Rise of the Banished She-Wolf Chapter 138

Evelyn

The steady beep of monitoring equipment had become my constant companion over the past few days. I had been floating in and out of consciousness, aware of Devon's presence beside my bed, his hand clutching mine as if I might slip away if he let go.

Today was different. The doctors had finally deemed me stable enough to be moved from the ICU to a regular room. My body still ached everywhere, but at least I was fully conscious and able to sit up against a stack of pillows. The private room Devon had arranged was more like a hotel suite than a hospital room, with a view of the Seattle skyline.

A soft knock at the door pulled me from my thoughts.

"Look what the cat dragged in," a familiar voice called from the doorway.

I turned to see Edward leaning against the doorframe, his usually immaculate appearance slightly disheveled, dark circles under his eyes suggesting he hadn't slept much.

"God, you look terrible!" Edward said with his typical bluntness as he approached my bed.

"Thanks," I croaked, my voice still rough from the breathing tube they'd removed yesterday. "You sure know how to make a girl feel special."

Edward's expression softened as he pulled up a chair. "You look better than three days ago, I'll give you that."

"I feel better," I admitted, shifting slightly and wincing at the pain in my ribs. "At least I'm out of the ICU."

"Well, you certainly know how to cause a scene. Hall has been terrorizing the hospital staff. I think the nurses draw straws to see who has to come in here when he's around." Edward's tone was light, but I could see the concern in his eyes.

"What happened with Vera?" I asked, remembering the reason I was here in the first place.

Edward's expression darkened. "Our dear Devon tracked her down to the harbor. She jumped into the water when cornered. Took five days, but the authorities finally found her. They're saying she has 'mental health issues.'"

"He drove her insane?" I couldn't help the small smile that formed on my lips despite everything.

"I wouldn't put it past him. He was... determined." Edward's voice held a note of grudging respect.

"Good," I whispered, a warm feeling spreading through my chest despite my injuries. Devon had avenged me.

"While Devon was hunting her, I've been tracking her brother Barry," Edward continued. "That little bastard is also in a life-or-death situation now. I haven't decided if I'll let him live yet."

"The Whites contacted you, didn't they?" I asked, noting the tension in his jaw.

"They want to work with Moonlight. They're offering a truce if we spare Barry." Edward's voice was cold. "As if I know the meaning of 'spare.'"

I sighed, feeling the weight of my injuries. "Since both troublemakers are being dealt with, we should probably let Gregory know."

"Gregory? The one who's been causing you trouble at the mansion?"

"He's been cooperative lately," I explained. "He gave me information about the Whites and The Crimson."

I reached for my phone on the bedside table, wincing at the pain the movement caused. Edward quickly handed it to me, and I dialed Gregory's number.

---

When Gregory arrived an hour later, I was more alert. He entered carrying a small bouquet of flowers, looking uncomfortable in the hospital setting.

"You didn't need to bring flowers," I said.

Gregory set the flowers aside and straightened, giving Edward a respectful nod before turning back to me. "How are you feeling?"

"Like I fell from a second-story window," I replied. "But I'll live."

Gregory's expression turned serious. "I came to tell you what I know about the White family. It's... complicated."

"I'm not going anywhere," I gestured to the chair beside my bed.

Gregory sat down, saying, "The White family is divided into two branches. One operates in human society—politicians, businessmen, seemingly legitimate. The other branch operates underground in the werewolf world."

"The Crimson," I supplied.

Gregory nodded. "Barry has been trying to connect these underworld brothers to stage a revolt. Their ultimate goal is to create conflict between humans and werewolves, then position themselves to benefit from the chaos."

"So they want to expose us?" I asked, the implications making my stomach churn.

"Not exactly. They want to control both worlds—have werewolves be feared enough that humans will accept any protection, which the White family would provide. They've been planning this for generations."

I processed this information, suddenly understanding why Vera had been so determined to find me.

"That's why they targeted Aileen," I realized aloud. "They wanted to use her to get to me, and through me, to Moonlight's resources."

A nurse knocked on the door, entering with a tray of medication. "Sorry to interrupt, but it's time for your checkup, Ms. Gray."

I sighed, turning to Edward and Gregory. "Would you mind stepping out for a few minutes?"

Gregory stood immediately. "Of course. I should be going anyway."

Edward remained by the window. "I'll wait outside."

---

Edward

I watched Evelyn's door close behind us, then turned to face Gregory Sterling in the empty hospital corridor. This was my chance to handle business my way, without Evelyn's soft-hearted approach complicating things.

"I believe we have more to discuss," I said quietly. "Perhaps somewhere more private?"

Gregory nodded, his posture stiff but respectful. "There's a café on the ground floor."

We walked in silence to the elevator and down to the hospital café. I scanned the room—habit from years of watching my back—before selecting a secluded corner table. We ordered coffee and waited until the server had left before speaking.

"I've been watching you, Mr. Sterling," I began, my voice low and measured. "Your sudden interest in cooperating with Evelyn is... intriguing."

Gregory's fingers tightened around his coffee cup. "I have my reasons."

"I'm sure you do." I reached into my jacket and pulled out a sealed envelope, sliding it across the table. "This contains documentation of Moonlight's assets in Eastern Europe. Assets that could be... redistributed with the right alliance."

Gregory's eyes widened slightly as he took the envelope. "Why show me this?"

"Because I want whoever hurt Evelyn to disappear from this world," I stated coldly. I'd known Evelyn for years, watched her grow from a scared teenager into the formidable woman she was today. Anyone who harmed her would pay the ultimate price. "And I think you can help make that happen."

Gregory opened the envelope, scanning the contents before looking up with new understanding. "The unrest in the Eastern European packs would destabilize my position there."

"Or strengthen it, depending on who emerges as the new Alpha King." I sipped my coffee, enjoying the momentary flicker of surprise on his face. "I have a list of potential candidates. Your son is among them—the university professor with an excellent reputation in both werewolf and human circles."

Gregory's expression shifted from surprise to calculation. "You would support my son's claim?"

"My friends in Eastern Europe would ensure he becomes the next Alpha King," I confirmed. The pieces were falling into place. Gregory Sterling had ambition, but more importantly, he had a weakness—his love for his son. "If you help us eliminate the White family's influence."

Gregory leaned back in his chair, considering the offer. "And if the Sterling family succeeds?"

"Then you become Moonlight's closest allies," I said simply. "With all the benefits that entails."

We both knew what that meant. Moonlight's protection was worth more than gold in our world. Our technology, our intelligence network, our resources—all at the Sterling family's disposal. It was an offer few would refuse.

Gregory was silent for a long moment, weighing his options. Finally, he nodded. "The Whites have already begun making moves against my family. I need to return to Eastern Europe soon to discuss policy with the werewolf council."

"Do that," I agreed. "But remember who your real allies are, Mr. Sterling."

As we finished our coffee, I could see the calculations running behind Gregory's eyes.

I had no illusions about Gregory. He was a political animal, always looking for advantage. But for now, our interests aligned. And that was all I needed to ensure Evelyn's safety and the elimination of her enemies.

I stood, extending my hand. "I believe we understand each other, Mr. Sterling."

He took my hand, his grip firm. "Perfectly, Mr. Luna."

I walked out of the café, already planning my next steps. The Whites would soon discover the cost of targeting someone under my protection. By the time I was finished, there wouldn't be enough left of their organization to fill a thimble.