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?"

will lead this pack one day. I trust you to

My 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

than a gesture of support. Part of me wanted to shrug him off, to tell him that his way of leading was outdated

Alpha," I managed to say through clenched

I watched him go, the weight

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 as they are; leave Lottie in the safety of her

our

remember, if she doesn't want us..." My voice broke, the thought too painful to

will," he insisted firmly. "We have to believe

ground. The damp earth soaked into my skin, but I didn't care.

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 them

feet, so over my pity party.

right," 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. I needed to set things fight, to fight for what mattered