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.

it's a trick? Astaroth has toyed with my mind before." But doubt gnawed at

matter? This could be our chance," Flint urged. "Call out to her!" I hesitated. If I called out, she might recognize me and leave me here to

on me. I'd spent so long manipulating others, weaving lies and deceit, and now I was ensnared in

relentless tide that threatened to pull me under. Memories of Lottie's tear-streaked

to make it right,"

show 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 ensured I couldn't divulge certain truths, the words sealing in my throat whenever I tried. Even if I wanted to, I couldn't tell my captors

I admitted. "He won't

each beat echoing like a drum in the silent chamber.

eyes closed to mere slits, watching as she cautiously

footsteps light against the cold stone floor. The scent of her filled my senses, stirring emotions I'd long suppressed. As she neared, her face

ran through me. It took every ounce of willpower not to react. Flint whimpered, noting the absence

as she began inspecting the chains. The clank of metal on metal told me she'd found bolt

The motion turned me to face her directly. My

she gasped, her voice barely more than a whisper. Fear and disbelief laced her tone, each word

crashing onto the concrete floor with a resounding clang

closed them, hoping she hadn't noticed me watching her and assumed I was still the helpless being she

I mustered a weak grin, my voice raspy from disuse. "Nice of you to stop by," I croaked, forcing a casual tone

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. Apang of something between admiration and regret twisted in

whale look," I sneered, masking my