Their Secret Obsession (A Reverse Harem)

Lottie's POV

"Surely, the more I know about myself, the more I can protect myself. Then you can stay in hell and torture those poor souls for shits and giggles," I snorted while eyeing the ceiling as dust trickled down behind Astaroth.

"Now is not the time..." He continued to preach the same nonsense he had been for the last ten minutes. Rolo nudged my hand gently, his eyes meeting mine. A soothing warmth spread from his touch, momentarily dulling the sting. His silent support bolstered my resolve. However,

"Not now, mutt," Astaroth barked as he stepped closer, eyeing Rolo and me with amusement as if the threat of him was nothing. I fought the urge to tell Rolo to remind this demon who was the top dog here.

"He can do whatever he wants," I seethed. "And perhaps you should remember the reason you are bleeding all over the fucking floor and those I love." I warned, running my fingers through Rolo's fur. Each touch reminded me of the demonic blood, but I refused to pull away-to prove a point. The tingling sensation from his fur was unsettling, but I held firm.

"Perhaps you're more ready than I thought." A glint of approval flashed in his eyes. "And I'm not saying you are not ready to hear this; I'm saying it is a burden you might not want to bear here..." He nodded toward my stomach with compassion-filled eyes. Rolo snarled, clearly unimpressed with the exchange. I could feel his impatience vibrating through him; his muscles coiled like springs ready to launch. I glanced down, confusion swirling as I followed Astaroth's gaze to my stomach. What was he implying?

"Why should I believe anything you say?" I demanded. "You've been manipulating me from the start."

"Because," he said slowly, "we share a common enemy."

"What are you talking about?" I frowned, confusion knotting my brow.

Before he could answer, a figure emerged from the tunnel entrance-Adam, his face streaked with dirt and eyes wide with urgency.

"Charlotte!" he called out, relief evident in his voice.

"Adam!" I exclaimed, my heart leaping. I wanted to run to him, but Astaroth's presence and the collapsing chamber held me back. Nera continued to stir at my feet, lifting her head to observe the newcomer. Her eyes were alert but weary. "We don't have time for reunions," Astaroth snapped, his expression darkening. Black blood continued to drip from his wound, each drop hissing as it met the ground. The acidic blood pooled dangerously close to Rolo's paws.

"Stay back!" I warned Adam, raising a hand. The floor shook under us, the motion stirring Nera further. She growled softly, uncertain of Adam. The last thing I needed was for her to perceive him as a threat. "What's going on?" Adam demanded, eyeing Astaroth warily.

"Astaroth was just about to explain," I said, narrowing my eyes at the demon. Astaroth clenched his jaw, finally realising I wasn't going with him without answers.

"Your mate is in grave danger," he expressed, gesturing to Adam, who looked sheepishly at the floor before he nodded to Rolo, who, with a shimmer, shifted back into Kane. "As are you."

"I'm not the one threatening her," Kane scoffed dryly.

Astaroth ignored him, focusing on me. "Charlotte, the forces aligning against you are more powerful than you can imagine. If you come with me, I can help you prepare."

"How are my mates in danger?" I asked, my eyes almost as wild as Nera's as she slowly lifted herself.

"Sis, can you step away from that..." Adam began, but I shook my head, cutting my brother off. The fact he had chosen this moment to call me 'sis' was not lost on me.

"She won't hurt me, BRO," I retorted before looking back at Astaroth, who was evidently getting angrier. "I've had enough of your half-truths," I demanded, stamping my foot on the light crack beneath me. "Tell me, Astaroth."noveldrama

"Knox has been stabbed with a blade created in the pits of hell; it is killing him," Astaroth boomed in a warning, finally giving in. My eyes widened as I looked at Kane, who appeared dreadfully pale as he met Astaroth's gaze. "Killing him?" Kane asked, his voice laced with pain.

"Yes. And not even I can save him. You, though, Charlotte, could. If you follow me... I will show you how," he offered, holding his hand out to me again. I looked to Kane, hoping for answers. "He was fighting with Sebastian... and..." Kane's voice trailed off, his eyes filled with guilt.

"I killed Sebastian," I uttered, shaking my head in bewilderment. Memories of that harrowing moment flooded back-the hard decision, the weight of his death on my conscience.

"I will explain it all... just please follow me," Astaroth begged, shaking his outstretched hand. A realisation hit me-Astaroth had something to do with Sebastian's 'death' and possible return.

"Knox is with Chase and Liam,"

Adam offered, his eyes narrowed on

the demon. He's fighting and determined to see you, sis," he admitted, his gaze meeting mine. filled with compassion. Somehow, I knew he understood. Swallowing hard, he stepped closer until his hands cupped my face.

"I have lost a mate, a child, a family," he confessed I felt my breath catch in my throat, realising this was what Liam had hinted at—the pain Adan had endured. "Astaroth is a demon, filth of the earth granted," he added, attempting to lighten the mood from the bomb he had just dropped.

"Hey," Astaroth called out, pretending to be offended.

"But if I had been offered this... opportunity when my family was dying..." His voice caught in his throat. Emotion welled up, and Nera was already on it, winding herself around Adam and nudging his hand beside my face, a gentle whine

escaping her. She liked him.

"Duh." Sage laughed, despite the intense emotions exploding within her from Adam's confession and guidance.

"I would rather take that risk than continue to live without them," he admitted, his voice cracking under the weight of his words. I had so many questions, but I knew now wasn't the time.