching, dressed more casually today in slacks and a light sweater.

"Ms. Gray," he greeted me with a slight nod. "Thank you for inviting me back."

"Please, call me Evelyn," I replied, gesturing to the garden around us. "What do you think of this part of the grounds?"

Gregory surveyed the area, his eyes lingering on the mix of wild flowers and carefully tended herbs. "This garden has a wonderful wild beauty to it. Whoever designed it understood how to blend the natural with the cultivated." His appreciation seemed genuine.

"I'm glad you like it," I said. "This is the garden I've arranged for you, if you're interested. I thought since you've come from Eastern Europe, you probably don't have a place to stay here. You're welcome to use the east wing of the mansion temporarily, if you'd like."

Surprise flashed across Gregory's face before he schooled his expression. "That's... so kind of you. Thank you." He paused, studying my face. "But I doubt you called me here just to offer me accommodation. What is it you really want to discuss?"

I appreciated his directness. "You're right. I want to know more about the White family and their influence among the werewolf packs in Eastern Europe."

Gregory's expression hardened. "The Whites?" He let out a derisive laugh. "They're not a pure-blooded werewolf family, despite what they might claim. They've only risen to prominence in the last few decades through mixed marriages and... other means."

"Other means?" I prompted.

"The organization you've heard about—The Crimson. They do the White family's dirty work." Gregory's voice dropped lower. "Barry White and his sister Vera are its leaders. They're ruthless, especially Vera."

Gregory reached into his jacket and pulled out a small USB drive, offering it to me. "This contains files on the White family—their history, territories, and known associates. I've been keeping tabs on them for years."

I took the drive, surprised by his openness. "Why are you sharing this with me?"

"Because they're dangerous, and they're here in Seattle." Gregory's eyes were serious now. "The Crimson has expanded rapidly in the last six months, taking over territories across Eastern Europe. Their methods are... brutal. They've eliminated rival packs entirely, even those who offered no resistance."

"And now they're here," I said softly, connecting the dots.

"Yes. And I believe Vera's presence in Seattle is specifically about you."

My brow furrowed. "Why would you say that?"

"They're expanding, looking for vulnerable packs to absorb or eliminate." Gregory's eyes met mine. "The Moonheal pack is currently one of the weaker ones in Seattle. An easy target."

I studied Gregory carefully. There was something he wasn't telling me—I could sense it—but I decided not to push. Not yet.

"There's something else I wanted to discuss," Gregory said, changing the subject. "I have a biotechnology factory in Eastern Europe. It's been quite successful, specializing in herbal remedies. Having learned from Isabel from a young age, I imagine your medical skills are exceptional."

I remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

"I'd like you to consider coming back to Eastern Europe with me. You could run the factory, develop new treatments. Your knowledge combined with our resources could help many people."

I was surprised by the offer, but I refused. "I appreciate the offer, but I have to decline."

Gregory nodded, seemingly unsurprised. "The invitation remains open, should you change your mind."

---

As evening fell, I sat on the porch, reviewing the information from Gregory's USB drive. Aiden joined me, his laptop balanced on his knees.

"Have you found anything on Vera's whereabouts?" I asked, not looking up from my screen.

Aiden's fingers flew across the keyboard. "Actually, yes. She's been spotted near Aileen's apartment several times in the past week."

My head snapped up. "Why would she be watching Aileen? Isn't she helping Lucas with some hacking for his case right now?"

"Yes, she is," Aiden confirmed, his expression concerned.

A cold feeling settled in my stomach. "We need to warn Edward and get someone to protect Aileen."

I quickly dialed Edward's number, explaining the situation. He promised to send protection immediately.

After hanging up, I couldn't shake my unease. "I want to track Vera myself. Can you help me access the city's surveillance system?"

Aiden nodded, and within minutes, we had hacked into Seattle's traffic cameras. My eyes widened as I identified Vera on a screen.

"She's right there—outside Aileen's building," I whispered.

Without hesitation, I moved to my study, where I kept a small case of surveillance equipment. I extracted a tiny drone, no bigger than my palm.

"I'm going to get closer," I told Aiden as I programmed the device. "I need to know what she's planning."

The drone took off from the window, guided by my hands. Through its camera feed, we watched as Vera spoke to another person in a parked car.

"Can you enhance the audio?" I asked.

Aiden adjusted some settings, and suddenly Vera's voice came through clearly: "Tonight, we grab the girl. With her as leverage, we can find Aurora!"

Aiden and I exchanged shocked looks. Aurora—my hacker codename. Somehow, The Crimson had connected Aileen to me.

"We need to go," I said, already moving toward the door. "Now."

Aiden nodded, grabbing his jacket as we rushed out to save Aileen before Vera's plan could unfold.