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?"

this pack one day. I trust you to

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

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 Part of me wanted to shrug him off, to tell him that his way of leading was outdated and blind

I managed to say through clenched

before turning back toward the house. I watched him go, the weight of

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

She's our

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

firmly. "We have to believe

soaked into my skin, but I didn't care. Exhaustion washed over me, both physical and

The words

deep within 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 them Drawing a shaky

to my feet, so over my pity party.

back toward the packhouse, a