Rise of the Banished She-Wolf Chapter 48

Evelyn

Lily and Jack were already waiting by the entrance when Devon and I arrived. Devon nodded to Jason, who was sitting in a car across the street, undoubtedly part of the security detail Devon had arranged.

"This better be good," Lily said, hugging me. "I'm starving after all that dancing."

"This place opens at midnight specifically for werewolf customers," I explained. "They close at three, so it's exclusive. The food is worth it, though."

Jack looked impressed. "I've never heard of this place."

"Few have," I admitted. "It's kept quiet, passed by word of mouth among trusted wolves."

I knocked the door three times, paused, then twice more—the same pattern I'd used since I was a child. The door creaked open, revealing an elderly woman with silver hair who approached us, her wrinkled face lighting up with recognition as her eyes landed on me.

"Evelyn, my little girl!" she exclaimed, her weathered hands reaching for mine. "You've finally come back to us. It's been too long!"

I stepped into her embrace without hesitation, inhaling the familiar scent of rosemary and cinnamon that always clung to her clothes. The comfort of her hug took me back to simpler times, before exile, before everything changed. "I've missed you, Lydia," I whispered, meaning every word.

"And you've brought friends!" Lydia's gaze swept over Devon and Lily, lingering a moment longer on Devon. I noticed a flicker of recognition in her eyes before she smiled warmly at them both. "Any friend of Evelyn's is welcome here."

The interior of the diner was exactly as I remembered—nothing like its unremarkable exterior. Warm amber lights hung from the ceiling, casting a golden glow over polished wooden tables. I looked at the walls lined with photographs spanning decades, my eyes catching on a few that included my grandmother Isabel. Memories I'd tried to bury rose to the surface, but here, they didn't hurt as much.

Lily immediately gravitated toward Lydia, chatting excitedly about the hidden gem of a restaurant. "This place is amazing! How long have you been running it?"

"Longer than I care to admit," Lydia laughed, leading us through the main dining area where a few other patrons nodded respectfully toward us. Some of them did double-takes when they saw me—probably recognizing the infamous white wolf who'd been exiled. I tried to ignore their stares.

"I have a special table for you in the back garden," Lydia said, patting my arm. "I always keep it ready, just in case my Evelyn decides to visit."

The back garden was a small enclosed courtyard with a single table beneath a pergola draped with fairy lights and flowering vines. The night air was crisp but comfortable, and the high walls provided privacy. I felt myself relax slightly, shielded from prying eyes.

As we settled in, I explained to my friends, "Lydia was my grandmother Isabel's personal attendant. They were like sisters." My voice caught slightly. "Isabel was the former Alpha of the Moonheal Pack before..." I couldn't finish, the old pain resurfacing.

"Before she married William," Lydia finished, patting my hand. Her touch was comforting, familiar. "Your grandmother was extraordinary—healing abilities beyond any wolf I've ever known. And you have her eyes, dear."

I felt the weight of that comparison—both an honor and a burden. My grandmother's legacy was something I'd never fully understood, especially after being cut off from my pack's history.

Lydia disappeared briefly and returned with plates of food that made my mouth water despite myself. I noticed the meats were served rare, just as werewolves preferred, with herbs that enhanced their natural flavors. For me, however, Lydia had prepared a special dish—grilled salmon with a honey glaze, exactly as I'd loved it as a child.

"You remembered," I said softly, touched by this small gesture of care.

"Of course. You always preferred this food, even as a pup." Lydia winked at me. "Your grandmother was the same way."

Another connection to a woman I barely remembered but whose blood ran strong in my veins. I took a bite, savoring the familiar flavor that transported me back to happier times.

Lily took a bite of her steak and let out a sound of pure pleasure. "Oh my God, this is incredible! What kind of meat is this? I've never tasted anything so delicious!"

"Special recipe," Lydia said cryptically, exchanging a knowing look with Devon. I caught the silent communication—the meat was prepared specifically for werewolves, enhancing our natural strengths. Devon seemed equally impressed by the food, though his eyes kept drifting back to me.

The soft lighting of the garden emphasized the moon phases painted along the garden wall, creating an atmosphere both mystical and comforting. I'd always loved this space, with its perfect blend of security and openness.

"The restaurant operates only from midnight to three AM," Lydia explained to Lily, who immediately promised we would return.

As we were finishing our meal, the door to the garden opened, and Eric and Lucas entered. I tensed slightly—more wolves in a small space always put me on edge—but relaxed when I saw their expressions shift from surprise to pleasure at seeing Devon and me.

"We didn't know you'd be here," Lucas said, greeting Devon with a firm handshake.

Eric nodded politely to me, which was more respect than he usually showed. "Stone's territory dispute resolved faster than expected. We were celebrating with a late meal."

The conversation flowed more easily than I expected as they joined our table, sharing stories and laughter. I found myself relaxing in a way I rarely did around other wolves, Lydia's presence creating a sense of safety that allowed my guard to lower slightly. It was strange but pleasant to sit among wolves who weren't openly hostile to me.

When it was time to leave, Jack attempted to pay, but Lydia waved him off. "My Evelyn bringing friends for the first time? The meal is on the house."

Outside, Lily hugged me tightly, her human warmth comforting against the cool night air. "Thank you for this. Best birthday ever."

As the others prepared to leave, I hesitated, not yet ready to part from this place—this connection to my past. "I'm going to stay and help Lydia close up. I'll catch up with you later."

Devon's eyes met mine, and I saw understanding in their depths. No demands, no questions—just acceptance. "Take your time. I'll wait for you."