Their Secret Obsession by Pippa Moon

Chapter 0284

Connie POV

I stood in the dimly lit hallway, trying to steady my racing heart. The confrontation with Kane earlier had left me shaken. His cold dismissal replayed in my mind, each word cutting deeper than the last. How dare he treat me like that? After everything I'd done to be the perfect mate, to fit into this pack, to make a place for myself as his Luna.

And then to see her-Lottie-waltzing back into my home as if she owned the place the audacity. Jealousy coiled tight in my chest, mingling with anger and a simmering instability I could no longer ignore. I needed reassurance, validation-something to anchor me before I spiralled further.

If Kane wouldn't give it to me, then I hoped that perhaps Knox would.

But as I made my way toward Knox's room, wrapped in my most alluring lingerie a sheer, black ensemble that clung to my curves-I found my path blocked. Chase sat casually outside the door, legs crossed, head resting on his knees. His presence caught me off guard. He'd never paid me much attention before, always distant, almost indifferent. Yet here he was, offering kindness when I least expected it.

"Why are you being so nice to me?" I blurted out, unable to mask the mix of confusion and intrigue in my voice. My nerves tingled, and not just from the unexpected compassion. There was something undeniably attractive about Chase the sharp angles of his jaw, the intensity in his eyes. The fact that he was Lottie's brother added a tantalising edge. Ruffling a few feathers might be just what I needed.

"And no BS," I spat as he met my gaze steadily. As he met my gaze steadily, a swarm of butterflies erupted in my stomach, catching me off guard. Why was I reacting this way? This was Chase the aloof, indifferent Chase. Yet, under his intense stare, I felt a warmth spreading through me, both unsettling and thrilling. Confusion twisted within me; I shouldn't be feeling this drawn to him, but I couldn't deny the magnetic pull.

on their worst days," he replied, his tone genuine. His lopsided smile made my stomach flutter, and I felt

my cheeks, and I was acutely aware of every inch of space between us-or lack thereof. The intensity of his stare was both flustering and intoxicating, making it hard to remember why I'd come here in the first place. For a moment, all the anger and jealousy

tongue. Shouldn't he be despising me? After all, I was the

added as if he needed that clarification. A laugh left his lips as he raised an

me? The thought both excited and unsettled me. I found myself wanting to make him laugh again, to keep that light in his eyes directed at me. "He's tempting, isn't

he's Lottie's

was sexy as hell, with those piercing eyes and that confident smirk, there was no guarantee he wouldn't betray me the moment it suited

trying to persuade me. "They've neglected us, cast

likely behind that door with Lottie right now, and Kane had returned reeking of her scent. The bitter taste of betrayal coated my tongue. If they could seek comfort elsewhere, why couldn't I? I bit my

lips.

we could continue

somewhere more... private?" I suggested,

hair framed a chiselled face, the kind that belonged on magazine covers. Muscles rippled under his fitted shirt, hinting at a strength that was both protective and dangerous. Every inch of him exuded confidence and raw masculinity. Desire sparked within me; I wanted him, plain and simple. The thought of running my fingers through his

crossing his face before he masked