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.

I just want to talk." She met my gaze briefly before looking away. "It's improper for us to be alone," she stated softly; those words were not hers but those of the Sparrow brothers; I knew that. "If you need time with a female, perhaps you should find Connie.

like that,"

the book. His eyes were cold, matching his brothers'. "You should leave." I glanced back at Charlotte,

awkwardly, hating myself for not finding better

and turned to leave. As I walked 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 worse than I'd

edge of my bed, my head in my hands as I replayed it all in my hands. How did it get

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

"Astaroth."

The faint scent of sulphur filled my nostrils, and a distant chorus of anguished cries echoed in my ears. Opening my eyes, I found myself standing in a hellscape straight out of a nightmare. Chains hung from a blood-red sky, swaying above a barren landscape littered with jagged rocks and pools of molten lava. Tortured souls writhed in agony, their screams piercing the heavy air. The heat

"Welcome, Kane," Astaroth's voice

saw him emerge from the shadows, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit that seemed absurdly out of place. His eyes glowed with a sinister light, and a smug smile played on his

feigning innocence. I swallowed hard, the acrid taste of

I retorted, trying to mask my discomfort with sarcasm. He smirked, his

he

you know why I'm here."

it. The stench of decay was overwhelming, making it hard to breathe. Astaroth took a

deliberate step toward me.

do?" He

I'm here," I replied tersely, struggling to keep my composure amidst the horrors surrounding

but I'd like to hear you

He added with a smirk that ate at my patience. I clenched my fists, my nails digging into my palms, every

nausea, I nodded.

help," I admitted grudgingly. "I want Charlotte to

He raised

Please."I half begged as Astaroth stepped closer, his gaze