Kane POV "You insulted the Moon goddess, and there will be consequences for that." Astaraoth announced, making my jaw clench, because I knew he was most likely right. She would have to make an example of us. "I imagine the second Lottie here rejects you," he declared, stepping toward us, as I instinctively stepped back. "The second she is out of the picture, your second-chance mates will suddenly pop up, and you will be powerless to fight that bond.""You dare suggest such a thing?" Knox's voice ripped through the room, with a low and dangerous edge to his tone that made me more than a little nervous. "No one could ever replace her!" he spat, and I felt Charlotte tighten her grip on my chest. I agreed, of course."Personally, I would force you two to watch as Lottie here, found her second chance mate. Fell in love and raised those pups without you." Astaroth announced, setting a fire under the simmering pot of Rage I was trying to control. "There is no one else for me, just Kane and

Kane POV "No!" My girl announced with a firmness that made my heart soar with pride, only for it to sink in the next breath seeing the scumbag approach her, and the turmoil he was putting her through. I couldn't help but smile through the pain, noting how Charlotte's resolve remained unwavering in the face of pure evil. Evil she shouldn't even be in a room with, let alone facing, while I remained pinned like a butterfly to a board by some sick and twisted psychopath. I clenched my jaw as I fought against the malevolent powers that choked me. But it was pointless, despite our earlier triumph. He was too strong- and I was smart enough to know that I needed to preserve my energy for when I got free from his invisible chains. "What's so bad about little old me grinding on your daughter? I am handsome, I am sexy! I am powerful! She will love it!" Astaroth chortled with malice into my mind, his crassness enough to make my blood boil painfully with rage. I knew he was trying to bait me!

Knox POV"That's enough from you!" Astaroth grunted, flicking his wrist in my direction, my body slamming into the wall with such force I felt a trickle of blood seep from my nose. Maybe I wasn't invisible after all, he was just censoring my actions from them. Crafty, but smart!"Knox!" Lottie screamed as she rose to her feet, but Astaroth was quicker stepping in front of her to block her path. "No! He is fine, but we need to have this conversation because time is running out! And I will be damned if I don't get what is owed to me." Astaroth bellowed around the walls of the cathedral, rubble crumbled from the ceiling from the force of his anger.Sucking down my defeat, I watched through pained eyes as he continued his speech, he was definitely comfortable being the centre of attention and enjoyed having all eyes on him."Now.. back to the question. Ask yourself why would I be interested in Havoc's offspring? A wolf that has been hidden? That is as chaotic and ravenous as...""SHUT U

Lottie POV "You are wrong." I heard Knox scream, somehow breaking the dark magic hold that had been his gag. My heart hammered in my chest hearing the desperation in his voice, but as Astaroth's words echoed through the cathedral, each syllable distracted me, striking like a dagger aimed at my soul. Could it be true? Could Knox, the man I loved more than life itself, be tainted by the darkness of his bloodline?"Angel?" Knox choked out in a plea to get my attention, but I couldn't bear to look at him, I couldn't bring myself to meet his gaze as the weight of uncertainty pressed down on me. "It can't be true," I whispered discreetly. My mind raced, trying to make sense of the chaos unravelling before me, but all I could see were fragments of doubt and fear that Astaroth was installing in us."Please, baby girl!""She hates that you call her that. Did you know that?" Astaroth smugly laughed. "Fuck off." Knox barked, but I could hear the pain in his tone, and not just because his th

Kane POVMy body met with the floor with a resounding thud as Astaroth released his magical hold, leaving me battered and bruised but fueled by a seething hatred that burned hotter than any physical pain. Every bone in my body ached, while each muscle screamed in protest, but none of it compared to the fire raging in my chest— A hatred that refused to be extinguished."Brother!" Knox gasped, his face grimacing at me with concern. Did I really look like that bad? "Yes." Rolo announced, making me frown. "But not for long." He added as his healing powers exploded to life inside me, making every nerve-ending buzz with excitement. With his strength and Knox's support, I struggled to my feet, every movement getting easier with each passing second."Thank you, bud." I groaned inwardly as, together, we made our way to where Charlotte stood. My heart raced hearing her argue with the demon. "She is turning into such a little firecracker- I loved it!" I mused to my wolf, his chuckle making me r