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?"

I trust you to make the right decision." He raised an

father's idea of leadership was so different from mine. To him, it was about maintaining control, appearances, and traditions-no matter who got trampled in the process. To me, it was about doing what was right, even if it meant

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 wanted to shrug him off, to tell him that his way of

managed to say

gave me a tight-lipped smile before turning back toward the house. I watched him

by my usual old oak tree, its gnarled branches stretching upward like skeletal fingers. "Maybe it's time we accept things as they are; leave Lottie in the safety of

can't. She's our mate."

doesn't remember, if she doesn't want us..."

will," he insisted firmly. "We

take," I confessed, sinking to the ground. The damp earth soaked into my skin, but I didn't care. Exhaustion washed over me, both physical and emotional. "One day at a

The

hadn't even had the chance to be a

my feet, so over my

up now." As I headed back toward the packhouse, a plan began to form. I needed to set