Rise of the Banished She-Wolf Chapter 53

Devon

I strode through the marble hallways of the manor, my mind focused on finding Eric. After leaving Evelyn with Olivia and Lily in the rest room, I needed answers about Sebastian. His sudden reappearance in Seattle—and with Kate of all people—felt too calculated to be coincidence.

I spotted Eric in the guest lounge, casually sipping champagne while observing the crowd of wolves and humans mingling around him. I approached him directly, cutting through the social niceties.

"Eric," I said, keeping my voice low. "Why did Sebastian suddenly return to the country?"

Eric looked up, genuine surprise crossing his features. He shrugged, his confusion appearing authentic. "I honestly don't know. Sebastian hasn't contacted me since he left for Europe three years ago."

I frowned, unconvinced. "Then how the hell did he end up with Kate?"

"Again, no idea," Eric shook his head. "I only found out tonight when I saw them trying to get in."

I sighed, running a hand through my hair. This wasn't adding up. Sebastian and Kate had never been close before his departure. Their sudden partnership felt orchestrated.

"Look, we both know you and your father are good people without hidden agendas," I said carefully. "But you still need to be careful. Sebastian's return feels... calculated."

Eric nodded, seeming to understand the warning beneath my words. "I'll keep my eyes open."

As we spoke, the distinctive click of heels against marble announced someone's approach. I turned to see Emilia Redwood gliding toward us, dressed in an elaborate emerald gown that perfectly complemented her red hair. Her perfume—mountain air and wild roses—reached me before she did.

"Devon," she purred, her smile not reaching her eyes. "What are you two discussing so seriously?"

I kept my face impassive. "Business."

"The ball is about to start," Emilia said, moving closer to me. "I thought you might need a partner worthy of your status."

The implication was clear, and I felt my patience wearing thin. "I don't need a partner, Emilia. I already have one."

Emilia's smile tightened. "That wolfless Gray girl?" She laughed, the sound like broken glass. "Surely you can't be serious about her."

I felt my wolf rise within me, eyes flashing gold. Eric tensed beside me, sensing my rising anger.

"Don't call her that again," I said, my voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "I won't warn you a second time."

Emilia stepped back, momentarily startled by the intensity of my reaction. With a forced smile, she excused herself, leaving Eric and me in uncomfortable silence.

"I should find Evelyn," I muttered, already scanning the room.

I returned to the rest room, but found only Olivia and Lily there. Concern flickered through me.

"Where's Evelyn?" I asked.

"She stepped out a few minutes ago," Lily said. "Said she needed some air."

I nodded and began searching the manor, following the faint trace of Evelyn's scent. It was still difficult to track her—her wolf was sealed, making her scent fainter than a normal werewolf's. But to me, that subtle vanilla and moonlight scent was unmistakable.

Evelyn

I stood on one of the manor's secluded balconies, grateful for the cool night air after the stuffy interior. My phone vibrated in my small evening purse, and I frowned at the unknown number. Against my better judgment, I answered.

"Hello?"

"Aurora, it's an emergency." Aiden's voice was tight with urgency. "Our organization's firewall is under attack. Someone's trying to breach our security systems."

My body tensed immediately. "Give me a minute." I quickly checked that no one was around before pulling out my foldable tablet from my purse. Within seconds, I was typing furiously, my fingers flying across the keyboard.

"I see it," I said, my voice dropping to a whisper. "Someone's trying to access our server data."

I began coding a counterattack, my mind fully engaged in the digital battle. Lines of code flowed from my fingers as I built a defensive wall while simultaneously tracing the attacker.

"Got you," I murmured triumphantly as the attack retreated. I quickly secured our systems with additional protection protocols.

"They're backing off," I told Aiden. "I've added three more layers of—"

I stopped abruptly, sensing someone behind me. I quickly ended the call and snapped the laptop shut, turning to find Devon watching me with curious eyes.

"What are you hiding here for?" he asked, moving closer. "The ball is about to start."

I slipped the laptop back into my purse, heart racing. "Just needed some fresh air."

Devon stood beside me at the balcony railing, our shoulders almost touching. "Evelyn," he began, his voice suddenly serious. "Tonight, I want everyone to know you're with me."

My heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"

"I want to publicly acknowledge our relationship," he said, taking my hand. "I want every wolf in Seattle to know you're mine."

I pulled my hand away, anxiety bubbling up inside me. "Devon, now isn't the right time. I haven't regained my wolf yet."

"What does that have to do with anything?" Devon asked, genuinely confused.

"Everything," I sighed. "A wolfless mate would only lower your standing among the packs. They already whisper about me—the white wolf who lost her power. I won't drag you down with me."

Devon's expression softened as he pulled me into his arms. "I don't care what other wolves think. I only care about you." His arms tightened around me. "But I respect your decision. We'll do this at your pace."

I relaxed against him, grateful for his understanding.

Twenty minutes later, we entered the grand ballroom together. Devon led me confidently through the crowd, nodding at acquaintances but never stopping until we reached the stage. To my surprise, he guided me up the steps with him, facing the gathered guests.

"Ladies and gentlemen," Devon's voice carried effortlessly across the room. "I'd like to introduce you all to the new director of Gray Enterprises—Evelyn Gray."

A wave of shocked murmurs swept through the crowd. I stood frozen beside Devon, unprepared for this public announcement.

"Hall Enterprises will be partnering with Gray Enterprises on a new development project," Devon continued, seemingly oblivious to the stir he'd created.

As we stepped down from the stage, Lily rushed over, grabbing my arm. "Oh my God! You're a director at Gray Enterprises? You never told me that!"

I managed a nervous smile. "It's a recent development. I was planning to tell you."

Jack appeared beside Lily, grinning. "I thought Devon was going to announce you two were dating or something."

Lily linked her arm through mine. "So what exactly is going on between you and my uncle?"

I felt my cheeks warm, unable to find the words to answer as the party continued around us.