Linda covered her mouth and took a theatrical step back. "Oh my God, you actually did it? That sound gave me goosebumps. What a shame you can't feel pain. You're not even screaming. This is so boring."

Linda crouched down and pressed the pure silver blade against my cheek. The moment silver touched werewolf skin, acrid white smoke rose into the air. Searing pain shot through me.

"A she-wolf's face is what she treasures most, isn't it?" Linda's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Especially this face. You were so proud of it when you seduced Julian, weren't you?"

She held the knife handle out to me.

"Ruin it. I want wounds so deep they reach bone. Silver poison that will never heal. I want your face to scare pups when you walk down the street."

My hands trembled as I took the knife. The silver handle burned my palm like a red-hot brand.

I looked at Kyle. He was frozen in terror, unable to even cry.

After everything he'd endured, Kyle was desperately weak. He could only stare at me with wide eyes, his little hands grasping helplessly at the air.

I mumbled, "Don't be afraid, baby. Mommy's here. It doesn't hurt."

I gritted my teeth and aimed the blade at my cheekbone. The sharp silver edge pierced my skin. It felt like acid had been poured over me, the burning sensation exploding instantly.

I didn't pause. I pressed down hard and dragged the blade.

Flesh peeled back. Blood gushed out, mixing with black smoke from the burning silver. This wound was beyond even my werewolf healing abilities.

I was in so much pain. Cold sweat soaked through my back, but I didn't make a sound.

I wouldn't give her the satisfaction of hearing me scream. I wouldn't let her draw pleasure from my suffering.

A vicious gash cut across half my face, carved into what had once been smooth skin. I must have looked like something crawled out of hell.

"Is that enough?" I dropped the knife. Blood dripped from my chin into the dirt. "Let Kyle go."

Linda picked up the knife, now covered in my flesh and blood. She lifted it to her nose and sniffed, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. "So obedient."

She stood and brushed at nonexistent dust on her skirt. Then she walked past me, straight toward the warrior holding Kyle.

"You did well, but… Julian said we need to eliminate the stain."

She reached out and wrapped her hand around Kyle's small throat. Linda looked into my eyes and mouthed the words silently. "I lied."

"No... no..." My voice came out in a hoarse cry, blood frothing from my throat.

Linda raised the knife and aimed it at Kyle's tiny heart. Kyle said weakly, "Ms. Linda, you said you wouldn't hurt Mommy anymore."

"Silly. Why would I ever let you live?"

The blade fell, and blood sprayed everywhere. Kyle's body jerked violently. The light in his eyes faded fast.

He looked at me. His little mouth opened as if he wanted to call for me, but no sound came out.

His head dropped. Time stopped at that moment, and I could feel my entire world collapsing.

An inhuman howl tore from my throat. My pupils contracted to pinpoints, and the whites of my eyes flooded red with blood. Overwhelming grief and hatred shattered my body's limits.

Though my shattered spine prevented a full shift, my head and arms forced themselves into wolf form. Gray fur erupted wildly across my skin. My nails extended into razor-sharp claws.

I slammed my head against the ground over and over as if something had possessed me. Blood and dirt mixed together.

My pup. My darling Kyle. He was dead. Murdered right in front of his own father by that vile woman.