Rise of the Banished She-Wolf Chapter 26

Evelyn

"Grandpa, I have a place to stay. It's safe," I said firmly, standing my ground against William's expectant gaze. We stood outside my apartment building, the evening air heavy with tension.

Victoria sneered, her perfectly manicured nails tapping against her designer purse. "Safe? The only danger around here is you making others unsafe."

I took a deep breath, refusing to let her get under my skin. "At least I don't need to tear down family members to maintain my status."

William's weathered face showed disappointment, but he nodded reluctantly. "Just be careful, Evelyn."

As they walked away, Victoria's parting glare promised this wasn't over. I turned and headed back into the building, my shoulders dropping with exhaustion once I was alone in the elevator.

Inside my apartment, I collapsed onto the couch, only to be jolted by the ping of an email notification. My blood ran cold as I read the subject line: "Notice of Mediation - Foster vs. Gray."

"Shit," I muttered, opening the email. "Ms. Gray, Foster family representative attorney Reynold Morgan requests your presence for an out-of-court mediation tomorrow at 2 PM..."

My fingers flew across my laptop keyboard, searching for information on Seattle's top lawyers. Two names dominated the results: Alexander Ward, Hall Corporation's Chief Legal Counsel, and Reynold Morgan, an independent attorney.

Morgan's website caught my attention—he specialized in "unconventional cases" and had represented clients in matters involving "special communities." The wording was subtle, but to someone like me, the implication was clear. This lawyer knew about werewolves.

I grabbed my phone and dialed Aiden's encrypted line. He answered on the second ring.

"Aiden, I'm being sued," I said without preamble.

"What? By whom?" His voice sharpened with concern.

"Jessica Foster. Her lawyer is Reynold Morgan. I think he knows about our community."

A heavy silence followed. "Reynold Morgan... I've heard of him. Rumor has it he specializes in 'special cases.'"

"Can the Moonlight Organization find a lawyer strong enough to counter him?" I asked, pacing my living room.

"This would take time... I'd need to contact some hidden allies," Aiden hesitated. "By the way, Dr. Anderson's project is about to launch. He's looking forward to working with 'Aurora.'"

I sighed, conflicted. "After this case is resolved..."

After hanging up, I stared at Devon's contact information on my phone. My thumb hovered over his name. He'd been so protective lately, almost caring. Maybe he could help me find a trustworthy lawyer?

I picked up the phone several times before finally setting it down.

---

The next morning, I woke to strange noises from my kitchen. My wolf senses, dulled as they were, caught unfamiliar footsteps. Grabbing a broom as a makeshift weapon, I crept silently toward the sounds.

A familiar scent of pine and wilderness hit me before I even pushed the door open. I relaxed slightly but remained wary as I entered.

"Mr. Hall? How did you get in here?" I demanded, finding Devon casually preparing breakfast in my kitchen.

He turned, wearing a crisp button-down with rolled-up sleeves. "Good morning, Evelyn. Mrs. Whitmore gave me the key."

I narrowed my eyes, confused and irritated. "You shouldn't enter someone's apartment without permission."

Devon ignored my protest, setting a plate of high-protein breakfast on the counter. "Your injuries need proper nutrition to heal completely."

I reluctantly sat down, my stomach growling. As I ate, I saw Devon’s eyes land on the notes I’d made last night about Reynold Morgan.

His expression darkened instantly. "Reynold Morgan? Why were you looking into him? The Fosters sued you?"

I crossed my arms, voice sharp. "This is my problem. I can handle it."

Devon's voice dropped dangerously low. "You always refuse help. You always put yourself in danger. Don't you understand how I truly feel about you?"

Before I could respond, he stormed out, the door closing firmly behind him.

---

Devon

I sat in my office, gripping a detailed file on Reynold Morgan. The man's smug face stared back at me from his professional photo.

"Morgan has handled five werewolf-related cases in recent years," Jason reported, standing at attention before my desk. "All pointing toward one goal—exposing the werewolf community."

I felt my eyes flash gold with anger. "He's using this case to draw out Evelyn's true identity."

The thought of Evelyn facing Morgan alone made my chest tighten. Why did she always push me away? Why couldn't she see how I felt?

I dialed Alexander's number. "Alexander, I need you to handle a special case."

"I'm sorry, Mr. Hall," came the reply. "I'm in Europe working on the merger."

"This case involves Reynold Morgan," I said, emphasizing the names.

Alexander's tone shifted immediately. "Reynold Morgan... I understand. I can recommend my former student, Sera Cooper."

"Is she aware of our... situation?" I asked carefully.

"Yes, and she's specifically studied Morgan's case patterns."

"What are our chances?"

Alexander's confidence was absolute. "With clear evidence, one hundred percent."

I made my decision. "Arrange for Sera to attend the mediation tomorrow. Provide whatever resources she needs."

After hanging up, I found myself checking my phone repeatedly, waiting for a call from Evelyn that never came.

Jason cleared his throat. "Sera has reviewed the case materials and is prepared, sir."

I nodded absently. "Why hasn't she contacted me? Doesn't she understand Morgan's danger?"

"Perhaps Ms. Gray is accustomed to solving problems independently," Jason suggested carefully.

I shook my head. "This is different. This concerns the entire werewolf community's secret."

As evening approached with still no word from Evelyn, I changed tactics. I called Lily.

"Lily, I need a favor," I said when she answered.

"What is it, Uncle Devon?"

"Evelyn has a legal mediation tomorrow, but the opposing lawyer is extremely dangerous."

"Dangerous? What do you mean?"

"Could you tell her you 'coincidentally' know an excellent lawyer named Sera Cooper?"

Lily sounded confused. "Uncle, why don't you just tell her directly that you've already arranged a lawyer?"

I sighed. "Because she won't accept my direct help."

That night, I stood by my apartment window, gazing toward Moonlight Bay Apartments. I remembered the Gray family trial three years ago, watching helplessly as a bystander while injustice unfolded.

"I had no power to stop the injustice then," I whispered to myself. "But things are different now."

For the first time in years, my wolf stirred with something beyond territorial instinct. I would protect her, whether she wanted it or not.