Their Secret Obsession (A Reverse Harem) by Pippa Moon
Chapter 0304

Chase's POV

"Look, Chase, I get you don't like her. She is a monumental bitch and..." Astaroth's voice trailed off abruptly. His eyes narrowed, knitting together as if he'd just noticed something perplexing. I frowned, confused not only by his sudden silence but by the shift in his demeanour. What could possibly distract him? Tormenting me is his favourite pastime. I watched him closely, searching for any clue.

"Well, that was certainly unexpected," Astaroth muttered, his eyes flashing a deep, unsettling red. He seemed to lose himself in his own thoughts, his expression flickering between anger and excitement. His lips curled into a sneer one moment, then stretched into a grin the next. What the hell is going on with him? Sensing an opportunity, I glanced around the room, hoping to find something-anything-that could help me turn the tables.

My eyes darted to a nearby drawer. Without making a sound, I edged toward it, fingers reaching for the handle. But as soon as I touched it, the entire drawer dissolved into smoke. The realisation hit me like a punch to the gut-this was all a hellish illusion. There was nothing here that could help me. Damn it! Of course he wouldn't make it that easy.

"It seems your sister could find trouble in a paper bag," Astaroth mused, his eyes flicking back to me as the illusionary drawers vanished completely. "A family trait, I assume." He laughed, a chilling sound that echoed around us. With a casual flick of his wrist, I was suddenly yanked off my feet. I flew backward through the illusionary wall, the world warping around me, and crashed onto the crumbling stone floor of an old, decrepit church-the same one from months ago.

Fear erupted in my stomach as memories flooded back: the damp smell of decay, the cold touch of stone, the echoes of past torments. But I forced the fear down. No. Not now. Lottie is in trouble. That thought alone anchored me, pushing the rising panic aside. "So, as I was saying... Connie," Astaroth began again.

"What's happening to Lottie?" I shouted, cutting him off. I didn't give a damn about Connie at this moment. All that mattered was my sister. Why won't he just tell me. He raised an eyebrow, clearly annoyed by my interruption.

"So greedy, young wolf," Astaroth smirked, leaning casually against an altar crafted from skulls and bones. The sight was grotesque, but I refused to show any sign of disgust.

"My sister?" I pressed, struggling against an invisible force that pinned me to the cold stone wall. Every muscle in my body strained, but the magic held firm.

"Pick," Astaroth laughed, his eyes gleaming with malicious delight.

"Pick what?" I demanded, confusion and frustration boiling over. He seemed to be enjoying this game far too much. He sighed dramatically, pushing off the altar and sauntering toward me. His movements were fluid, predatory, like a lion toying with its prey. The dim light cast eerie shadows across his sharp features, accentuating the malevolent glint in his eyes.

"Pick which answer you want, Chase. I can tell you what's happening with Lottie, or I can enlighten you about Connie and your mate bond. You will only get one answer from me. My heart pounded in my chest. Mate bond? With Connie? What the hell is he talking about? But there was no contest.

"It's never a choice. Her..." I spat out, my eyes locked onto his.

"Her?" Astaroth echoed mockingly, tilting his head. He knew damn well who I meant, but he wanted to hear me say it.

"Tell me what is happening with Lottie," I growled, my teeth clenched so hard it hurt. Just then, the sound of my sister's distressed voice filled the air, echoing through the hellish realm.

"Help me! Please!" Lottie's plea tore through me, igniting both fear and rage. Her panic was palpable, each word dripping with terror.

"What's happening?" I demanded, my voice raw. I thrashed against the magic holding me, but it only tightened its grip. Astaroth examined his nails with feigned disinterest, a smug smile playing on his lips.

"This is happening in real time, you know," he mused. "It's a shame you can't get to her."

"TELL ME!" I roared, spit flying from my mouth as I struggled violently. The invisible bonds dug deeper, pain searing through my body. But I didn't care. All that mattered was Lottie.

"Honestly, a turn I was not

expecting. It seems I am not the only one interested in that girl. Although to be fairzmy intentions are purer than those who currently have her," Astaroth said thoughtfully. His words sent a cold spike of

car

straight through me. What could be

worse than him?

"Lottie! Tell me what's happening with Lottie!" I barked, desperation edging my voice. The sound of her sobs echoed again, each one like a dagger to my heart. "Kidnapped, being dragged through the tunnels," he said casually, as if discussing the weather.

"Why?" I gasped. My gaze dropped

to the blood pooling at my feet. I'd

been pulling so hard against the magic that my skin had torn, bones likely fracturing under the strain. The pain was excruciating, but I

Ov

welcomed it-it meant I was still fighting.

"Because she is who she is," Astaroth replied cryptically.

"Let me go," I pleaded, breathless. "You hired me to protect her, and I can't do that from here, now can I?" My words clearly amusing him, given the toxic smirk on his face.

"I'm not sure you can do it at all, to

be honest. I Kired the three of you to keep her safe, to keep her away from the Maddox twins, and yet in the last two days, I've seen exactly how pathetic and useless your all are. So will no longer be needing your services."

"What?" Panic surged through me. "But Lottie..." The thought of leaving her to fend for herself-especially now-was unbearable. I can't fail her again.

"Oh, don't worry," Astaroth waved a dismissive hand. "I have someone on the way to save the day. But understand, young wolf-you had your chance to keep her safe." Fear twisted into something darker-self-loathing. "What do you mean? Who has her?" I demanded, my voice cracking.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" He grinned wickedly.