Rise of the Banished She-Wolf Chapter 28

Devon

I pushed open the door to the private dining room, immediately catching Evelyn's silver-gray eyes widening in surprise. Though she quickly composed herself, that brief flash of emotion was enough for me to notice.

"Devon, you finally made it! Come sit down," Olivia called out, her voice laced with a hint of amusement that only I could detect.

I moved to the only empty chair—conveniently placed right across from Evelyn—and settled in. The satisfaction of seeing Sera Cooper successfully defend Evelyn against that snake Reynolds warmed me more than I cared to admit. My plan had worked perfectly, even if Evelyn hadn't known I was behind it.

"How was your meeting?" Lily asked, her eyes bright with excitement. "Did you fire anyone today?"

I chuckled. "Not today, unfortunately. Just the usual boring CEO stuff."

The server arrived with our first course, a rich venison soup that filled the air with a hearty aroma. I noticed Evelyn eyeing it cautiously.

"Try this," I said, ladling some into her bowl before she could protest. "It's great for recovery. The herbs in it help with healing, especially for... people with your constitution."

She raised an eyebrow but accepted the bowl. "Thank you."

As the main courses arrived, I watched Evelyn's reactions carefully. When she slightly wrinkled her nose at the truffled potatoes, I discreetly moved the dish away from her side of the table. Silver poisoning often affected a wolf's sense of smell for days afterward, making certain foods unbearable.

"How's your arm?" I asked quietly while the others were distracted by Olivia's story about a client. "The silver wound—is it healing properly? Do you need to see the doctor again?"

Evelyn's eyes met mine briefly before looking away. "Thank you for your concern, but it's healing fine."

Her polite but distant tone stung more than it should have. I'd noticed that pattern—whenever I showed direct concern, she retreated behind a wall of formality.

"I'm heading to the restroom," Evelyn announced suddenly. "Lily, would you come with me?"

As soon as they were out of earshot, Olivia's diplomatic smile transformed into a knowing smirk.

"Well, well, little brother. I've never seen you fuss over a woman like this before. Moving dishes away? Serving her first? How very... un-Alpha-like of you."

I sipped my wine, refusing to take the bait. "She's special."

"Special?" Olivia leaned forward, lowering her voice. "A thirty-five-year-old Alpha fawning over a twenty-one-year-old white wolf who was exiled from her own pack? Yes, I'd say that's *special* indeed."

"I don't need to explain myself to anyone," I replied coolly, though my grip on the wine glass tightened.

Olivia's expression turned serious. "Father called. He wants you at the estate tonight. Emilia Redwood is visiting, and Mother has high hopes for that match."

I couldn't help the scowl that formed. "The inheritance again?"

She nodded, watching my reaction carefully.

"Who the hell cares about inheritance that requires a powerful mate to secure?" I said, setting down my glass with a bit more force than necessary. "If I want something, I'll take it myself."

"You know it doesn't work that way with pack law," Olivia sighed. "Mother's just trying to—"

"Mother's trying to control my life like she has since I was born," I cut her off. "I'm not interested in Emilia Redwood or any other arranged match."

Our conversation halted as Evelyn and Lily returned. I immediately noticed something different in Evelyn's expression—a hint of calculation in those remarkable silver eyes. Had she overheard something?

An awkward silence settled over the table until I decided to break it.

"Sera Cooper is one of the best lawyers I know," I said, watching Evelyn's reaction carefully. "Her success rate against Reynold Morgan is impressive."

Evelyn's gaze sharpened. "So it was you who arranged for her to represent me."

It wasn't a question.

"Yes."

"Why not just tell me directly?" she asked, her tone measured but her eyes demanding honesty.

"Because you wouldn't have accepted my help," I answered frankly. "And I couldn't stand by and watch you face Reynold alone. He's dangerous, especially to someone like you."

"My brother has always been like this," Olivia chimed in with a light laugh. "He prefers to help from the shadows. It drives our parents crazy."

I noticed Evelyn's discomfort and quickly steered the conversation toward safer topics—the upcoming charity gala, Lily's classes, anything to ease the tension. Though Evelyn remained guarded, she gradually relaxed enough to contribute to the conversation.

After dinner, I saw everyone off. Olivia took Lily home, and Evelyn insisted she could manage on her own. I watched her leave, fighting the urge to follow and ensure she got home safely.

Back in my car with Jason in the passenger seat, I finally allowed myself to exhale deeply.

"Sir," Jason began, consulting his tablet, "Dr. Anderson sent a message during dinner. The first anti-silver serum test is scheduled for tomorrow."

I straightened immediately. "We'll go to the lab first."

Jason hesitated. "But sir... your father will be displeased if you miss tonight's dinner. Especially with Ms. Redwood making a special trip to meet you."

"The serum test takes priority," I said firmly. "It affects the future of all werewolves, including Evelyn's safety."

Jason gave me a sidelong glance. "You really care about Ms. Gray, don't you, sir?"

I fell silent, watching the city lights blur past my window. Three years ago, I'd been powerless to prevent the injustice done to Evelyn. Now that she was back in Seattle—back in my territory—I found myself drawn to her in ways I couldn't explain.

Was this attraction? Guilt? Or something deeper, something primal that recognized her rare white wolf blood as something precious?

"I don't know what this is," I finally admitted, more to myself than to Jason. "I just know I can't let her get hurt again."

The laboratory awaited, and after that, my father's demands. But my thoughts remained fixed on a pair of silver eyes that saw too much and revealed too little.