Rise of the Banished She-Wolf Chapter 159

Evelyn

The evening air carried a subtle chill as Devon pulled his car into the Blue Moon Restaurant's circular driveway. I felt my shoulders tense as we stepped out, my hands unconsciously smoothing down the silver dress that hugged my curves.

Devon's arm slipped around my waist, his touch warm and reassuring. "Hey," he said softly, noticing the rigid line of my posture. "Relax. Everything's going to be fine."

Before I could respond, I spotted Shawn and Aileen waiting by the entrance to the garden. Aileen waved enthusiastically while Shawn offered a more reserved nod. God, I hoped this wouldn't turn into a disaster.

"Evelyn!" Aileen rushed forward, embracing me tightly. "You look stunning! Devon, doesn't she look amazing?"

Devon's expression softened slightly. "Always."

Shawn extended his hand to Devon. "Glad you could make it."

Devon accepted the handshake, his grip visibly firmer than necessary. "Wouldn't miss it."

As we walked through the garden, the scent of moonlight flowers filled the air, making my white wolf stir beneath my skin. I inhaled deeply, focusing on maintaining control.

Lily and Jack were already seated at the elegantly set table, rising to greet us. At least with more people there, it won't be as uncomfortable.

As we all seated, the server arrived with the first course: roasted venison with cranberry sauce.

I placed my hand on Devon's knee under the table, a silent request for patience. "It looks delicious."

Throughout dinner, I felt Devon's muscles tense whenever Shawn mentioned our shared history. Three years was a long time, and inevitable stories surfaced—my first attempt at hunting, the time I accidentally set fire to Shawn's kitchen, the winter storm that trapped us in the cabin for a week.

"So you two really lived together all that time?" Lily asked innocently, unaware of the emotional landmine she was stepping on.

"Not exactly," I clarified quickly. "I stayed in the cabin behind the Green family house. Shawn and his brothers checked on me, brought supplies."

"Taught her how to survive," Shawn added. "Evelyn was... determined, but city life hadn't prepared her for the wilderness."

Jack, bless him, sensed the growing tension and smoothly changed the subject. "Speaking of determination, Lily tells me you're quite the computer genius. Any chance you could help me upgrade my security system? I'm developing a new app and—"

"Jack, nobody wants to talk about your boring tech stuff at dinner," Lily interrupted with a playful groan.

The table erupted in laughter, and I felt the atmosphere lighten considerably. By dessert—a decadent chocolate soufflé—even Devon had relaxed enough to engage in conversation with Shawn about the local conservation efforts for the forest preserves.

"I appreciate what you did," Devon said quietly as we finished our meal, looking directly at Shawn. The words seemed difficult for him, but sincere. "For Evelyn. When she needed someone."

Shawn nodded, understanding the weight behind Devon's words. "She would have done the same for any of us."

As dinner concluded, soft lights illuminated the outdoor dance floor. A live band began playing, the melody floating through the evening air.

Devon stood and extended his hand to me. "Dance with me?"

I accepted, letting him lead me to the center of the floor. His hand rested on the small of my back, warm and secure as we moved to the rhythm. Under the moonlight, with the city lights twinkling below us, I felt a lightness I hadn't experienced in years.

"You're smiling," Devon observed, his eyes softening as he looked at me.

"Am I not allowed to enjoy myself?" I teased.

"I want nothing more than to see you smile every day," he said, spinning me gently before pulling me closer.

I caught glimpses of Shawn dancing with Aileen, while Lucas and Jack were playfully trying to teach Lily some elaborate dance move that had her giggling uncontrollably. For a moment, everything felt perfect.

As the music slowed, Devon pulled me against his chest, and I rested my head on his shoulder. I could feel his heartbeat gradually synchronizing with mine, our wolves recognizing each other even without the completed mate bond.

I was about to say something when a sudden chill ran down my spine. My instincts flared to life, sensing malice directed at us. Someone was watching, their gaze burning into my back with unmistakable ill intent.

I started to turn my head, but Devon's fingers gently squeezed my wrist.

"Don't look," he murmured against my ear, maintaining our dance. "If they realize we've noticed, they might move sooner."

My heart rate accelerated, but I forced myself to keep smiling, to maintain the appearance of a woman simply enjoying a dance with her partner. Subtly, I caught Shawn's eye across the dance floor and gave him a barely perceptible nod. He returned it, his posture shifting slightly as he guided Aileen away from the center of the floor.

"How many?" I asked quietly.

"At least six," Devon responded, his voice calm despite the tension I could feel in his muscles. "Scattered around the perimeter. I recognize a few of Redwood's security detail."

The band transitioned to another slow song, and Devon smoothly guided us toward the edge of the dance floor, closer to where Lucas and Jack stood with Lily.

We had nearly reached them when movement caught my eye—a figure in server's uniform emerging from behind a decorative hedge, hand reaching inside her jacket.

Emilia.

Devon saw her too, pushing me aside just as she lunged forward. I was already moving, twisting my body to avoid her first strike. The silver needle in her hand gleamed dangerously in the moonlight.

"You think you can replace me, little wolf?" she hissed, her perfectly made-up face contorted with hatred.

Lucas reacted with wolf-like speed, grabbing her wrist and twisting until the needle dropped to the floor with a metallic clink. Jack immediately shielded Lily, pushing her behind him as security personnel moved toward the commotion.

Before anyone could speak, the cheerful music abruptly cut off. The servers around us suddenly abandoned their trays, moving with military precision to surround the dance floor.

"What a touching scene," a smooth voice called out as a figure descended from the main stage. Alex Redwood, Emilia's brother, walked deliberately toward us, clapping his hands in slow, mocking applause. "Hall and his little white wolf dancing under the moonlight. Poetic, really."

I watched as Devon and Shawn instinctively moved into defensive positions, all previous animosity forgotten as they formed a protective formation around me, Aileen, and Lily. The threat had transformed rivals into allies in an instant.

Redwood's men drew weapons from beneath their jackets—silver blades and guns that gleamed ominously in the moonlight. I counted twelve armed individuals surrounding us, each holding weapons that could be lethal to werewolves.

"You know, Hall," Alex continued, his handsome face twisted with malice, "do you have any idea how much I've envied you? How much I've hated you? A pure-blooded Alpha who took away my family's glory!"

Devon's hand found mine, squeezing gently. His touch wasn't possessive now—it was grounding, a silent message to stay calm. I caught a glimpse of movement behind Alex's men—Edward and his people, discreetly positioning themselves. We just needed to keep Alex talking.

The dance had turned dangerous, but we weren't without allies in the shadows.