Rise of the Banished She-Wolf Chapter 16

Evelyn

The nurse at the discharge desk looked up from her computer screen, her expression a mixture of surprise and concern as she handed me the release forms.

"Ms. Gray, are you sure about this? It's only been three days. Silver-induced injuries typically require at least a week of medical supervision."

I signed the papers with a steady hand, ignoring the dull ache radiating from my bandaged arm. "I'm fine. The wound is healing well."

The truth was, my werewolf healing abilities had already kicked in, despite the silver's dampening effect. Being confined to this hospital bed for another four days would drive me insane—especially with Mrs. Whitmore hovering around me constantly since yesterday.

Speaking of whom, the elegant middle-aged woman was efficiently packing my few belongings into a small overnight bag. She'd appeared out of nowhere yesterday, introducing herself as a special care nurse assigned to my case, but I hadn't requested one.

"All set, Ms. Gray," Mrs. Whitmore said, zipping the bag closed. "I've packed your medications and the special ointment for your wound."

I was about to respond when Lily burst through the entrance doors, her bright yellow sundress a splash of sunshine against the hospital's sterile white walls.

"Evelyn! I thought I'd have to wait until noon to pick you up!" she exclaimed, rushing over to hug me before pulling back quickly. "Oh! Sorry, your arm—"

"It's fine," I assured her, adjusting the sling supporting my injured arm.

Lily's eyes widened when she noticed Mrs. Whitmore. "Who's this?"

"Mrs. Whitmore," I explained. "The hospital assigned her as my special nurse yesterday."

Lily studied the woman with curious eyes. "Thank you, Mrs. Whitmore."

Lily turned back to me. "You may be discharged, but your arm still needs time to heal. Mrs. Whitmore should stay with you at home for a few days to help out."

"That won't be necessary," I said firmly. The last thing I needed was a stranger in my apartment, especially one who had appeared so conveniently after Devon left.

"But—"

"I said no, Lily. I can take care of myself."

Lily looked like she wanted to argue but thought better of it. "Fine. At least let me drive you home."

In the car, Lily kept shooting concerned glances at my bandaged arm. "You should take a few days off, you know. No one would blame you."

I stared out the window, watching Seattle's skyline grow closer. "I'm going to class today."

"What? Evelyn, you just got out of the hospital!"

I turned to face her. "I'm not going to let them think I'm easily defeated. I've spent three years being invisible—I won't hide now."

Lily sighed, gripping the steering wheel tighter. "You're stubborn, you know that? Anyway, the school suspended Jessica. They even called in some of her friends for questioning, including your sister Kate."

I raised an eyebrow. "That's... unusually strict for a student conflict."

"Someone must have pulled some strings," Lily said with a meaningful look that I deliberately ignored.

By the time we reached the university, classes were about to start. The moment we entered the hallway, I could feel the weight of dozens of stares. The corridor seemed to fall quiet as students whispered behind their hands.

"That's the Gray girl who got slashed by Jessica..."

"I heard she was in some fancy private hospital..."

"Someone's been visiting her every day..."

"They say Jessica got suspended because someone important made calls..."

I kept my eyes forward, refusing to acknowledge the gossip swirling around me. My silver-gray eyes remained fixed on the classroom door ahead while Lily nervously glanced around.

Today's computer science lecture was a joint session with Kate's class. I planned to slip quietly to my seat, but as I passed by Kate's desk, I heard her muttered comment.

"Three years and still seducing men wherever you go."

Something snapped inside me. I slammed my palm on her desk, the sound echoing through the suddenly silent classroom.

"Don't push me, Kate," I said, my voice low and dangerous. "I won't hold back this time."

Kate's face flushed, but she maintained her composure. "I'd like to see you try something."

The professor's timely arrival interrupted our standoff. "Students, please take your seats."

I moved to the back of the room, feeling everyone's eyes on me. The professor began the lecture, but I barely heard a word. The burning sensation in my arm seemed to intensify with my anger.

Near the end of class, the professor made an announcement. "The Computer Club is recruiting new members this semester. Kate, as club president, please coordinate sign-ups from your classmates."

Kate's smug smile made my blood boil. After the professor left, Kate stood up with an air of authority.

"So, who's interested in joining the Computer Club?" She looked around the room, deliberately skipping over me.

When no one immediately responded, she feigned surprise. "Oh, Evelyn, would you be interested? I almost didn't see you there."

A male student snickered. "Her? With her grades? She wouldn't last a day in the club."

Laughter rippled through the classroom. Kate didn't bother hiding her amused smile.

Lily jumped to her feet. "What do you know about Evelyn? You have no idea what she's capable of!"

I gently grabbed Lily's arm and shook my head. Standing up, I led her toward the door.

In the hallway, Lily was still fuming. "Your sister is awful! The way she set you up for humiliation—"

"It's fine," I interrupted. "Actually, I think I will join that club."

Lily looked at me in disbelief. "But Kate's the president. She'll do everything to keep you out—there's an entrance exam and everything."

I felt a smile spreading across my face. "I'm counting on it."

The silver wound on my arm throbbed slightly, but my resolve only strengthened. "I've been silent about what happened three years ago. If my silence only invites more bullying, then maybe it's time they see that the 'white wolf' they drove away isn't the same helpless girl anymore."