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 make the

it was about maintaining control, appearances, and traditions-no

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 Part of me wanted to shrug him off, to tell him that his way of leading was outdated and blind to the real issues tearing

I managed to say

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

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

can't. She's our

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

insisted firmly.

ground. The damp earth soaked into my skin, but

children. The words

I hadn't even had the chance to be a part of their lives, to feel them grow, to protect

so over my pity party. I was about

toward the packhouse, a plan began to form. I