Their Secret Obsession by Pippa Moon

Chapter 0337

Lottie POV

A creeping sense of panic began to bubble within me as I watched Kane try to reach out through the bond. My heartbeat quickened, and a cold sweat formed at my temples.

"What's wrong?" Kane asked, his eyes filled with concern as he noticed my distress. I felt a rush of warmth at his gentle question. Having him back by my side his sweet, calm, caring self-filled me with a sense of peace I hadn't felt in a long time. I cherished the simple fact that we could be open with each other now, that we could share these moments without fear or secrecy. The way he looked at me, the soft touch of his hand-it all reminded me of how much I loved him, and how grateful I was to have him.

"I can't reach Knox," he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's like something's blocking me." A knot tightened in my stomach at his words. I glanced over at Astaroth, hoping he might provide some explanation.

"Sorry, we don't do long distance here, dear," Astaroth's voice slipped smoothly into the conversation uninvited. A surge of anger flared up inside me at his mocking tone. How dare he belittle our fears?

I spun around to glare at him.

"Stay out of our conversation!" I snapped aloud, frustration edging my tone. His smug demeanour only fueled my irritation.

"Hard not to when you're practically shouting." He smirked, utterly unfazed.

"Is Knox here or not?" Kane demanded, his worry sharpening into anger. His eyes narrowed, and I could see the tension in his posture. All we wanted were straight answers, and Astaroth's evasiveness was pushing us to the edge.

"I told you, he should be inside." Astaroth raised an eyebrow. But a flicker of hesitation crossed his face, as if he regretted his choice of words instantly.

"That's not good enough," I retorted, feeling determination rise within me. "We need to know he's safe. You said he is hurt... dying?"

Astaroth nodded slowly, his usual confidence seeming to waver. "Yes," he admitted, choosing his words carefully.

"You said I could save him? How?" I pressed on, unwilling to let him dodge the issue. "I have no idea what you expect me to do. I have no magic powers; I'm a werewolf-a pregnant one at that," I muttered, anxiety creeping into my voice. "If he's dying, can't you save him?" I asked, clearly scared.

thing with you people." Astaroth sighed dramatically. "But

urge to confront Astaroth physically. The weight of uncertainty pressed

a calming hand on Kane's

Swallowing my

is a trick..."

off the

growled, his eyes never

my hand into Kane's, squeezing

whispered, looking up into his troubled

breath, his

"Alright. Let's go."

toward the winding, steep steps leading up to the castle's entrance. "Shall

up at

thank me for getting a few pounds off your

shot through me, but before I

his

clipped Astaroth lightly on the head. "Careful," Adam growled. "I'm looking for any excuse to kill you, and I've acted

surrender. We began the ascent, the stone steps.worn smooth by time yet uneven enough to demand our full attention. The reddish sky cast warm, golden shadows on the fortress

nearly knocked us off balance. We all ducked instinctively, except for

that?" I shouted over the cacophony. Looking up,

forms

rhythm, eyes

watched us.

Adam demanded, getting back to his feet. Without