Rise of the Banished She-Wolf Chapter 45

Evelyn

After leaving the company, I remembered Lily's birthday was coming up. My first real friend deserved something special, so I headed to Seattle's luxury shopping district. The truth was, I'd built up quite a fortune during my three years as Aurora, but losing my wolf had made me cautious—flashing money around would only draw the wrong kind of attention. But those days of hiding were over.

As I entered the high-end jewelry boutique, a young saleswoman with perfectly coiffed hair eyed me critically. Her gaze swept over my leather jacket and boots, clearly unimpressed.

"Can I help you?" she asked, her voice dripping with condescension.

"I'm looking for a birthday gift," I replied, keeping my voice neutral despite the instant irritation bubbling inside me.

The saleswoman's smile tightened. "This is our premium collection, with pieces starting at one hundred thousand dollars. Perhaps you'd like to check our sale section?" She gestured toward a less prominent display.

"I'll browse here, thanks," I said firmly, refusing to be dismissed.

The saleswoman was about to protest when the boutique door chimed. My stomach dropped as Kate and Megan strolled in, both dressed in designer outfits. Kate's eyes widened in mock surprise. Of all the jewelry stores in Seattle, they had to walk into this one.

"Eve, darling! What are you doing here?" Kate's voice carried through the store. "I know Grandfather gave you some family assets, but surely you shouldn't be spending so frivolously?"

"Ms. Gray," the saleswoman addressed Kate with newfound respect. "Wonderful to see you again. Is there anything specific you're looking for today?"

Megan snickered. "She's probably just window shopping."

I ignored them and turned to an older salesman arranging displays nearby. "Sir, could you help me? I'd like to see your lily-inspired pieces."

The older man smiled warmly. "Of course, miss. Right this way."

As we walked away, I pulled out my phone and began recording, capturing the younger saleswoman's dismissive behavior. Old habits die hard—always collect evidence.

Kate followed, her heels clicking aggressively on the marble floor. "What's this I hear about you attending the territory allocation meeting? Trying to play businesswoman now?"

I turned, meeting her gaze directly. "Not trying. Today at the meeting, I was unanimously voted in as the CEO."

Kate's mouth fell open. "That's impossible. The elders would never—"

"They did." I smiled coldly, savoring her shock. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have shopping to do."

The senior salesman showed me a stunning lily-shaped pendant with diamonds and rare pink sapphires. "This is one of our finest pieces, handcrafted in Paris."

"It's perfect for Lily," I murmured, admiring how the light caught the stones. The pendant captured Lily's essence—bright, beautiful, and unique.

The younger saleswoman suddenly appeared at my elbow. "I'd be happy to complete this sale for you," she said, eyes fixed on what must be a substantial commission.

"Thank you, but this gentleman has been very helpful. I'll continue with him." I refused to reward her earlier rudeness.

Megan moved closer, attempting to knock into me, but I sidestepped smoothly, causing her to stumble. "Careful," I said quietly. "There are cameras everywhere..." I lowered my voice.

"I'll take it," I told the salesman.

"Excellent choice. That will be two hundred and fifty thousand dollars."

Kate laughed. "You can't possibly afford that. What, did you max out credit cards?"

I calmly pulled out my matte black card from my wallet. The senior salesman's eyes widened in recognition.

"Will that be all, Ms. Gray?" he asked with newfound respect.

"Yes, thank you." I signed the receipt as Kate stared in disbelief.

"Where did you get that card?" Kate hissed. "Is that Alpha werewolf keeping you as his pet now?"

I felt my eyes flash dangerously at the insult. "Every penny I've earned since your family drove me out has been through my own abilities." My silver-gray eyes seemed to glow. "Unlike some people who rely solely on family connections."

In the parking lot, Kate blocked my path to my motorcycle. "Where is this money really coming from, Evelyn? Do you know what Father and Mother will think?"

I started my bike, the engine rumbling beneath me. "In public, it's best if you pretend not to know me. And drop the Alpha heir attitude—you don't have what it takes." My voice carried a subtle growl that made Kate step back instinctively.

Back at my Moon Bay apartment, I took a long shower, letting the hot water wash away the day's tension. The encounter with Kate had stirred up old wounds, reminding me of everything I'd lost—and everything I'd gained—since being cast out.

I heated up a can of chicken soup and settled in front of my specialized computer, checking various databases for recent werewolf activity reports. My fingers flew across the keyboard as I slipped into my "Aurora" persona, finding comfort in the familiar patterns of code.

Hours passed as I worked, my eyelids growing heavy. Just as I decided to call it a night, my doorbell rang.

When I opened the door, Devon stood there, his usually perfect appearance disheveled. His eyes were pained, his breathing labored.

"Devon?" I whispered, surprised by his unexpected visit.

Without a word, he stepped forward and pulled me into his arms, holding me tightly against his chest. "Let me hold you for a moment," he murmured into my hair.

I froze, unsure how to respond, but didn't push him away. I could feel the irregular beat of his heart, the slight tremor in his muscles. Something was very wrong.

I gently guided him to the couch. As we sat down, I noticed his dilated pupils and the heat radiating from his skin. "You're running a fever," I said, checking his pulse. Something wet touched my fingers, and I looked down to see blood on my hand.

"You're hurt," I gasped, trying to see his back.

"I'm fine," Devon insisted, catching my wrist. "My healing abilities are strong. It will heal soon."

I shook my head. "But you're weak now."

Devon reluctantly conceded. As I carefully removed his shirt, I truly saw his skin for the first time—crisscrossed with scars, both old and new. My fingers traced a particularly deep mark along his shoulder blade, my heart aching at the evidence of battles fought.

"Being an Alpha comes with a price," I whispered, understanding flooding through me. All this time, I'd seen only his power, his authority. Now I was seeing the cost.

I helped him lie down on the couch, then retrieved my special herbal remedies. As I treated his wounds, Devon's breathing gradually steadied, his features relaxing into sleep.

I sat on the floor beside him, watching over him as the night deepened. For once, the powerful Alpha looked vulnerable, and I felt a fierce protectiveness I'd never experienced before.

My weak wolf stirred within me, urging me to stay close, to guard him through the night.