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?"

one day. I trust you to make the right

My father's idea of leadership was so different from mine. To him, it was about maintaining control, appearances,

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 Part of me wanted to shrug him off, to tell him that his way of leading was outdated and blind to the real issues

I managed to say through clenched

watched him go, the weight

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

can't. She's our

if she doesn't want us..."

he insisted firmly.

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

The words

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

so over my pity

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