Rise of the Banished She-Wolf Chapter 78

Devon

"Everything I've done has been for you," I said softly.

Evelyn paused, her silver-gray eyes meeting mine. "What do you mean?"

"The acquisition of that gaming company in Vancouver—it wasn't just a business move." I winced as I shifted in the hospital bed. The pain from the silver was unlike anything I'd experienced before, but I wouldn't let her see how much I was suffering. "The competitive gaming industry is expanding rapidly. Hall Enterprises needed a foothold in that market."

"So you're saying saving my life was just good business?" Evelyn raised an eyebrow, but the slight curve of her lips betrayed her amusement.

"The timing was... fortunate," I smiled weakly. "Though I would have found you regardless." No matter where she was, my wolf would always sense her—our connection was beyond explanation.

Evelyn's expression sobered. "About Charles and the kidnapping..."

"We need to deal with him immediately. The silver weapons he has—" My Alpha instincts flared at the thought of the danger still out there.

Evelyn interrupted. "I'll let Edward take care of it. That man is insane. And he keeps a lot of girls on the boat," She shuddered slightly. "I believe Edward can help..."

Hearing her mention Edward, I felt a surge of possessiveness rush through me. Without warning, I pulled her closer, ignoring the sharp pain in my side, and pressed my lips to hers. She tensed momentarily before melting into the kiss, her hands carefully avoiding my injuries. The taste of her, the scent of her skin—it was worth every wound I'd taken.

The door swung open, and we broke apart as Eric and Lucas entered the room. Damn them for their timing.

"Jesus Christ, Devon," Eric growled, his tall frame filling the doorway. "You risked your life for a woman? What were you thinking? The pack needs their Alpha alive!"

My eyes flashed dangerously. "Watch your tone, Eric." The wolf inside me bristled at being challenged, especially in front of Evelyn.

Lucas placed a restraining hand on Eric's shoulder.

Eric inhaled deeply, visibly trying to calm himself. "My apologies, Ms. Gray. But our Alpha's safety is paramount to the pack's stability."

Evelyn nodded stiffly. "I understand." She rose from her chair, heading toward the door. Just as she reached it, Felix Smith, the youngest doctor in Seattle, appeared in the doorway.

"Well, well," he said with a slight smile. "If it isn't Eve. It's been a while."

"Felix, what do you mean? You know Evelyn?" My voice was cool, measured.

Felix didn't reply; instead, he moved closer to Evelyn and placed his hand on her shoulder. His gaze shifted between me, Eric, and Lucas. "Quite the gathering of alphas. I'm surprised to see Eve among you."

"She's my doctor," I stated flatly, unwilling to give him more information.

Felix raised an eyebrow. "Is that all? You seemed... close."

"The wounds need to remain confidential," I warned. "The other packs can't know about my current condition." A wounded Alpha was vulnerable, and I had enemies who would seize any opportunity.

"Of course," Felix agreed, checking my chart. "Patient confidentiality is sacred."

Eric stepped forward. "Evelyn isn't just Devon's doctor. She's his potential mate."

I shot Eric a warning glare, but the damage was done. Felix's expression flickered with surprise. Damn Eric and his loose tongue.

"I... see," Felix said slowly. "That's unexpected."

Evelyn interjected, "We just shared a medical mentor. We occasionally consult on difficult cases."

"I'll just get these medications for you," she murmured, backing out of the room.

When she was gone, I turned to Felix. "How do you know Evelyn?"

Felix simply raised an eyebrow, a smug look on his face.

My jaw tightened. "What are you implying?" A low growl rumbled in my chest, sensing a threat.

Eric smoothly intervened, steering Felix toward the door. "Let's discuss treatment options outside."

Lucas chuckled after they left. "Your obsession with the white wolf is showing, my friend."

Before I could respond, the door opened again, and my sister Olivia entered, followed by my brother Owen. Despite his body's apparent weakness, Owen Hall carried himself with an undeniable strength, his presence commanding the room instantly.

"Owen," I said, surprised. "I didn't expect you here."

My brother's voice was firm but his presence commanding. "When my brother nearly dies, I come." His gaze drifted to the hallway where Evelyn had disappeared. "That girl... there's something strange about her aura. Not quite human."

"She's a werewolf," I stated firmly, defensive.

"Is she?" he questioned. "I sense something different. The Halls cannot accept a mate of uncertain lineage, especially as you prepare to become Alpha King."

I heard movement outside and turned my head, catching sight of Evelyn's retreating back through the window. My heart sank—had she heard?

Jason entered carrying a bag of herbs. "Sir, Dr. Gray asked me to deliver these."

I tried to get up, desperate to find Evelyn, but the IV in my arm restricted my movement.

"Owen," I said urgently, "the rumors about Evelyn—three years ago, she was experiencing her first transformation. Loss of control is normal then. But she never hurt anyone! Those rumors were spread by people jealous of her abilities."

My brother studied my face carefully. "I'm concerned for the pack's stability, Devon. And for your safety."

"If she truly is the white wolf you claim," he continued, his tone softening, "then perhaps she should be formally brought under Hall pack protection. It would legitimize her position."

Olivia laughed softly. "The girl hasn't even accepted his courtship yet, Owen."

I glared at them both. "Alright, that's enough. You're just here to aggravate me. Leave."

After they departed, I yanked the IV from my arm, determined to find Evelyn. Jason rushed to stop me.

"Sir, you can't! Your wounds—"

"I need to find her," I insisted. "She might have heard—"

"She was called by Dr. Julian for an emergency consultation on a case," Jason explained, gently pushing me back. "You can't see her for at least another hour."

I reluctantly settled back, my mind racing. I needed to explain, to make her understand that my feelings were real, that I didn't care about pack politics or her bloodline.

But how could I convince her when so many forces seemed determined to keep us apart?