Rise of the Banished She-Wolf Chapter 76

Evelyn

"Then maybe you've been hanging around the wrong women," I replied coldly. "Untie me, and we can discuss this like civilized people. This isn't exactly conducive to negotiation."

Charles's eyes narrowed, the crimson glow intensifying. For a moment, I thought he might snap my neck right there. Instead, he laughed—a hollow, chilling sound that echoed through the cabin.

"Negotiation? You think you're in a position to negotiate?" He circled around me like a predator. "You've threatened me with missiles and planted viruses in my systems."

"Untie me," I repeated firmly. "Unless you're afraid of an unarmed woman."

That hit a nerve. Charles's jaw tightened before he nodded to his guard. "Release her. But I warn you—don't try anything clever."

As the guard cut through my restraints, I rubbed my wrists, trying to restore circulation where the silver had burned into my skin. I took my time standing up, brushing off the dust from my clothes, and then calmly sat down on the leather sofa across from him.

"I want your yacht," I stated plainly.

Charles blinked, genuinely surprised. "My yacht? Why would I give you my yacht?"

I smiled, enjoying the momentary advantage. "Because I designed the central security system for it. If you don't hand it over, I'm afraid the consequences will be... significantly worse for you."

The color drained from Charles's already pale face. "Victor never mentioned this."

"Victor probably doesn't know," I shrugged. "Now, do we have a deal? Your yacht in exchange for our freedom—me and my friends walk away unharmed."

Charles paced the room, calculating his options. I could practically see his mind working, weighing the value of his prize yacht against his desire to keep me.

"Fine," he spat finally. "Take the damn boat. But this isn't over between us."

"One more condition," I added, leaning forward. "You escort us to the boat first. I don't trust you not to double-cross me... again."

Charles glared but snapped his fingers at his men. "Take them to the shore."

The moment we reached the shore, I noticed movement behind a large rock formation. Seeing Edward, relief flooded through me, but I kept my expression neutral, not wanting to alert Charles's men.

Several Moonlight operatives were positioned strategically around the perimeter. Edward had brought a rescue team.

Seeing an opportunity, or perhaps simply losing his nerve after days of torment, Taylor suddenly shouted, "Help! We're being held—"

"Shut up!" Edward hissed from his hiding spot, emerging just enough to be seen. "Stay quiet or you'll get us all killed."

I quickly worked on loosening the ropes around my wrists, then grabbed Aileen, who was barely conscious. We made a dash toward Edward, my heart pounding against my ribs.

That's when I heard the engine roar.

A black SUV lurched forward, tires spinning in the sand, heading straight for us. Time seemed to slow down. I pushed Aileen out of the way, but I couldn't move fast enough myself.

Just before impact, another vehicle crashed into the SUV from the side. Metal twisted and glass shattered, the impact sending both vehicles spinning.

I fell to the ground, my ears ringing from the collision. The smell of gasoline mixed with something else—pine and wilderness. Devon's scent.

My blood ran cold.

"Devon!" I screamed, rushing toward the mangled vehicle. Through the shattered window, I could see him, blood streaming down his face, his body pinned against the steering wheel.

"Evelyn," he whispered, his eyes finding mine. "You're... okay. Good."

Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. Jason appeared beside me, panic written across his face.

"Call an ambulance!" he shouted into his phone. "Alpha down! We need emergency services now!"

I couldn't stop the tears that spilled down my cheeks. "Devon! What are you doing here? Why would you risk yourself like this?"

He lifted his hand with excruciating effort, wiping blood from my face with his thumb. "I... I missed you," he said, his voice barely audible.

Edward was suddenly beside us, directing Moonlight operatives to carefully extract Devon from the wreckage while others pursued Charles's men who were fleeing into the night.

Devon's eyes fluttered closed. His body went limp.

"No, no, no," I muttered, checking his pulse. It was there, but weak. Too weak.

I started CPR immediately, my hands shaking with fear, but my medical training taking over. I could feel his wolf essence fading rapidly—a sensation I'd never experienced before. It terrified me.

---

The hospital's emergency entrance was chaos. Doctors rushed to assess Devon's condition, but I could see the confusion and concern in their eyes.

"I'll do it," I interrupted, my voice steadier than I felt. "I'll perform the surgery."

The doctor looked at me like I was insane. "You're a student. This man needs—"

"I'm more than qualified," I insisted, already grabbing surgical scrubs. My hands were trembling, betraying the confidence in my voice.

"She's right," a voice said behind me. I turned to see Julian, one of the Moonlight Organization's medical experts. "I'll assist Dr. Gray."

Julian placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "We still have time, Evelyn. I believe in you."

I nodded, taking a deep breath as we headed toward the operating room. Devon's life was in my hands now—the man who had just risked everything to save me.

For eight grueling hours, I stood over Devon's broken body, meticulously repairing ruptured organs. The blood bank couldn't provide enough for his massive blood loss, so Edward organized Moonlight's werewolf members to donate their special blood type.

My legs went numb after the fifth hour, but I refused breaks. This was Devon—my Devon—and I wouldn't lose him.

When I finally placed the last suture, Julian looked at me with awe. "The surgery was perfect, Aurora."

Relief washed over me as I watched Devon's stable vitals on the monitor. My fingers gently traced his peaceful face before the room started spinning.

Then everything went black.