Chapter 2

I crashed hard onto the floor, my forehead slamming against the edge of the table. Blood streamed down my face.

Zane rushed over and threw his arms around me, then turned and glared at Lennox.

Lennox hesitated, but with Alice limp in his arms, he didn't come forward.

Amy froze at the scene and instinctively took a few steps toward me.

"Get away!"

Zane shouted at Amy.

Amy stumbled back, fell, and burst into tears.

Alice pointed at Zane, her voice shaking with fury. "Why did you push Amy? What did she ever do to you? What do you people want? Do we have to drop dead before you're happy?"

She shoved Lennox away, pulled Amy into her arms, and wailed.

Something in him softened. He raised his hand and slapped Zane across the face.

"What the hell is wrong with you? God knows what you'll turn into when you grow up."

Zane pressed his hand to his stinging cheek and stared at Lennox in disbelief.

My eyes went wide. He had never hit Zane before.

Alice glanced sideways, feigning casual concern. "Zane is a special needs child, after all. Maybe it would be better to send him somewhere more... professional?"

Lennox nodded in agreement. He turned to the bodyguards. "Take the boy to Manto House. Now."

No. Absolutely not. I couldn't let them send Zane to Manto House.

Manto House was a facility for people with severe mental disorders. The staff there were notoriously brutal and incompetent. People died in that place every year. I'd reported it to Lennox multiple times, and every time it went nowhere.

"Don't overreact, sweetheart. It's just a treatment facility."

That's what he always said.

Zane had been improving. Sending him to that hellhole, ripping him out of the safe environment he was used to — it would destroy him.

I was not going to let them break my child completely.

I dragged myself to my feet, fighting through the dizziness and pain, and shielded Zane behind me.

"Nobody is taking my son!" I screamed.

Seeing my face covered in blood, Lennox's resolve wavered for a moment.

"Crystal, Zane needs professional help. You're only hurting him like this."

Alice spoke softly, her voice dripping with false sympathy — and hidden malice.

Lennox's eyes turned cold again.

"Take the Luna away. Keep her restrained. Don't let her near Zane."

The bodyguards didn't hesitate this time. They grabbed Zane and dragged him toward the car.

Zane screamed — raw, furious screams — and thrashed against their grip.

Zane didn't know how to grieve. All he had were the basics — scared, angry, or okay.

Lennox's face twisted with disgust. He looked at Zane the way you'd look at a wild animal, not your own child.

I was pinned to the ground. No matter how desperately I called for my wolf, she didn't stir.

All I could do was watch the car door slam shut — and the car speed away.

The pain in my chest was unbearable. I clawed at the ground until my nails bled.

I looked up at Lennox. The man standing before me had become a stranger.

"That's your son," I whispered. "You know exactly what that place is."

A flicker of regret crossed Lennox's face. "It's for his own good. Besides, Alice always told me the care at Manto House was excellent. He'll get proper treatment there, even if it's a new place."

Alice. Always Alice.

I shook my head, too exhausted to say another word. I turned and staggered back to my room.

I had no time to waste on him. I had to get Zane out.

Lennox's heart beat uneasily. He took a few steps forward, wanting to follow me.

But Alice pressed a hand to her forehead. "Lennox, I feel so dizzy."

He immediately scooped her up in his arms.

"Get the car. We're going to the hospital."

And just like that, he carried her out the door without looking back.