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

from mine. To him, it was about maintaining control, appearances, and traditions-no matter who got trampled in the process.

than a gesture of support. Part of me wanted to shrug him off, to

managed to say

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

light. I stopped 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

can't. She's our mate." Rolo growled

want us..." My voice

firmly. "We

earth soaked into my skin, but I didn't care. Exhaustion washed over me, both physical and emotional. "One day at a time," Rolo soothed. "For her. For our

The words

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 them Drawing

my feet, so over my pity party. I was about to be

back toward the packhouse, a plan began to form. I needed to