Their Secret Obsession by Pippa Moon

Chapter 0301

Adam's POV

Sitting on the edge of the bed, I watched Lottie sleep. The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast gentle shadows across her face, highlighting the delicate curve of her cheek and the flutter of her dark eyelashes against her skin. Her breaths were slow and steady, a soothing rhythm that momentarily eased the storm inside me.

My fingers traced light circles on her back, feeling the warmth of her through the thin fabric of her shirt. Each touch was a silent promise to protect her, no matter the cost. My gaze drifted to her growing belly, and I noticed a subtle movement a tiny ripple beneath the surface. Without thinking, I rested my hand gently on her stomach. Almost immediately, a small kick pressed back against my palm.

A flood of emotions washed over me. The sensation was both beautiful and bittersweet, pulling me back to memories I'd locked away. I was transported to a time when I'd sit just like this with Emma, my late mate. I could almost hear her laughter as she'd tease me for talking to our unborn daughter.

"She knows your voice," Emma would say, her eyes sparkling with joy. I'd place my hand on her belly, feeling those little kicks and wiggles, each one filling me with a happiness I never thought possible. But that happiness was fleeting, stolen away too soon. The ache of their loss was still there, a dull pain that never fully subsided.

I blinked away the memories, focusing back on Lottie. This wasn't about me. It was about her and the new life she was bringing into the world. Yet, the fear of losing someone else I cared about gnawed at me. I couldn't let anything happen to her. Lottie stirred beside me, her eyelids fluttering open. She offered a sleepy smile.

"Hey," she whispered, her voice husky with sleep.

"Hey yourself," I replied softly, returning her smile. She began to push herself up, but a soft knock at the door interrupted her. Her brow furrowed in mild annoyance.

"Really? I am pooped." she mumbled, moving to sit up. I chuckled, gently pressing her back down.

"Rest," I insisted. "I asked for food to be brought up, that's all it is." It was a small lie, but one I hoped would keep her at ease. Her eyes lit up slightly, and I almost felt bad for lying.

"It better be fries. I'm craving fries," she said, stretching and reaching for the TV remote.

"Leave it to me," I assured her, standing up. Before opening the door, I glanced back to see her eyes drifting closed again. A small smile played on my lips. She needed the rest.

As I approached the door, Savage stirred within me. "She needs sleep," I thought.

"We also need to get her out of here," Savage grumbled, his deep voice echoing in my mind.

soon as we

he pressed, a hint of frustration

her away from them. She's

won't matter if she's in danger. You know what's at stake."

time was not on our side. But seeing Lottie smile, hearing her laugh-it was

I opened the door. Standing there was Kane, his hand raised as if he was about to knock again. His eyes met mine, a mixture of urgency and determination shining in them. There was a newfound strength about him, an air of

brow furrowed,

my voice low. "What

escaped me in their place was a pure rage I was struggling to keep bottled up, why I

inquired, not moving to let him

admitted, glancing briefly at the closed door. "But I'd rather Charlotte hear it from me if that's all the same

I don't care what you want."

the soon-to-be

though I was surprised by the words leaving my mouth, and then the surprise was

I

Although why?

sure.

the piece of work who keeps toying with my

I cut him off sharply.

no doubt knowing his argument

hint of sarcasm in my voice. "I've heard that excuse for

she is not!" Kane

voice rising slightly. His eyes flashed with a mix of desperation and anger. "You have no idea what

door. "She's finally asleep after you and Knox kept her up all night." At the mention of Knox,

elet