Their Secret Obsession by Pippa Moon

Chapter 0303

Lottie's POV

(Ten Minutes Earlier)

I stirred to the sound of creaking just outside the room. My eyelids felt heavy, weighed down by sheer exhaustion. I tried to ignore it, pulling the quilt tighter around me. My body ached in places I didn't know could hurt, a dull throb that echoed the turmoil in my mind. All I wanted was to eat something warm, sink back into this bed, and let sleep claim me until it was time to leave this place behind.

But the creaking persisted, followed by the murmur of raised voices. I sighed, tossing the quilt aside. So much for a peaceful night's rest. Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I stood up slowly, every muscle protesting. "Seriously? Can't a girl get some sleep around here?" Annoyance bubbled up, but beneath it was a flicker of curiosity.

Padding softly across the room, I approached the door. Pressing my ear against the cool wood, I strained to make out the conversation. Adam's voice came through, stern and edged with irritation. He sounded... rude, even for him. Someone was insisting on seeing me. I rolled my eyes, assuming it was Laura or another overzealous pack member unable to respect boundaries.

Then I heard another voice-a voice that made my heart skip a beat. Kane.

My breath hitched as a rush of emotions surged through me. Confusion. Anticipation. A glimmer of... hope?

"Why is Kane here?" I closed my eyes, trying to piece together fragmented memories that danced just out of reach.

Suddenly, images flooded my mind: a secret deal whispered in hushed tones, a stolen moment with Kane in the kitchen-the warmth of his gaze, the brush of his hand against mine.

really happen?" Anger and hurt swirled within

meant I wasn't going crazy. Something was happening-something real. A small sob escaped my lips

I could physically hold

Determined, I reached for the door handle, my

mouth from behind. A strong arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me back with swift force. Panic shot through me like ice. I tried to scream but found no sound would come-my voice had vanished, stolen by some potion infused into

were swallowed by the fabric pressed against my lips. The scent of chemicals and herbs filled my nostrils,

heart shattered as the precious memories were yanked away just as violently

The arm tightened around me, and I felt the texture of leather gloves against my skin. Spun around, I came face to face with a familiar set of eyes-cold, unyielding. Recognition sent a jolt of fear through my core. "It's him... but why?" "Help me! Please!" I tried to reach out through the mindlink, desperately hoping someone-anyone-would hear me. But there

room as the cloth was removed, only for cold metal to snap around my wrists. I glanced down to see the cuffs-the same ones that had been used to suppress my father's

I

blade glinted in the dim light as it traced softly over my stomach. The threat was clear,

back, to shift, to do something-but the cuffs rendered me human, stripping

a silent Sage, but all I could think about was the life growing inside

off. My captor smirked, satisfied, and began pulling me toward the far wall. To my astonishment, a hidden doorway

as much as I tried

stepped inside,

As teenagers, we would sneakout using these very paths, chasing adventures beyond the packhouse walls. But now the thought brought no comfort.