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?"

day. I trust you to make the right decision."

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

are complicated," 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

managed to

smile before turning back toward the house. I watched him go, the weight of his expectations pressing down like

again, I wandered toward the edge of the woods. The morning 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 safety of her brothers." I whispered

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

doesn't want us..."

firmly. "We have

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

The

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

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

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