---- Chapter 3 Gary was violent-too fast. My leg slammed against the doorframe with a sickening thud. Pain shot up my spine like fire. But he didn't stop. He didn't even pause. He dragged me down the hallway like I was nothing- like I wasn't even human. When we reached the grand hall, he threw me to the floor like a discarded rag doll. Pain exploded in every joint. I tried to rise. But before I could even sit up, my mother stormed over. Her hand struck my face. Hard. Then again. And again. ---- The metallic taste of blood filled my mouth. Somewhere nearby, I saw Jane tucked into my father's arms, crying like a delicate flower. My mother towered above me, her eyes wild with fury and disgust. No love. No concern. Only hatred. My wolf had no strength left. She lay inside me, silent and numb. My mother raised her hand again. But this time-something inside me broke. I vomited blood. Ahot, red stream splattered across her hands and face. She froze, stunned. For the first time, her palm didn't fall like a slap-it lingered on my cheek. ---- Almost... almost like care. And in that fleeting, delusional second-I leaned into her touch. I pressed my face against her palm, desperate. Starved. Just one thought echoed in my heart: Please... just this once... love me like you love Jane. But she recoiled. Like I'd burned her. I collapsed. My nose started bleeding too. Blood dribbled over my lips. My wolf trembled. Her voice reduced to a broken whisper. Gary rushed over. Panic laced his voice. "What's happening? Why are you bleeding so much?" He reached out, hands trembling-like he cared.