Rise of the Banished She-Wolf Chapter 166

After leaving Blackfang territory, the afternoon sun was already casting long shadows as our car pulled through the gates of Sterling Mansion.

"Look who's waiting for you," Devon said, nodding toward the entrance.

My heart leapt when I spotted familiar figures standing on the porch—Aiden, Aileen, and Lily were all there, their faces lighting up as our car pulled to a stop.

"Evelyn!" Lily was the first to rush forward, practically yanking open my car door before Devon had fully stopped. Her arms wrapped around me in a tight embrace. "We heard what happened! Are you okay?"

I returned her hug, smiling despite myself. "I'm okay. Better than okay, actually."

Aileen approached next, her keen eyes taking in my appearance. "You look... different," she said, her gaze stopping at my neck where Devon's mark was partially visible above my collar. Her eyes widened. "Oh my God, Evelyn, you're marked?"

My cheeks flushed as I self-consciously touched the spot where Devon's teeth had broken my skin. "Yes..."

"This is amazing!" Aileen grabbed my hands, practically bouncing with excitement. "I knew you two were perfect for each other! When did it happen?"

Devon came around the car, placing a possessive hand on the small of my back. "Last night," he said, his voice carrying a hint of pride that made my wolf purr with satisfaction.

We moved into the living room, where Lydia had already prepared tea and snacks. As I settled onto the couch, Lily suddenly went quiet, her head tilting as though listening to something the rest of us couldn't hear.

"Evelyn," she said softly, her eyes flickering with silver light. "Your wolf... she's back, isn't she?"

I nodded, feeling the calm presence of my wolf within me. "Yes, she is. And we've... made peace with each other."

"I can feel her power," Lily continued, awe in her voice. "It's stronger than before, more stable. What happened?"

Devon squeezed my hand reassuringly. "She learned to accept herself—all parts of herself. Including her wolf nature."

Aileen smiled knowingly, looking at our joined hands. "Well, the results seem beautiful. You're glowing, Evelyn."

Aiden, who'd been quietly observing from an armchair, finally spoke up. "Evelyn, I know this might not be the right time, but I have to ask... about Edward, you—"

I saw the concern in his eyes, his worry that I might still be trapped in bitterness over Edward's betrayal.

"I've forgiven him," I said quietly. "Not because what he did was right, but because I can't let hatred hold me back anymore. I have more important things to focus on now. I need to learn to be truly myself."

Aiden visibly relaxed. "I'm glad to hear that. Hatred only consumes your strength."

"And besides," I glanced at Devon, "I have something better to look forward to now."

I stood up, stretching slightly. "Actually, I need to pack some things. Devon's taking me to his private island, where I can better learn to control my wolf."

"Private island?" Lily asked excitedly. "That sounds so romantic!"

"It's not just about romance," Devon explained. "It's away from all distractions and pressures—the perfect environment for Evelyn to learn."

A sudden thought struck me, and I turned to my friends. "Would you like to come with us? I mean, if you have time."

The three exchanged glances, then Aileen spoke first. "I'd love to, but..."

I took Aileen's hand. "Don't worry, I'll talk to Shawn. And now that my wolf is back, I can protect you."

After a moment's hesitation, Aileen finally agreed.

Lily clapped her hands excitedly. "Perfect! I could use a vacation!"

Aiden considered it for a moment. "If it helps Evelyn, I'm in."

As we headed upstairs to pack, Aiden noticed the complex computer setup in my study.

"Evelyn," he pointed to the equipment. "Should we move these somewhere else? They look important."

I looked at the equipment, a small smile playing on my lips. "No, let them stay here."

"Stay here?" Aiden frowned in confusion. "But if someone breaks in..."

"That's exactly what I want," I said, a gleam of cunning in my eyes. "It's my way of drawing the wolves out of hiding."

Aiden looked even more confused. "Drawing wolves out? Evelyn, what are you planning?"

I shook my head mysteriously. "I can't say yet, but trust me, it's all part of my plan. Some people think they can do whatever they want because I've disappeared, but they're wrong."

Though still puzzled, Aiden nodded. "Alright, if you're sure about this."

In my bedroom, the girls helped me sort through clothes and personal items.

"Take this one," Aileen held up a light blue sundress. "This color is perfect for you."

"And this," Lily added, picking up my jewelry box. "Stay beautiful even on the island."

Watching my busy friends, I felt a warmth spread through my chest. "Thank you, both of you. Really. With you guys by my side, I feel like I can face anything."

"That's what friends are for," Aileen said gently. "We'll always support you, no matter where you are."

As we prepared to leave, Lydia emerged from the kitchen holding a thermal container.

"Miss," her eyes held a hint of sadness despite her smile. "I've packed some snacks for your journey."

I took the container, feeling its warmth against my hands. "Lydia, thank you for always taking care of me."

"It's been my honor to care for you," Lydia stroked my hair like she would her own daughter's. "Take care of yourself on the island, and remember to eat properly."

"I will," I hugged her tightly. "When I come back, I'll be stronger."

"I know you will, Miss," pride shone in Lydia's eyes. "You've always been strong, but now you're finally realizing it."

"Lydia," I said seriously. "If any suspicious people come here, contact me or Devon immediately."

Lydia nodded. "Don't worry, Miss. Ryan will keep an eye on things."

Devon approached. "Lydia, if there's any emergency at all, contact me directly. I've arranged for additional security for this place."

"Thank you, Alpha," Lydia bowed her head respectfully. "Please take good care of our Miss."

"That is my promise," Devon said solemnly.

As our convoy of cars pulled away from Sterling Mansion, I looked back one last time at the place filled with both painful and warm memories.

"Don't look back," Devon squeezed my hand. "Better things are waiting for us ahead."

From the back seat, Lily's indignant voice rang out. "I never knew you had a private island!"

"Of course not," Devon laughed. "I never thought of telling anyone."

"Well, I'd never get to enjoy it if it weren't for Evelyn," Lily said wistfully.

Aiden gazed out the window at the passing scenery. "Perhaps this is exactly what Evelyn needs—to get away from all the chaos and find inner peace again."

I felt the light-hearted atmosphere in the car, and my own mood lifted to a level of lightness I hadn't experienced in years. My white wolf stirred contentedly within me, responding to this joy.

"You know," I said to Devon, "I haven't felt this happy in a very long time."

"This is just the beginning," Devon looked at me tenderly. "On the island, you'll find many more reasons to be happy."

Watching the city landscape gradually recede through the car window, I felt an unprecedented sense of freedom. No pack judgments, no complicated politics, no shadows from the past—just me, Devon, and my best friends.

"Devon," I asked curiously, "are there other people on the island?"

"Just a few staff for maintenance, and they stay on the other side of the island," Devon explained. "Most of the time, we'll have complete privacy."

"Perfect," I sighed contentedly. "I can't wait to see the sunrises and sunsets, to run on the beach, to..."

"To what?" Devon asked softly.

I looked into his deep blue eyes. "To create beautiful memories with you. To learn to truly love myself and my wolf."

As our cars headed toward the harbor, I felt a hope and excitement I hadn't known in years. This wasn't just a trip—it was a chance for rebirth.

With my friends by my side and Devon's love surrounding me, I knew this would be the most beautiful time of my life.