If I'd been pure blood, the skin would've already been knitting itself back together—itchy, tight, pink, and two minutes later just a faint line.
But the blisters on my arm were only getting bigger. Proof, every second, that I was exactly what Sophia called me: mutt, puppy, hybrid trash.
Why? Why was I Layla Gray? Why did they all look at me like I was worth less than dirt?
I ripped off the grease-stained apron and bolted out of the kitchen like it was on fire.
The main road buzzed with dressed-up crowds, air thick with excited whispers and pricey perfume. Girls in fresh dresses, boys slicking hair. Faces lit with thrill.
"Heard Mr. Kayden grabbed top honors at that European academy..."
"He's gonna be the strongest Alpha ever..."
My arrival? Like water hitting hot oil. Eyes locked on me, chatter dying. I froze, all my rage and hurt turning to blank cowardice.
"What's she doing here? Banquet's for official pack members only, right?"
"A hybrid at Mr. Kayden's party? As if."
Whispers built, laced with open laughs, crushing what little pride I had.
I clenched my fists, head down, pushing forward. The only way back to my rundown shack—my only spot—was through this street.
My steps quickened to a run. Like that could shake off the disdain.
The shack door creaked sharply.
I burst in, slammed it shut, and leaned against it. Tears fell again.
Crying didn't help. I knew that. But I couldn't stop.
The burn on my arm throbbed, but my chest hurt worse. That hollow ache, like someone ripped out my heart and left a hole.
My eyes drifted to the old wooden chest in the corner.
Don't open it.
Layla, don't.
But I needed it. Only it could fill that void.
The lock was rusted junk; I flipped the lid with a creak. Inside was a man's coat.
Dark gray wool, sharp shoulders, hand-stitched patterns on the cuffs. Fabric so fine I'd never own anything like it.
I pulled it out, hugged it close.
Cedar and winter rain. Even after all these years, after washing and airing it countless times, the scent clung to the fibers.
Kayden's scent.
I shut my eyes, buried my face in it.
Ten years.
A whole decade, hiding this like a thief, scared anyone would find out.
Music floated from outside. I opened my eyes and went to the window.
