Their Secret Obsession by Pippa Moon

Chapter 0276

Mike POV

Hanging from the ceiling in this forsaken chamber, time had lost all meaning. My arms screamed in agony, the chains biting into raw wrists, but the physical pain was a welcome distraction from the emptiness gnawing at my soul. The darkness was absolute, broken only by

the occasional drip of water echoing through the damp stone walls.

Suddenly, a stirring within jolted me from my stupor. Flint, my wolf, awakened after months of silence. His presence was like a sharp inhale after being submerged underwater.

"Lottie," Flint whispered, his voice a blend of longing and fury. "She's here." I stiffened, scarcely daring to believe it.

"Impossible," I replied internally. "How could she be here? This must be another one of their twisted tricks."

"You fool. She's here, and it's because of you that we lost her." Flint growled a low rumble that resonated in my bones. His words cut deep. Flint had abandoned me, retreating into the recesses of my mind after the unforgivable acts I'd committed. Months without his presence had left me feeling hollow, but now his return only amplified my guilt.

"I didn't mean for things to end up like this," I muttered defensively.

"Intentions mean nothing when your actions betray your words," he snapped back. "We had everything, and you threw it away with your deceit." The sound of soft footsteps echoed faintly from the corridor. My heart lurched. Could it really be her? Was Lottie truly here? Flint's renewed energy surged, making my head throb.

"It's her. I can sense her," he insisted, his excitement palpable.

trick? Astaroth has toyed with my mind before." But doubt gnawed at

our chance," Flint urged. "Call out to her!" I hesitated. If I called out, she might recognize me and leave me here to rot. After everything I'd done, why would she help

and now you're trapped in one of your own making." The irony wasn't lost on me. I'd spent so long manipulating others, weaving lies and deceit, and now I was ensnared in a predicament where honesty might be my only salvation. Flint's disdain was

continued. "Especially when it meant hurting her." Regret washed over me, a relentless tide that threatened to pull me

make it right," I

her the truth," Flint pressed. "Stop hiding behind lies." But fear held me captive. The months of isolation, the relentless torture-not just physical but psychological-had eroded my courage. Astaroth had

I admitted. "He won't let

a drum in the silent chamber. Deciding swiftly, I

pierced the darkness. I kept my eyes closed to mere slits, watching as she cautiously entered. Her silhouette was illuminated by

The scent of her filled my senses, stirring emotions I'd long suppressed. As she neared, her face became clearer-the gentle curve of her jaw, the determined set of her lips, the vulnerability

against my filthy arm, and an involuntary shiver ran through me. It took every ounce of willpower not to react. Flint

feels nothing for us now," he lamented. "You've destroyed that connection." I pushed the thought aside as she began inspecting the chains. The clank

of air from the open doorway caused me to sway slightly. The motion turned me to face her directly. My eyes met

a whisper. Fear and disbelief laced her tone, each

from her grasp, crashing onto the concrete floor with

mask her fear with disdain when I quickly closed them, hoping she hadn't noticed me watching her

from disuse. "Nice of you to stop by," I croaked, forcing

of grime and the stench of neglect clinging to me, she looked impeccable. Pregnancy had only enhanced her beauty-the soft glow of her skin, the

fully embraced the whale look," I sneered, masking my true