Their Secret Obsession (A Reverse Harem) by Pippa Moon novel Chapter 328

Lottie POV

Adam's confession and insight had touched me deeply, I appreciated his vulnerability and honesty but the fact was, I had already gambled so much on the lives of the people I loved, was I ready to do it again.

"But I can't trust him," I admitted after a moment, biting my lip to stop the tears.

"Can you afford not to?" Adam asked, his face twisted with guilt for suggesting such a thing.

"Kane?" I looked at my mate as he sat beside my feet on the floor, lost in some kind of spiral of his own.

"If I have learned anything, princess, it's that you can take care of yourself, and your gut is always right. I'm behind you whatever you decide," he finally answered, meeting my eyes with conviction.

"I will have Knox meet us there..." Astaroth added as a bargaining chip, no doubt. I could feel the slight tremor in Kane's body, and I worried that Astaroth's blood was affecting him.

"Are you okay?" I whispered to him. His eyes met mine, filled with determination, but I couldn't shake the unease creeping in.

What was he not telling me?

Closing my eyes, I tried to shut out my fears, counting to ten as the sound of the room caving in grew louder. Dust filled the air, making it hard to breathe.

"Fine," I snapped, opening my eyes. "But I need Knox and my brothers with me! And if this is another one of your tricks, Astaroth, I swear—"

"No tricks," he interrupted, a hint of desperation in his voice. "Knox and your siblings are already waiting for you." He nodded. "Time is of the essence."

"If you had led with that, maybe we could have saved this bullshit," I snapped angrily.

"Let's go," I agreed reluctantly, casting a concerned glance at Nera. She was on her feet, though still a bit unsteady.

We moved toward the portal, its swirling energy seeming more ominous than ever. Astaroth led the way, his steps hurried. Black blood still seeped from his wound, leaving a trail of sizzling drops behind him. Each drop made me flinch, worried about its proximity to Kane and Nera.

"Stay close," I told Adam and Kane. I hesitated for a moment, then reached out to touch Kane's naked flesh. The burning sensation was still there, but less intense. Maybe the effects were wearing off?

"Or perhaps it is wishful thinking," Sage muttered, finally piping up.

As we approached the portal, the ground gave a violent shudder. A massive crack split the floor between us and the gateway.

"Jump!" Astaroth yelled, leaping effortlessly across the gap.

"Go!" I urged Adam. He nodded, taking a running start and clearing the distance.

I turned to Kane. "Your turn," I voiced. He backed up slightly before bounding over the chasm with ease.

Just as I prepared to jump, a sharp pain shot through my abdomen. I gasped, doubling over. Panic surged through me—the twins! What if something was wrong?

"Charlotte!" Kane shouted, reaching out a hand. His eyes were wide with fear, his arm stretching toward me desperately.

"I'm okay," I managed, straightening up, but the pain rippled through me again, sharper this time.