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?"

trust you to make the right decision." He raised

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

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 Part of me wanted to shrug him off, to tell him that his way of leading was outdated and blind to the real

to say through

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

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 mate."

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

firmly. "We

can take," I confessed, sinking to the ground. The damp earth soaked into my skin, but I didn't

children. The words

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

my pity party. I

I headed back toward the packhouse, a plan began to form.