Their Secret Obsession (A Reverse Harem)

Kane POV

The dusty landscape stretched endlessly before us, a barren expanse bathed in the reddish glow of an otherworldly sky. The air was thick with the scent of sand and stone, and the atmosphere carried a sense of isolation that weighed heavy on my shoulders. In the distance, perched atop a towering cliffside overlooking a restless sea, a grand, fortress-like castle came into view. It's dark stone walls rose high, imposing and formidable, with battlements and spiked extensions lining the tops of its structures. The architecture was rugged, highlighting both strength and age, and it appeared well-defended, with guards stationed at the entrance of the winding, steep path leading up to its towering walls.

The castle seemed to watch over the expansive sandy landscape that stretched to the horizon. The reddish sky cast warm, golden shadows on the fortress walls, emphasising its rugged, defensive design against the arid environment. The sea below churned restlessly, it's dark waters contrasting with the desert-like conditions above. The dramatic ambience made the setting feel even more isolated and formidable.

Astaroth trailed at the back of our group, his presence a constant reminder of our uneasy alliance. Beside me, Lottie walked with determined strides, her eyes fixed on the looming fortress. I rested my hand gently on the nape of her back, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath my fingertips. The simple touch filled me with immeasurable joy. Having her by my side again was everything I needed, though worry for Knox gnawed at the edges of my thoughts.

"Do you remember everything?" I asked, glancing down at her. Her cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and she bit her lower lip-a gesture that never failed to captivate me. I could watch her do that forever and never tire of it.

She didn't answer immediately, and I gently lifted her chin, coaxing her to meet my gaze. Her eyes sparkled with a hint of mischief. Instead of replying, she leaned up to whisper in my ear. Being taller than her, I bent down, inhaling her familiar scent-a blend of wildflowers and something uniquely hers that overwhelmed me with love.

"I remember last night..." she whispered softly.

A smirk tugged at the corners of my lips. "What do you remember?" I teased, our faces mere inches apart.

"I remember how many times you made me..." she trailed off, her eyes dancing with playful insinuation.

"Guys! I have supernatural hearing, you know that, right?" Adam's exasperated voice cut through our moment. Astaroth chuckled behind us, clearly amused.

"Sorry, bro," Lottie laughed, glancing sheepishly at the ground. I sensed her excitement at using the term "bro." Remembering how we both once longed for family, I was thrilled for her to have not one but three amazing brothers.noveldrama

I looked back over my shoulder at Astaroth, who walked beside Adam. Adam was deliberately ignoring him, his eyes scanning the desolate landscape for any sign of danger or a safe exit. The reddish hue of the sky intensified the fortress's imposing presence, casting dramatic shadows that accentuated its mighty design. When Adam's eyes met mine, I offered an apologetic nod. A silent message passed between us: *I've got this; keep an eye on our girl.* He gave a slight nod in return, his expression softening just enough to show he understood.

Turning back to Lottie, I noticed her gaze drifting over me-not my face, but my still-unclothed form. Her cheeks deepened in colour when she realised she'd been caught, and I felt a thrill at the appreciation in her eyes. I'd missed those beautiful eyes on me, the way they made me feel seen and desired.

"Like what you see?" I grinned, running a hand over my torso.

"Maybe," she teased, biting her lip again, a coy smile playing on her lips.

"Seriously! Wolves and their mate bond," Astaroth groaned from behind us. A sharp snap echoed around us, and suddenly I felt fabric enveloping me. I glanced down to find myself dressed in a smart suit and waistcoat, the material tight and restricting. The air wasn't hot or cold, but being encased in a full suit was far from comfortable in this place.

"What the hell?" I muttered, tugging at the stiff collar. Looking over at Adam, I saw he was now clad in sweatpants and a t-shirt.

"What the-why do I get this and he gets that?" I protested.

"I thought you'd appreciate some clothes," Astaroth's eyes danced with amusement.

"I like my birthday suit, thank you very much!" I muttered, trying not to pout.

"No, I like a man in a sexy suit!" Lottie taunted, giving my backside a playful smack. A jolt of pleasure shot through me at her touch.

"Well, I know that, Princess," I teased

back, leaning down to press a kiss against her temple. She leaned inte me, and memories of our time together flooded back-our stolen moments, laughter shared, the way she fit perfectly against me.

"Gross," Astaroth moaned dramatically. Without bothering to turn around, I lifted a hand and flipped him off.

"Stay out of my head, demon," I uttered, feeling the unwelcome sensation of him probing my thoughts.

"Hard not to when your thoughts are so loud," he chuckled.

"How much longer till we get to Knox?" Lottie asked, a note of worry evident in her voice.

"Soon, I think," Astaroth replied casually.

"Think?" She spun around to face him, her eyes narrowing with frustration. "You think?"

"I tried to bring them here." He shrugged nonchalantly. "They should be inside," he explained, nodding toward the winding, steep steps leading up to the castle's entrance.

A knot of unease tightened in my

stomach. What did he mean, he

"tried"? Doubt seeped into my thoughts What if Astaroth was lying? What if Knox wasn't here at all? The possibility that we might not be reunited ate at me. Desperate for réassurance, I reached out through the mindlink to Knox.

"Knox? Can you hear me?" I projected, straining to sense even the faintest connection. Instead, I was met with a wall-an icy barrier that sent a shiver down my spine. It was as if my thoughts were hitting solid ice, cold and unyielding.