Their Secret Obsession by Pippa Moon

Lottie POV

I stood amidst the swirling darkness of the demonic realm, the air thick with the stench of sulphur and despair. Before me loomed Astaroth, his eyes drifting over his land to a gothic cathedral, its red marble structure, a stark contrast against the blackened sky. Lightning crackled ominously, casting eerie shadows that danced across the barren landscape. This was Hell.

My heart pounded in my chest as I realised Chase had followed me through the portal. Anger flared within me, mixing with a deep sense of concern for his safety. Why did he have to be so reckless?

"What are you doing here?" I snapped, my voice laced with frustration as I turned to face him, my lips pulling tightly together watching him land a few feet in front of me with grace I could only wish for. Chase met my gaze, determination shining in his eyes despite the danger surrounding us.

"I couldn't just let you face this alone, Lottie," he declared firmly, his tone unwavering. "You're my family now. I'll do whatever it takes to keep you safe." Family? Did he really consider me his kin? His words touched something deep within me, stirring emotions I wasn't quite ready to confront. I wanted to be angry with him for risking so much, but his sincerity made it hard to stay mad. Still, I couldn't ignore the fear gnawing at the edges of my mind.

"You idiot," I muttered, shaking my head.

"Love ya too, your Highness."

"You don't understand what I am up against." I whispered my eyes lifted to meet the red eyes of Astaroth who was watching us with intrigue as he stepped back a little, but I wasn't stupid enough to think it was because our new guest had intimated him. He was giving Chase a little rope, in the hopes he hung himself.

"WE are up against!" Chase corrected me, coming to stand beside me, his fingers lacing through mine, the warmth of his touch, a welcome surprise in a world that seemed to thrive on misery. I reached out through the bond to my mates, hoping to sense their presence and find some solace in their familiar minds. But there was nothing. Panic clawed at my chest as I realised the demon had severed my connection to them.

us with his eerie red eyes, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips as he observed our exchange, stepping closer to us with a smoothness that had me nervous. "Scared Honey?" He mocked as I bristled at the softness of his words, my

will make good on my earlier threat if you touch her!" he announced, his voice steady despite the

a fucking mortal to you!" Astaroth snarled, his lips widened into a cruel grin as he raised a hand, dark energy crackling around his fingertips before

he warned, his voice dripping with malice. "There

of Chase screaming in agony while Astaroth twisted his body, snapping bones at unnatural angles

dread and desperation. "Please, don't hurt him anymore." I pleaded with the soulless creature. Astaroth regarded me with a sinister gleam in his crimson eyes, his lips curling into a cruel

ease his pain, but only if you agree to hear me out." I shook my head in disbelief, anger simmering beneath the surface as I stared at the demon before me. How could he go to such extreme and unnecessary lengths just

beside my mates and had them at my side, I would have heard you! You didn't have to do this." Astaroth's

where's the fun in

flying from my lips

sound of Chase's cries. I kept my eyes on the beast who was threatening my friends, my family and my mates and pursed my lips. "Now, do you agree to follow me into the cathedral and

the gnawing curiosity to hear what Astaroth wanted from me and the unnatural need I had to defy him just because I could. Chase's screams echoed in the background, a painful reminder of the stakes at hand,

rough breath from behind me, turning, my eyes met his

to look at Astaroth who was pretending