Their Secret Obsession by Pippa Moon

Chapter 0319

Lottie POV

"Impressive," Astaroth remarked. "You've embraced your heritage more fully than I anticipated." Astaroth sighed dramatically, clapping slowly. I turned to face him fully, barely containing the frustration bubbling within me. His nonchalant attitude, the way he watched me like I was some sort of amusing sideshow-it grated on my nerves. I was done with being a pawn in his twisted game.

"I'm tired of being underestimated," I stated firmly. "I'm a Lycan heir, and I won't be controlled by you or anyone else." He raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

"Oh, I have no intention of controlling you. In fact, I'm quite looking forward to seeing what you do next."

"Don't patronise me," I snapped, my voice rising as the frustration threatened to boil over. "You've been manipulating events from the shadows, but your games end here."

"You misunderstand me, Charlotte." He chuckled softly, his tone condescending, making my fists clench. "My interest in you is genuine. There's much you don't know, but all in due time."

"Enough with the cryptic remarks. If you have something to say, say it." I felt a surge of frustration. Every word he spoke was layered in riddles, and I was getting tired of trying to decode his intentions.

"Very well," he conceded. "But perhaps we can have this conversation somewhere more... suitable?" He gestured around at the grim surroundings. "This place hardly befits a discussion of such importance." I glanced around, acknowledging my cousin's body in the damp, claustrophobic tunnel.

"Fine," I agreed reluctantly. "But know this-I don't trust you."

"Trust is earned," he replied smoothly. "And I intend to earn yours."

Fluffy padded over to my side. She nudged me gently, her eyes reflecting concern. I looked down at her, my hand finding comfort in the soft fur around her neck. The warmth of her touch grounded me in a way I hadn't expected.

as though she were more than just a companion, as if she held a secret he was desperate to unlock. "Why does that matter?" I questioned, eyeing him

Fluffy-or rather, Nera-is no ordinary hellhound," he revealed. "She chooses

It felt right, a name that resonated with something deeper within me. "Well, Nera and I are

As we began to walk, the weight of the

up my bound

though everything he did was part of some grand

cooperation from me, you'll remove them. I'm done being restrained," I demanded, my voice steely, each word laced with the resolve of someone

He studied me for

open and fell to the ground with a dull thud. The moment the restraints fell, a rush of energy surged through me, as if I'd been shackled not just physically

beginning to think you'd forgotten about

over me. The connection with my wolf felt stronger, clearer. The fog that had dulled my senses lifted, and for the first time in what felt

voice disturbingly calm, as if he had expected this change

My body hummed with a renewed strength, and I felt the flicker of a smile touch my

of his gaze lingering on me, studying me like a predator watching prey that had just

and a hint of

we moved forward,

constant reassurance. Her steps were silent, but her energy was palpable. With her beside me, I felt invincible. The path ahead was uncertain, but for

if the very shadows feared him. Despite his calm demeanour, I could sense the danger radiating

is much you need to learn about your heritage,

in the mood for