Their Secret Obsession (A Reverse Harem) by Pippa Moon

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.

"Trust is such a fragile thing with you people." Astaroth sighed dramatically. "But you will have to trust me."

Kane's fists clenched at his sides; I could sense his urge to confront Astaroth physically. The weight of uncertainty pressed heavily on both of us. If anything happened to Knox, I didn't know how we would cope.

"Let's keep moving," Adam suggested firmly, placing a calming hand on Kane's shoulder. "Standing here won't help."

He was right. Swallowing my fear, I nodded.

"Fine. But if this is a trick..." Kane began.

Astaroth shrugged nonchalantly. "You'll do what? Throw me off the cliff?" He chuckled softly. "I'd like to see you try."

"Don't tempt me," Kane growled, his eyes never leaving Astaroth.

I slipped my hand into Kane's, squeezing gently.

"We'll find him," I whispered, looking up into his troubled eyes.

He took a deep breath, his gaze softening as it met mine.

"Alright. Let's go."

Astaroth gestured toward the winding, steep steps leading up to the castle's entrance. "Shall we get moving?"

"You know I'm pregnant, right?" I gazed up at the daunting climb ahead and sighed.

"Yes, and you'll thank me for getting a few pounds off your waistline," he muttered.

A flash of irritation shot through me, but before I could retort, Kane turned sharply toward Astaroth.

"Watch it," he warned, his voice low and dangerous.

Before anything else could happen, Adam stepped forward and clipped Astaroth lightly on the head. "Careful," Adam growled. "I'm looking for any excuse to kill you, and I've acted on less."

"Fine, fine. No need to get physical." Astaroth raised his hands in mock 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 walls, emphasising their rugged design. Guards stood at the path's entrance, their eyes following our every move with unsettling intensity.

Halfway up, a deafening roar tore through the air, followed by a gust of wind that nearly knocked us off balance. We all ducked instinctively, except for Astaroth, who remained unmoved. en FindNovel

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

winged creatures circling above us-their dark forms silhouetted against the swirling sky. Their wings

beat with an ominous rhythm, eyes glowing like embers as they

watched us.

"Where are we?" Adam demanded, getting back to his feet. Without warning, he lunged at Astaroth, gripping him by the collar.

"What have you gotten us into?" he snarled, pushing Astaroth toward the edge where a sheer drop awaited, the expansive sandy landscape and restless sea far below.

"Adam, don't!" I cried out, fear gripping me at the thought of provoking those creatures-or worse.

"You know that won't kill me." Astaroth merely smirked.

"Maybe not, but it'll make me feel a whole lot better," Adam retorted, his knuckles whitening as he tightened his grip.

"Answer the question," Kane demanded, stepping closer to them.

"We're in a realm that borders between your world and others. A necessary detour to reunite you with your friend." Astaroth sighed dramatically.

"That's not good enough," I snapped, pointing upward. "Those things are they dangerous?"

"Only if provoked," Astaroth replied calmly. "Which, given your current display, might be sooner rather than later."

"Why should we trust you?" Kane asked sceptically.

"Because, despite appearances, our goals are aligned for now." He met our gazes steadily.

"This better not be a trap," Adam said, releasing him with a shove.

"Wouldn't dream of it," Astaroth mumbled with a mocking bow.