Their Secret Obsession (A Reverse Harem) by Pippa Moon

Kane's POV

"Look, mate," I began, trying to keep my frustration in check.

"I'm not your mate," Adam scoffed, his eyes locking onto mine with a fiery intensity. The anger radiating from him was almost palpable.

"You can stay in the room. I don't want to be alone with her," I offered, hoping he'd see reason.

"Like I'd let you. I'm no pushover like Chase," he spat, his gaze piercing through me as if I were nothing more than an annoyance. The disdain in his eyes was clear-he saw me as lower than dirt. I couldn't blame him entirely; I'd hurt his sister, and he was justified in his anger. But I needed someone to give me a chance, and I hoped Adam might be that person. I took a deep breath, trying to shift the conversation.

"I heard what you did to Connie," I stated, attempting to show solidarity. He arched an eyebrow, a sarcastic chuckle escaping his lips.

"My father thinks I should punish you," I added, hoping to convey that I understood his position and perhaps earn a sliver of his trust.

"Bitch deserved it and more," he retorted. "And before you warn me about her being your Luna..." Adam laughed outright, shaking his head.

"I'm not..." I started to say. "And she is not either," I finished, my tone biting.

"Going to warn you?" He asked, raising an eyebrow clearly interested. I smirked lightly, hoping this was the start of a bond.

"Be my Luna," I corrected myself with a heavy sigh. "Adam, I've walked away from her. I want Charlotte."

"Walking away from females seems to be your thing," he shot back, a mocking grin spreading across his face, proving me wrong. I clearly wasn't winning him over any time soon.

"She is more your style, manipulative and a liar." His words hit harder than I'd like to admit. I felt a knot tighten in my stomach. I'd hoped that telling him I'd chosen Charlotte would make a difference, that he'd see I was serious. Instead, he was mocking me, twisting the knife deeper.

"It doesn't make a difference. You're not seeing her," Adam hissed.

My patience snapped. I'd tried reasoning with him, but he was stonewalling me at every turn. Anger boiled over, and without a second thought, I swung at him, aiming straight for his jaw. My fist connected solidly, and a brief surge of satisfaction coursed through me as his head snapped back. He grunted, staggering but quickly regaining his footing.

He lunged at me, and we grappled in the narrow hallway. The space was tight, and our movements were restricted, but I didn't care. All that mattered was getting past him to Charlotte. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed doors opening and curious faces peering out, but they were insignificant. My focus was solely on Adam.

He swung again, but I ducked; however, I miscalculated, and he grabbed my arm, twisting it behind my back. Pain shot up my shoulder, but I gritted my teeth and ignored it.

"Enough!" he hissed into my ear. "You're going to wake her."

"Let me go," I snarled, struggling against his grip. The frustration and desperation were overwhelming. I needed to see her.

"Not until you calm down," he insisted, his tone infuriatingly calm, which only fueled my anger.

Gritting my teeth, I stomped hard on his foot. He released me with a sharp intake of breath. Seizing the moment, I spun around and delivered a swift kick to his side. He winced, pain flashing across his face, but he pushed it aside as if it were nothing. We squared off again, both of us breathing heavily. This was pointless, but neither of us was willing to back down.

"You're acting like a fool," he said coldly, his eyes narrowing.

"Says the man keeping me from my mate," I shot back, my voice dripping with bitterness.

"She deserves better than you," he countered, his words striking a nerve deeper than any physical blow could. A pang of guilt pierced through my anger, but I shoved it aside. Now wasn't the time for doubt.

"That's not for you to decide," I retorted, clenching my fists tighter. "You have no idea what she and I have been through."

"I know enough," he replied tersely. "Enough to protect her from making another mistake."

"You're overstepping, Adam. This isn't your call." Rage flared within me.

"As her brother, it's exactly my call," he said firmly. "I won't let you hurt her again."

"I won't hurt her!" I nearly shouted, my voice echoing down the hallway. "I just want to talk to her."

"Not like this," he said, shaking his head. I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. The desperation was eating at me.

"Please," I implored, the vulnerability in my tone surprising even myself. "I need to see her." He studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable.

"You've had plenty of chances," he finally said. "And each time, you've only caused her pain."

"People can change," I argued, my voice softer now.

"Have you?" he challenged. I hesitated, the weight of his question pressing down on me.

"I'm trying," I admitted softly.

"Not good enough," he replied.

"Fuck this." Without waiting for another rejection, I moved to push past him. Adam leaned back against the doorframe, catching his breath, and I sized the opportunity. I reached for the doorknob and flung the door open.

"Don't!" he warned, but I was already inside. Adam was right behind me, grabbing at my arm to pull me back.

uj

We stumbled into the room, our scufflemomentarily forgotten as we both realised something was wrong.

The bed was empty.

"Charlotte?" I called out, my heart pounding in my chest.

Adam pushed past me, his eyes wide with panic. "She was right here," he muttered, frantically

checking the bed as if she might et

have been hiding under the covers. He rushed to the ensuite bathroom, but moments later emerged looking as pale as a ghost.

"She's not here," he said, his voice laced with fear.

A familiar scent filled the room-a scent that made my blood run cold. Smoky, with an undertone of something dark and sinister.

"Do you smell that?" I asked, my eyes meeting Adam's.

"Anthony," he whispered, dread evident in his tone.

"Anthony," I echoed-Charlotte's father. Our eyes locked, all animosity between us momentarily forgotten. Whatever our differences, we both cared about her, and she was in danger.