Their Secret Obsession by Pippa Moon

Chapter 0299

Chase POV

I stood in the doorway, watching Connie as she processed Kane's words. Millions of emotions washed over her face, and I couldn't help but wonder what was going on in her head. Her expression shifted from confusion to anger to something I couldn't quite place-hurt, maybe? Thor grumbled inside me, his discontent clear. He didn't like the distance between us, physically or emotionally.

"There's too much distance. Go to her," Thor urged, his voice impatient and demanding, but my feet stayed rooted to the spot. There was a feeling deep in my gut telling me not to move like an invisible hand was holding me back. Something felt off like someone was toying with me, playing with my mind.

"You're being paranoid," Thor snapped. "You're just making excuses because you don't want to give up your spot in the brotherhood. You're scared of losing the one place where you matter." His words stung, but I couldn't shake the unease creeping up my spine. I licked my lips, eyes never leaving Connie as she flopped down on the edge of the bed, her gaze cast down at the floor.

"Can you believe him?" She seethed.

"I mean, does he really think I will go quietly? I am his mate. He can't leave me, they won't allow it." She was hurting. I could sense the waves of pain coming off her, even as she tried to brush off Kane's words.

"I just didn't see this coming. He has been distant, yes, but he has had so much on. Trying to please his father, I thought that was what it was." I listened as she started ranting to me, her frustration spilling out as she vented. Her voice was sharp, but beneath the anger was real hurt.

"But of course, it's her!" Connie spat. Sighing internally, I wondered if there was any way to end this feud in Connie's mind. I knew Lottie didn't give to shits for Connie, but it was clear Connie was not so.. mature.

her. She didn't look at me, her eyes fixed on the floor as she continued to pour out her grievances. "They've used me, manipulated me," she seethed. "I'm always overlooked, always in the shadow of Lottie. And for what? She's not even

just like Connie was. I wanted to remind her that the bond between Knox, Kane,

I wanted to say. I blinked,

me.

growled. "Don't blame me for this. You

thick in my throat. Why had I said that? Why had I agreed with her when I knew

You agree with

her voice softer now, tinged with hope. She looked at me earnestly, her wide eyes searching mine for validation. The look on her face made my stomach churn. She seemed... happy

my fingers, tilting her head so she was looking right into my eyes. I needed to say something to fix this, but instead, I found myself staring into the depths of her gaze, her vulnerability pulling at me

and of course, that body of yours.. unmatchable." Slamming my lips closed, I hoped

like a whale."

but the moment the words left my mouth, I wanted to take them back. It wasn't true. I didn't even believe it. But I couldn't stop myself. I leaned in, closing the distance between us, my lips brushing against hers. The kiss was passionate, intense even, but it didn't feel right. There was something bitter in her taste, something that repelled me even as it pulled

bells rang in my head. A crawling sensation crept up my spine, an unsettling feeling that grew stronger with every second. It was like a dark cloud had wrapped

shaking my head as if to clear the fog that seemed to cloud my mind. "This is