Rise of the Banished She-Wolf Chapter 79

Evelyn

Hearing Devon's family's comments about me left me deeply hurt, so I sought comfort from someone familiar. I went to Felix's office to wait for him.

When he returned, he studied my face with professional scrutiny. "You look exhausted. And something else is bothering you."

I shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. "Just tired."

"Bullshit," Felix replied bluntly. "I've known you long enough to tell when you're lying. This is about Devon Hall, isn't it?"

My head snapped up. "What makes you say that?"

He sat down in his chair. "If he tries to hurt you, our mentor and I won't let him go!"

"Thank you, Felix," I said, genuinely touched. "That means a lot."

He nodded once, professional again. "Get some rest. Doctor's orders."

However, I found myself standing outside Devon's private room. My back pressed against the cool wall of the corridor as I debated whether to go in. It was nearly 3 AM, and he was likely asleep. Disturbing his rest seemed selfish, even if I desperately wanted to check on him.

I was so lost in thought that I didn't hear the door open until Devon's voice cut through my mental debate.

"What are you doing out here alone?"

Before I could answer, his hand shot out, grabbing my wrist and pulling me into his room.

I was caught by a pair of strong arms that felt nothing like they belonged to someone who had suffered life-threatening injuries just days ago—the werewolf's remarkable healing abilities were on full display.

"Devon! You shouldn't be out of bed," I scolded, trying to create some distance between us.

His scent—pine and wild masculinity—enveloped me, making it hard to think clearly. Even in a hospital gown, he radiated power and authority.

"I'm fine," he insisted, though I could see the slight wince as he moved back toward the bed. "You, on the other hand, look dead on your feet."

"I didn't come in because I was afraid I'd disturb your rest," I explained, helping him back into bed despite his protests.

Devon's eyes, intense blue even in the dim light, studied me carefully. "You've been avoiding me."

It wasn't a question, and I didn't bother denying it.

I shrugged, checking his IV line to avoid meeting his gaze. "Just doing my job."

Devon caught my hand, his thumb tracing circles on my palm. "Evelyn, I have a request."

Something in his tone made me look up. "What is it?"

"I want to come home with you," he said, his voice low and serious. "To your apartment at Moonlight Bay."

I blinked in surprise. "What? But you have a mansion with a full medical staff who could—"

"I don't want them," he interrupted. "I want you." His grip on my hand tightened slightly. "I'll recover faster if I'm with you."

I pulled my hand away, pacing the small room. "Devon, that's not practical. You need proper care and—"

"Mrs. Whitmore can help when you're not there," he countered. "And Jason can bring whatever equipment we need."

I sighed, knowing I was fighting a losing battle. "Fine. But you have to promise to follow my instructions to the letter. No work, no pack business, nothing that could strain your recovery."

His smile widened. "Yes, doctor."

The next day, after completing the discharge procedures, we drove to my apartment in Moonlight Bay.

With Devon dramatically exaggerating his injuries whenever I was around, I caught the knowing smirk he exchanged with Jason when he thought I wasn't looking.

When we arrived at Moonlight Bay, Devon leaned heavily on me as we exited the car, his arm draped across my shoulders.

"You're milking this, aren't you?" I whispered as I helped him into the elevator.

"I have no idea what you're talking about," he replied innocently, but the glint in his eyes gave him away.

Once inside my apartment, Mrs. Whitmore greeted us warmly, already prepared for Devon's arrival. She had transformed the guest room into a comfortable recovery space, with fresh flowers and the scent of healing herbs in the air.

"Everything is ready, Mr. Hall," she said, helping me guide him to the bedroom.

"Thank you, Mrs. Whitmore," Devon replied, suddenly looking genuinely tired.

After getting Devon settled, I left to take a quick shower. When I returned, I found him sitting on the couch working.

"What do you think you're doing?" I demanded, marching over and shutting the laptop.

Devon had the grace to look slightly sheepish. "Just checking some emails."

My phone rang before I could respond. Lily's name flashed on the screen.

"Hey, Lily," I answered, stepping away from Devon's bed.

"Evie! Where have you been? I've been trying to reach you since the news about the accident broke!"

I winced. With everything that had happened, I'd completely forgotten to call her back.

"I'm so sorry, Lily. It's been... complicated."

"Are you okay?" Her voice was filled with genuine concern.

"I'm fine," I assured her. "Just busy with some unexpected medical cases."

We chatted for a few minutes, and I promised to meet her at our favorite coffee shop in a couple of days. When I hung up, Devon was watching me with an unreadable expression.

"What?" I asked, suddenly self-conscious.

"Nothing," he said. "It's just nice to see you have friends who care about you."

I busied myself preparing the herbal tea I'd brought from the hospital. The bitter scent filled the room as I mixed in the special herbs that would help neutralize any remaining silver in Devon's system.

"Here," I said, handing him the steaming mug. "Drink this. All of it."

Devon sniffed it and grimaced. "Smells like wet dog."

"Don't be a baby," I replied, fighting a smile. "It's good for you."

He took a reluctant sip and nearly gagged. "This is horrible!"

"The worse it tastes, the better it works," I quipped, unable to resist teasing him.

Devon's eyes narrowed, and before I could react, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me down, planting his lips firmly on mine. The kiss was deep and thorough, and when he finally released me, I was breathless.

"There," he said with a satisfied smirk. "Now you know how terrible it tastes too."

My cheeks burned. "You're impossible."

"Sleep with me tonight," he said suddenly, his voice dropping to that low, commanding tone that sent shivers down my spine.

"W-what?" I stammered.

"Not like that," he clarified, though his eyes suggested he wouldn't object if I interpreted it differently. "Just sleep. I'll recover faster with you beside me."

I backed toward the door, my heart racing. "Mrs. Whitmore is still in the kitchen, you shameless Alpha!"

His laughter followed me out of the room, and despite myself, I smiled. The man was incorrigible.

Just as I was settling in for the night, my phone rang sharply, cutting through the silence. Marcus's name appeared on the screen, and dread washed over me.

"Marcus? What's wrong?" I answered immediately.

"Miss Evelyn," his voice was strained. "Your grandfather has taken a turn for the worse. He's asking for you."

My blood ran cold. "I'll be right there."

I rushed back to Devon's room, finding him still awake, watching the door as if he'd been expecting me.

"What happened?" he asked, already attempting to get out of bed.

"My grandfather is sick," I explained, grabbing my jacket. "I need to go to the hospital."

Devon's face hardened. "I'm coming with you."

"No," I said firmly, pushing him back against the pillows. "You're still recovering. I can handle this myself."

His jaw clenched, but he didn't argue further. "Be careful," he said instead. "And call me if you need anything."

I nodded, already heading for the door, my mind racing with possibilities, none of them good.