She stood there with several robed elders behind her—Drake and others I didn't recognize.
My heart sank. I sensed danger.
What was she doing here?
"Kayden." Victoria's voice was ice. "What is this?"
Her gaze sliced over Kai and me like knives.
Kayden stepped forward, blocking us.
"Who I bring home isn't your concern," he said, voice colder, carrying Alpha authority. "Victoria, remember your place."
"My place?" Victoria laughed bitterly. "I'm the future Luna the old Alpha had chosen for you. I have every right to question—"
"You don't." Kayden cut her off. The words "future Luna" clearly ignited his anger. "You have no rights whatsoever."
"And..." His eyes narrowed. When he chose not to be the fair, impartial Alpha, his wickedness was infuriating. "Your extreme reaction to Ella makes me suspect the malicious leak about Miss Ross was connected to you."
He was bluffing her.
Victoria's expression flickered but recovered quickly.
"I don't know what you're talking about." Then she looked at me, lips curving in mockery. "But I do know... this Miss Ross's true identity."
My arms tightened around Kai. No, stay calm... I forced myself to breathe steadily, but her next words shattered my composure instantly.
"She's not Ella Ross."
Victoria lifted her chin slightly, looked at me with contempt, and spoke loudly enough for gathering pack members to hear.
"She's Layla Gray. The murderer who killed Mr. Finn seven years ago!"
Gasps erupted around us. Countless whispers flooded my ears. My legs went weak. I couldn't breathe. Like reliving the trial seven years ago.
"Layla Gray?"
"Wasn't she dead?"
"Goddess, the killer dared come back..."
Kai woke in my arms and lifted his head, confused.
"Mommy?"
"It's okay, baby," I whispered, pressing his head to my chest, but my hands shook.
She'd exposed me.
In front of everyone.
Elder Drake stepped forward, leaning on his cane. "Kayden, is this true?"
"Miss Ross is Layla Gray?"
"That murderer?"
"She's not a murderer!" Kayden's voice thundered.
