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

replied curtly. But inside, frustration simmered. 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 doing what was right, even if it

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

Alpha," I managed to

the house. I watched him go, the weight of his expectations pressing down like a

in a dreary grey light. I stopped by my usual old oak tree, its gnarled

She's our

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

will," he insisted firmly. "We have

don't know how much more I can 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 time," Rolo

The

be a part of their lives, to feel them grow, to protect them Drawing

my feet, so over my

me. "I can't give up now." As I headed back toward the packhouse, a plan began