Their Secret Obsession (A Reverse Harem) by Pippa Moon novel Chapter 303

Lottie's POV

(Ten Minutes Earlier)

I stirred to the sound of creaking just outside the room. My eyelids felt heavy, weighed down by sheer exhaustion. I tried to ignore it, pulling the quilt tighter around me. My body ached in places I didn't know could hurt, a dull throb that echoed the turmoil in my mind. All I wanted was to eat something warm, sink back into this bed, and let sleep claim me until it was time to leave this place behind.

But the creaking persisted, followed by the murmur of raised voices. I sighed, tossing the quilt aside. So much for a peaceful night's rest. Swinging my legs over the side of the bed, I stood up slowly, every muscle protesting.

"Seriously? Can't a girl get some sleep around here?" Annoyance bubbled up, but beneath it was a flicker of curiosity.

Padding softly across the room, I approached the door. Pressing my ear against the cool wood, I strained to make out the conversation. Adam's voice came through, stern and edged with irritation. He sounded... rude, even for him. Someone was insisting on seeing me. I rolled my eyes, assuming it was Laura or another overzealous pack member unable to respect boundaries.

Then I heard another voice—a voice that made my heart skip a beat. Kane.

My breath hitched as a rush of emotions surged through me. Confusion. Anticipation. A glimmer of... hope?

"Why is Kane here?" I closed my eyes, trying to piece together fragmented memories that danced just out of reach.

Suddenly, images flooded my mind: a secret deal whispered in hushed tones, a stolen moment with Kane in the kitchen—the warmth of his gaze, the brush of his hand against mine.

"Wait, did that really happen?" Anger and hurt swirled within me.

"Why can't I remember clearly? Am I losing my mind?" But amid the frustration, there was relief. Relief that these memories, however fleeting, meant I wasn't going crazy. Something was happening—something real. A small sob escaped my lips as the memories began to fade, slipping through my fingers like sand.

"No, no, no... please," I whispered desperately, pressing my palms against my temples as if I could physically hold onto them. The creaking behind me barely registered as I grappled with the vanishing images.

"I need answers. I need to see him." Determined, I reached for the door handle, my fingers trembling.

But before I could turn the knob, a cloth was abruptly clamped over my mouth from behind. A strong arm wrapped around my waist, pulling me back with swift force. Panic shot through me like ice. I tried to scream but found no sound would come—my voice had vanished, stolen by some potion infused into the cloth.