Their Secret Obsession by Pippa Moon

Lottie POV

I stood in the heart of the demonic world, surrounded by the eerie beauty of the cathedral. It felt like time itself had paused within its gothic walls. My nerves prickled beneath my skin, but I couldn't deny the strange allure of the place- or the demon who lurked in the realm. Then, I heard his voice behind me, clenching my jaw, I fought the surge of hatred that coursed through me and turned to face him, Astaroth, the demon who had caused so much pain. The memory of leaving Chase behind on that hilltop to heal alone twisted my gut with guilt. "What do you want?" I demanded, my voice tinged with bitterness. I felt my gut twist with anxiety when he didn't respond immediately, instead striding up to the altar with an unsettling grace. He hoisted himself onto it, his gaze fixed on me with an intensity that made my skin crawl.

Astaroth's appearance shifted in front of my eyes, from a casual hoodie and jeans to an expensive suit that oozed sophistication. His tie matched the deep red of the pinstripes, and for a moment, I almost forgot the darkness that lurked within him and mistook him for a gentleman.

"I want to help you with your little Moon Goddess dilemma." he finally replied, his voice smooth and unsettling.

"How?" I asked, my worry bubbling beneath the surface. I knew I shouldn't entertain his offer, but desperation gnawed at me. Time was running out, and the looming decision hung heavy over my head. My hand rested on my flat stomach as I wondered if I could give up the two lives that I held inside of me.

"There is always a loophole, I believe the terms of her deal where you give up your fated mate's, or your children... correct?" he asked, his eyes searching mine.

"Two bonds of the heart!" he added with a wink when I didn't speak. Licking my dry lips I nodded.

"Well there we go, you give up your fated mate bond." He expressed, resting his elbows on his knees as he looked at me with intrigue that made me uncomfortable; like I was standing before him naked and he could see my vulnerability.

"That. Is. Not. An. Option." I barked, shaking my head slowly.

"Why?" He asked casually, my eyes popping wide as I glared at him unable to fathom how he thought I would ever agree to such a stupid suggestion.

and those that you love!" I insisted his lips twisting into a smirk that made me

my lips thinning into a hate-filled line while my eyes bored

I just said you should sacrifice the fated

still seething. I hadn't wanted to leave Chase but he had

words, confusion weighing heavy on me. When I didn't speak he continued.

asked, growing irritated with

those baboons of yours are hardly going to be out there looking for another mate while you still draw breath. Even less so while you carry their pups. So once the bond

are not baboons!" I interjected to hide the truth that I was pissed off at the fact he had come up with a way through all this crap, with something

still at the cold reminder he could read my thoughts. Pursing my lips I motioned for him to

once you have rejected them, a new mate will be generated. And I have a feeling after the way your mates insulted the moon goddess, that mate would be on the sidelines waiting

saying."

my place." I snapped, my lips curled over my teeth at the idea of having another girl even looking at my

think that you have rejected them and stop

would never do that!" I interrupted him, which earned me

the bond is 'broken,' the moon goddess will be satisfied with your sacrifice and the babies will be safe! Then and only then, will fift the illusion and let a bond

my tone betrayed me, and given the curve to his lips he knew that and that I was considering his offer. "How am I meant to trust that you will keep your word?" I asked, tears pricking my lashes. "Because if I don't, you won't have to pay me." He admitted with a