Rise of the Banished She-Wolf Chapter 18

Evelyn

"So where did you get this code, Ms. Gray?" Professor Parker asked, his tone serious. "This level of encryption is beyond most graduate students, let alone undergraduates."

My mind raced. I couldn't admit I was Aurora—that identity protected not just me but the entire Moonlight Organization and, by extension, the werewolf community. But I also couldn't explain how I'd created something so similar without admitting I had access to the original.

"I... researched various encryption methods," I said lamely, knowing how unconvincing it sounded.

Kate scoffed. "She's lying. She probably paid someone to write it for her."

Professor Parker studied me intently. "Ms. Gray, academic integrity is paramount at this university. If you can't explain this similarity, I'll have to assume it's plagiarism."

I remained silent, trapped between revealing my secret identity or accepting the accusation. Neither option was acceptable.

"Her silence says everything," Kate said, her voice dripping with false concern. "We all know she's never been particularly skilled at academics."

The whispers from the doorway grew louder. I could hear snippets: "Always knew she was a fraud," and "No wonder she got kicked out before."

"Ms. Gray," Professor Parker said with disappointment, "please step outside and reflect on the seriousness of academic dishonesty. We'll discuss this further with the department head."

I gathered my things, feeling Kate's triumphant gaze burning into my back. Lily stood by the door, her face a mask of confusion and concern.

"This isn't fair!" Lily protested. "Evelyn's really smart—she wouldn't need to cheat!"

I touched her arm gently. "It's okay, Lily. I'm fine."

Walking past the group of onlookers, I heard Kate whisper to her friends: "Looks like the white wolf is getting kicked out again."

Instead of waiting in the hallway as instructed, I headed straight for the exit.

Just as I reached the campus gates, my phone rang. The screen displayed "Aiden."

"Hey," I answered, relieved. "I was just about to call you."

"I'm in Seattle," Aiden said without preamble. "We need to talk. In person."

I frowned. Aiden rarely left Portland. "What's happened?"

"Not over the phone. Can you meet me now?"

I glanced back at the university buildings. "Actually, yes. I'm suddenly free. Where are you?"

"The Cornerstone Café, downtown. Thirty minutes?"

"I'll be there," I confirmed, heading toward my motorcycle.

As I sped through Seattle's busy streets, the wind whipping against my face, I tried to push away thoughts of what had just happened. One crisis at a time.

---

The Cornerstone Café was tucked away on a side street, its unassuming façade hiding a cozy interior. I spotted Aiden immediately, his lanky frame hunched over a corner table, two coffee cups already waiting.

After scanning the room to ensure no one was within earshot, I slid into the seat across from him.

"Long time no see, Aurora," he said quietly, pushing a coffee toward me.

I winced. "Keep your voice down. That identity is more important to protect than my werewolf status."

Aiden's eyes widened slightly. "What happened?"

I sighed, taking a sip of coffee. "My professor just caught me using Aurora's encryption algorithm for a test. He recognized it from the cybersecurity journal."

"Shit," Aiden muttered. "That's... unfortunate timing."

"What do you mean?"

He leaned forward. "That’s why I’m here. Dr. Anderson’s been looking for Aurora. He really wants to work together."

That name rang a bell. "Anderson? Yeah, I think we’ve worked with him before."

"Right," Aiden said, nodding. "He’s one of the best geneticists around."

My eyebrows shot up. "And he's looking for me? Why?"

"He's leading this big project—something that could seriously affect the whole pack. But he didn't say exactly what it is. All we know is our job is to keep the data safe from anti-werewolf groups trying to steal it." Aiden’s face got serious. "The request came through official channels to Moonlight. He needs Aurora's security protocols to make sure nothing slips through."

I didn't answer right away. I was thinking about whether working with them so often might blow my cover as a hacker. I don’t want anyone to know who I really am, because once your real identity gets out, rumors and gossip will tear everything apart.

"The pay is... pretty damn good," Aiden went on. "More than anything we’ve seen before. Enough to keep our organization running for the next three years."

I rubbed my temples, feeling a headache coming on. "Send the project details to my secure email. I'll look at it, but I can only work remotely as Aurora. No direct contact."

Aiden nodded. "Understood. But be careful, Evelyn. If your professor made the connection—"

"Others might too," I finished grimly. "I know."

My phone buzzed in my pocket. Unknown number. I glanced at Aiden apologetically. "Sorry, I should take this."

"Hello?" I answered.

"I heard you were kicked out of class today." Devon's deep voice filled my ear, sending an unexpected shiver down my spine.

I froze, then quickly ended the call. "Sorry, wrong number."

"Who was that?" Aiden asked, eyebrow raised.

"I don't know," I said, shaking my head.

Just as I put my phone on the table, it started ringing again.

Seeing the same number flash again, I sighed. "Excuse me, I need to deal with this."

Walking to a quieter corner of the café, I answered. "Mr. Hall? I'm a bit busy at the moment."

"Where are you?" His voice was low, almost growling through the phone. I could hear the tension in his breath, like he was holding back a storm. "Lily said you got kicked out of the class, but after class, she couldn’t find you anywhere at school."

I swallowed hard, my heart pounding in my chest. I knew he was just worried about me, but sometimes his way of protecting me felt like it was closing in too tight.

"Answer me," he snapped.

I glanced back at Aiden, who was watching me with concern.

How could I possibly explain the meeting to Devon without letting slip any secrets about the Moonlight Organization or Aurora?