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.

a trick? Astaroth has toyed with my mind before."

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 rot. After everything I'd done, why would she help me? But

The irony wasn't lost on me. I'd spent so long manipulating others, weaving lies and deceit,

you revelled in them 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,

want to make it right," I

psychological-had eroded my courage. Astaroth had

I admitted. "He won't let

nearer, accompanied by the faint scent of honey-Lottie's 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,

door creaked open, and a sliver of light pierced the darkness. I kept my eyes closed to mere slits, watching as

of her filled my senses, stirring emotions I'd long suppressed. As she neared, her face became clearer-the

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

that connection." I pushed the thought aside as she began inspecting the chains. The clank of metal on metal told me she'd found bolt

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

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

concrete floor with a resounding clang that

disdain when I quickly closed them, hoping she

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

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

embraced the whale look," I sneered, masking my true feelings behind a facade of indifference. She