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.

with my mind before." But

"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 me? But if I stayed silent, perhaps

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

when it suited you," he continued. "Especially when it meant hurting her." Regret washed over me, a relentless tide that threatened to pull me under. Memories of Lottie's tear-streaked face, the betrayal in her eyes, haunted me. I'd sacrificed everything good in my life

to make it right," I whispered

the relentless torture-not just physical but psychological-had eroded my courage. Astaroth had ensured I couldn't divulge certain truths, the words

I admitted. "He won't let

scent. My heart pounded, each beat echoing like a drum in the silent chamber. Deciding swiftly, I let my body go limp, feigning unconsciousness. Perhaps if she thought I was near death,

closed to mere slits, watching as she cautiously entered. Her silhouette was illuminated by the dim glow, and for a moment,

long suppressed.

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

inspecting the chains. The clank of metal on metal told me she'd

slightly. The motion turned me to face her directly. My eyes

her voice barely more than a whisper. Fear and disbelief laced her

the concrete floor with a resounding clang that echoed through the chamber,

disdain when I quickly closed them, hoping she hadn't noticed me

you to stop by," I croaked, forcing a casual tone that belied

gaze swept over me, taking in my dishevelled appearance. Despite the layers 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 fullness of her form.

my true feelings