Natalia's POV

I was talking with a board member when Adrian scoffed at my reply. The man beside me tried to interject, but I stopped him. I turned to Adrian.

"So, what were you saying?" I asked.

I was surprised he'd come to my brother's party. His arrogance usually confined him to council meetings.

Adrian loudly set his glass on the bar, a gesture that would have startled anyone else. I remained unfazed. I stared into his eyes, filled with hatred—a feeling I found strangely satisfying.

"That was your new target, wasn't it?" he asked.

I raised an eyebrow. "What?"

"First Eric, then his Alpha, Jason, now this man. How many ladders did you climb to get here?"

His question was astounding, but I didn't get angry. Instead, I offered a mocking smile and turned to Lynda, who was chatting with several women who looked like they were from royal families. I was sure she was regaling them with tales of her and Adrian's relationship.

"I think you have some personal problems affecting your judgment," I said.

I turned back to Adrian. He frowned, his jaw clenched. What would he do? Attack me?

Someone cleared their throat. Beta Patric. He waved.

"Don't mind my Alpha. He's just—"

Adrian cut him off with a glare.

I shrugged. "Nice to meet you again, Beta Patric."

I left the bar area. I shook my head, thinking about Adrian's reaction to learning my true identity. While I welcomed his shock, his words still stung. I could be heartless, but my wolf still wanted him. Rejecting an Alpha was impossible; only another wolf's mark could break the bond. But I wasn't ready for anyone right now.

Damia approached. "Boss, Noah, and Aria are calling."

"What did they say?"

"They want to join the party."

I lowered my head. I longed to tell the world they were my children, but I couldn't risk it. This party was for revealing my identity only. If they knew about my children, questions about their father would arise. I couldn't name a husband, and even if they guessed my ex-husband, Adrian would oppose it and insult my children.

"Tell them I'll be back at the pack house soon."

"Yes, boss."

Damia called my children and relayed the message. Returning, she said, "They said you owe them."

"Owe them? How?"

"They want your time tomorrow."

I chuckled, picturing Noah and Aria's angry faces. My sweet babies wanted my time. My demanding career had deprived them.

"Okay, I'll spend the day with them tomorrow," I told Damia, who nodded.

Then I heard my brother's voice. Everyone gathered near the stage as he spoke into the microphone:

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for coming. Though I arranged this party, I won't be making the announcement. My father will."

Everyone clapped for my father. Jason handed him the microphone.

"It's been a while since I made an announcement. Last time, I passed the pack to my son, Jason. Today is different."

My mother joined him, taking his hand. My father continued:

"As you know, my daughter wasn't dead, just lost. We kept it secret to protect her."

My parents looked at me. I smiled and nodded.

"Today, I introduce our daughter, Jessica Martin."

My father extended a hand. "Come here, my child."

Everyone turned to me. I walked to the stage, smiling slightly. Standing between my parents, I accepted the applause.

"This is my daughter, Jessica—but she prefers Natalia Martin. That's what we'll call her from now on."

My pack cheered. The other Alphas stared, amazement in their eyes.