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?"

lead this pack one day. I trust you to make

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,

surge of irritation shot through me. His touch felt more like a shackle than a gesture of support. Part of me wanted to shrug

I managed to say through

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

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 gnarled branches stretching upward like skeletal fingers. "Maybe it's time we accept things as they are; leave Lottie in the

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

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

insisted firmly. "We have to

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

The words

had the chance to be a part of their lives, to feel them grow, to

back to my feet, so over my pity party.

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