Rise of the Banished She-Wolf Chapter 40

Evelyn

While eating, I was grateful he hadn't brought up my earlier crying episode, giving me space to pull myself together. Just as I was starting to relax, a scent drifted through the restaurant that made me freeze—mountain air and wild roses.

"Devon! What a delightful surprise!"

I looked up only to see Emilia and her brother Alex. I quickly ducked my head back down at my scallops, hoping they hadn't noticed me as I pretended to be totally absorbed in cutting them.

Devon's expression cooled instantly, his jaw tightening. "Emilia. Alex. I wasn't expecting to see you here."

"The best encounters are unexpected ones, aren't they?" Emilia purred, her eyes briefly flicking to me before returning to Devon. "We just closed a major deal and decided to celebrate. Mind if we join you?"

Before Devon could respond, she was already sliding into the booth beside him. "You don't mind, do you?" she asked, though it clearly wasn't a question.

"Actually—" Devon began, but Alex was already taking the seat beside Emilia, effectively trapping Devon against the wall.

"I insist," Emilia said, her smile not reaching her eyes.

Devon's gaze met mine across the table, a silent apology in his eyes. I felt a strange twist in my stomach as I watched Emilia lean slightly toward him, her shoulder brushing against his. My wolf, which had been quietly stirring moments ago, now seemed to pace restlessly inside me.

Emilia shifted even closer to Devon, her perfume wafting across the table and making my nose itch.

"Devon, I've been meaning to speak with you about a business matter," she said, placing her hand on his arm as if I were invisible.

I watched as Devon subtly moved his arm away. "We can discuss business at the office, Emilia."

The waiter returned with drinks and took our dinner orders. As he left, Alex leaned forward.

"Actually, Devon, I wanted to discuss something with you as well," he said, his tone professional. "Emilia has expressed interest in joining Hall Enterprises' jewelry division. With her background in gemology and design, I believe she'd be a valuable asset to your company."

Devon took a sip of his whiskey, his expression unreadable. "I appreciate the offer, Alex, but our jewelry division is quite small. It wouldn't be suitable for someone of Emilia's... stature."

"Is that the only reason?" Emilia asked, her voice laced with a hint of jealousy. "Or is it that you don't want to see me?"

Devon set his glass down firmly. "The division is managed perfectly well by its current staff. And frankly, Emilia, I think your talents would be better utilized within Redwood Industries. Your family's company has a much more established presence in the luxury goods market."

Emilia's eyes narrowed slightly, but her smile remained fixed. "Always the diplomat, aren't you, Devon?"

I remained quiet throughout the exchange, sipping my water and observing the subtle power play. I could sense the tension between Devon and the Redwoods—not just business rivals, but something more personal. My heightened senses picked up the subtle shifts in the air as the wolves around me responded to each other. Emilia's scent was becoming sharper, more territorial, while Devon's pine and wilderness scent had deepened, becoming more pronounced.

After what felt like an eternity, the dinner finally ended. Alex insisted on paying, a gesture that seemed designed to emphasize the Redwoods' wealth and status.

"It was wonderful running into you, Gray," Emilia said as they prepared to leave. With that parting comment, the Redwoods finally departed, leaving an awkward silence in their wake.

Devon exhaled slowly. "I apologize for that," he said quietly.

"It's fine," I replied, though it wasn't entirely true. "They seem... persistent."

A dry chuckle escaped Devon. "That's one way to put it," he said. "Let me take you home. I think we've had enough excitement for one evening."

The drive to Moon Bay Apartments was quiet at first, the city lights reflecting off the windshield as Devon navigated through the night traffic. I found myself studying his profile, wondering about his history with Emilia. The question burned in my mind, and before I could stop myself, it slipped out.

"What's the story with you and Emilia?"

Devon's hands tightened slightly on the steering wheel. "There isn't much to tell. Our families have been allies for generations. When we were younger, there was an... expectation that we might form a stronger alliance."

"You mean marriage," I translated, trying to keep my voice neutral despite the knot tightening in my chest.

"Yes," he admitted. "It's common practice among the older pureblood families. But it was never something I agreed to."

"She seems to think otherwise."

Devon shook his head. "Emilia sees what she wants to see. I've made my position clear multiple times."

I processed this information, feeling oddly relieved. "And the jewelry division excuse?"

A small smile played at Devon's lips. "Not entirely an excuse. The division is small, but more importantly, I don't mix business with personal complications. Emilia working at Hall Enterprises would be... problematic."

I was about to respond when my phone rang. I glanced at the screen and frowned.

"Marcus?" I murmured, then answered. "Hello?"

"Miss Gray," Marcus's formal voice came through the speaker. "I hope I'm not disturbing you."

"No, it's fine. What is it?"

"Your grandfather requests your presence at the Gray Enterprises shareholders' meeting this Friday. As a major shareholder now, your input is required for several key decisions."

I felt a knot form in my stomach. I hadn't participated in any family business matters in three years, not since my exile. The thought of facing the board, most of whom had witnessed my humiliation, made my chest tighten.

"I... I have classes on Friday," I said, stalling.

"Mr. Gray anticipated that. He suggests you take a personal day. The meeting begins at ten in the morning and should conclude by three."

I bit my lip, weighing my options. I knew this moment would come eventually—the responsibilities that came with owning thirty percent of Gray Enterprises couldn't be avoided forever. Part of me wanted to run away, to pretend I didn't have this burden, but I knew I couldn't.

"I'll be there," I finally said, forcing strength into my voice.

"Excellent. I'll inform Mr. Gray. Good evening, Miss Gray."

The call ended, and I stared at my phone, a mixture of dread and determination washing over me. I was woefully unprepared for corporate politics.

"Everything alright?" Devon asked, his voice gentle.

I tucked my phone away. "Just family business," I said vaguely.

Devon glanced at me, and I could tell he sensed my unease, but he didn't push. "If you need anything..." he offered, leaving the sentence unfinished.

"Thank you," I replied, grateful for his restraint.

We arrived at Moon Bay Apartments, and Devon pulled up to the entrance. For a moment, neither of us moved to leave the car, a strange tension hanging between us. I could feel my wolf stirring again, drawn to his presence in a way I didn't fully understand.

"Thank you for dinner," I finally said. "And for earlier... for being there when I needed someone."

Devon's eyes softened. "Always," he said simply.

The word hung in the air between us, heavy with promise and something deeper that I wasn't ready to name. I opened the car door, stepping out into the cool night air.

"Goodnight, Devon."

"Goodnight, Evelyn."