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.

Astaroth has toyed with

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

one of your own making." The irony wasn't lost on me. I'd spent so long manipulating others, weaving lies

hurting her." Regret washed over me, a relentless tide that threatened to pull me under. Memories of

want to make it right," I

just physical but psychological-had eroded my courage. Astaroth had

admitted. "He won't

footsteps grew nearer, accompanied by the faint scent of honey-Lottie's scent. My heart pounded, each beat echoing like a drum

as she cautiously entered. Her silhouette was illuminated

approached hesitantly; her 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 became clearer-the gentle curve of her jaw, the determined set of her lips,

every ounce of willpower not to react. Flint whimpered, noting the absence of

began inspecting the chains. The clank of metal on metal told me she'd found bolt cutters or some tool to free me. Hope

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

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

the concrete floor with a resounding clang

snorted, attempting to mask her fear with disdain when I quickly closed them, hoping she hadn't noticed

my voice raspy from disuse. "Nice of you to stop by," I croaked, forcing a casual tone that belied the turmoil inside

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

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