Their Secret Obsession by Pippa Moon

Chapter 0296

"Kane," he called out. "A word?"

I waited as he closed the distance between us, bracing myself for the lecture I knew was coming. It was always the same-responsibilities, duties, the weight of the pack resting on my shoulders.

"What is it?" I asked, striving to keep my tone neutral. He studied me intently, his piercing gaze searching for something-weakness, perhaps, or defiance.

"I've heard about the incident with Connie."

"I'll handle it," I sighed, rolling my eyes despite myself.

"See that you do. The pack can't afford any internal conflicts right now." He nodded slowly. I paused, a bitter laugh threatening to escape.

"So we are clear... Do you want me to scold my mate or defend her to Adam?"

lead this pack one day. I trust you to make the right decision."

was about maintaining control, appearances, and traditions-no matter who got

know things are complicated," he continued, placing a heavy hand on my shoulder. A surge of irritation shot through me. His touch felt more like a shackle than a gesture of support. Part of me

managed to

tight-lipped smile before turning back toward the house. I watched him go,

the edge of the woods. The morning sky was overcast, thick clouds blotting out the sun and casting everything in a dreary grey light. I stopped by my usual old oak tree, its gnarled branches stretching upward like skeletal fingers. "Maybe it's time we accept things

our

doesn't want us..." My voice broke, the thought

will," he insisted firmly.

sinking to the ground. The damp earth soaked into my skin, but I didn't care. Exhaustion washed

children. The

me-a blend of hope and despair. I hadn't even had the chance to be a part of their lives, to feel them grow, to protect

my

voiced, a flicker of determination igniting inside me. "I can't give up now." As I headed back toward the packhouse, a plan began to form.