Their Secret Obsession (A Reverse Harem) by Pippa Moon novel Chapter 284

Connie POV

I stood in the dimly lit hallway, trying to steady my racing heart. The confrontation with Kane earlier had left me shaken. His cold dismissal replayed in my mind, each word cutting deeper than the last. How dare he treat me like that? After everything I'd done to be the perfect mate, to fit into this pack, to make a place for myself as his Luna.

And then to see her—Lottie—waltzing back into my home as if she owned the place—the audacity. Jealousy coiled tight in my chest, mingling with anger and a simmering instability I could no longer ignore. I needed reassurance, validation—something to anchor me before I spiralled further.

If Kane wouldn't give it to me, then I hoped that perhaps Knox would.

But as I made my way toward Knox's room, wrapped in my most alluring lingerie—a sheer, black ensemble that clung to my curves—I found my path blocked. Chase sat casually outside the door, legs crossed, head resting on his knees. His presence caught me off guard. He'd never paid me much attention before, always distant, almost indifferent. Yet here he was, offering kindness when I least expected it.

"Why are you being so nice to me?" I blurted out, unable to mask the mix of confusion and intrigue in my voice. My nerves tingled, and not just from the unexpected compassion. There was something undeniably attractive about Chase—the sharp angles of his jaw, the intensity in his eyes. The fact that he was Lottie's brother added a tantalising edge. Ruffling a few feathers might be just what I needed.

"And no BS," I spat as he met my gaze steadily. As he met my gaze steadily, a swarm of butterflies erupted in my stomach, catching me off guard. Why was I reacting this way? This was Chase—the aloof, indifferent Chase. Yet, under his intense stare, I felt a warmth spreading through me, both unsettling and thrilling. Confusion twisted within me; I shouldn't be feeling this drawn to him, but I couldn't deny the magnetic pull.

"Because everyone deserves kindness, even on their worst days," he replied, his tone genuine. His lopsided smile made my stomach flutter, and I felt a blush creep up my neck.

"Ha, whatever," I scoffed lightly, trying to regain my composure. But the way his eyes held mine made my thoughts scatter like leaves in the wind. Heat rose to my cheeks, and I was acutely aware of every inch of space between us—or lack thereof. The intensity of his stare was both flustering and intoxicating, making it hard to remember why I'd come here in the first place. For a moment, all the anger and jealousy faded, replaced by a thrilling sensation that made my heart race.

"Lottie," I stammered, the words feeling clumsy on my tongue. Shouldn't he be despising me? After all, I was the unwanted third wheel threatening his sister's happiness.

"Is your sister," I added as if he needed that clarification. A laugh left his lips as he raised an eyebrow. He raised an eyebrow, a soft laugh escaping his lips.

"Stepsister," he corrected with a playful smirk. The subtle tease in his voice sent a shiver down my spine. Was he flirting with me? The thought both excited and unsettled me. I found myself wanting to make him laugh again, to keep that light in his eyes directed at me.