Their Secret Obsession by Pippa Moon

Chapter 0293

Adam's POV

"Lottie, wait up!" Walking out of the room with Liam and Lottie, I called after her. She turned to face me, and the pain etched on her face cut deeper than any blade could. It wasn't just Connie's venomous words that hurt her; it was the gnawing feeling that she was missing something vital, something just out of reach. She and I were more alike than either of us cared to admit. Both of us clung to control like a lifeline, always wanting to fix things to help others. Not having all the facts was eating her alive.

"She can put on a brave face all she wants, but Connie's getting to her," Savage, my wolf, stirred restlessly within me, growling. "Connie's with her mates; she's the reason they parted, the reason they rejected her-even if it's all a lie. But Lottie doesn't know that." "Lottie's had a lifetime of Connie being cruel to her," I reminded him. "She's used to it." I clenched my jaw, hating that fact.

"That's not fair, and you know it," Savage snapped back. "She shouldn't have to be 'used to' such treatment." As we continued down the hallway, muffled insults filtered through the kitchen door. Connie's sharp tongue was at it again. I saw Lottie's shoulders tense, her posture stiffening ever so slightly. Enough was enough.

I shook my head and stepped closer to her, lifting her chin gently with my roughened hand. Her skin was so smooth, a stark contrast to my own scarred and calloused fingers. Her eyes met mine, a storm of emotions swirling within them.

"She's jealous," I stated firmly, searching her gaze. "And she should be. She's wicked and ugly-inside and out-and people see it. You, my darling sister, are the opposite. You're the light she can't dim, no matter how hard she tries. Darkness always tries to snuff out the light, but it never succeeds."

A small, tentative smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. I nodded to Liam, who stood a few paces away, concern evident in his eyes. Leaning down, I placed a soft kiss on Lottie's forehead before she could protest.

bath and some proper clothes," I said gently. "Then

Her face faltered. I knew what she was going to say. She didn't want to leave. Not yet. Her eyes darted toward the direction of the stairs, longing and

from this nest of vipers," I insisted, my tone leaving no room for

her mouth to argue but then seemed to think better of

"Fine," she conceded softly.

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As Lottie headed upstairs, her steps heavy but determined, I felt a surge of protective rage boil within me. Savage snarled in agreement. It was time to

the kitchen. Pushing

an off-key tune to herself. That smug, wicked smirk plastered

the distance between us. Before she could react, I grabbed a fistful of her hair from the

the hell?!" she screamed, sputtering as I yanked her head back up. Water cascaded down her face, her mascara streaking like black tears. She flung her head back, spraying droplets everywhere, her eyes wild with shock and

melt. Isn't that what happens to witches?" I chuckled darkly, releasing

slap me, but I caught her wrist effortlessly, twisting it behind her back. She winced, and I leaned in, pressing her forward until her ear hovered just