Their Secret Obsession by Pippa Moon

Kane POV

***

Two Months Earlier.

One afternoon, driven by a mix of hope and longing, I decided to visit the Sparrow brothers' mansion. I had been desperate, clinging to any chance to reconnect with Charlotte, and I hoped today would be the day. As I approached the grand entrance, my heart pounded with a nervous energy. Adam answered the door, his expression unreadable. His eyes met mine, and I got the sense he wasn't surprised to see me almost as if he'd been expecting this visit.

"Can I see her?" I asked, striving to keep my voice steady.

"Why should I let you?" he replied coolly as he eyed me sceptically.

"Because I need to talk to her. Please." I swallowed my pride. He hesitated a flicker of something-pity, perhaps-crossing his face.

"Wait here," he finally said, stepping aside to allow me into the foyer as he punched something into his phone, and a loud click thundered in my ears.

"Safety first." He shrugged. After a tense moment, he led me to the study. Charlotte sat at a table with Liam, her head bent over a book. Chase lounged nearby, casually spinning a dagger on the tip of his finger, the sharp point glinting dangerously. His gaze lifted to mine, and I noticed his eyes harden-a clear sign that my presence was unwelcome.

Liam seemed absorbed in whatever they were reading, but Charlotte looked up as I entered. Her eyes flashed a deep purple-the telltale sign that Sage was alert. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of her, every fibre of my being yearning to close the distance between

us.

"Charlotte," I began cautiously, stepping further into the room. "May I have a moment alone with you?" Before she could respond, Chase stood up, his posture tense.

"That's not happening," he stated firmly as I turned to him, not wanting to fight him on this.

"She can make her own decisions," I retorted, struggling to keep my frustration in check. Adam crossed his arms, positioning himself beside Chase.

"Not when it comes to you," he stated. "We won't allow it; the last decision she made when it came to you two cost her everything if I recall." My eyes drifted to Charlotte, who looked on, glossy-eyed but calmly. Ignoring them, I spoke directly to Charlotte, who seemed quieter than usual.

the Sparrow brothers; I knew that. "If you need time with a

like that,"

his brothers'. "You should leave." I glanced back at Charlotte, hoping for

mumbled awkwardly, hating myself for not finding

out, I could feel their eyes on me, a mix of distrust and protectiveness. Once outside, I let out a breath I hadn't realised I'd been holding. The encounter had gone

in my hands as I replayed it all in my hands. How did it get this bad? The weight

mind-what if the Moon Goddess granted her a new mate? What if Connie harmed her or the

"Astaroth."

my eyes, I found myself standing in a hellscape straight out of a nightmare. Chains hung from a blood-red sky, swaying above a

"Welcome, Kane," Astaroth's voice

me. Turning, I saw him emerge from the shadows, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit that seemed absurdly out of place. His eyes glowed with a

I swallowed hard, the acrid taste of

knew everything," I retorted, trying to mask my

do," he replied

you know why I'm here."

of decay was overwhelming, making it

deliberate step toward me.

He chortled

here," I replied tersely, struggling

like to hear you

my fists, my nails digging into my palms, every fibre of my being resisting the urge to lash out. But I knew I was at his mercy. Taking a deep breath to

nausea, I nodded.

help," I admitted grudgingly. "I

He raised an

affirmed. "I can't stand this anymore. Please."I half begged