Their Secret Obsession (A Reverse Harem)

Lottie POV

Sitting on the sofa, I tried to focus on Chase's words, but they seemed to drift past me like a distant echo. Confusion swirled in my mind like a thick fog. How did I end up downstairs? One moment, I was in bed, and the next, I was in the kitchen with Kane. The memories were hazy and fragmented. Why could I only recall from the moment Chase burst in? None of it made sense.

I felt as if someone was playing a cruel trick on me. For a fleeting moment, I even suspected Chase. But when he scolded me, the raw concern in his eyes told me otherwise. Deep down, I knew what I'd said to him was unfair. He was just trying to protect me. Yet, an overwhelming sense of loneliness pressed down on me, making it hard to breathe. Standing up abruptly, I shook my head.

"You're not helping," I uttered, my voice barely above a whisper. The room felt stifling, and I needed to escape, to clear my head.

"Lottie, wait," Chase pleaded, his eyes reflecting a pain that mirrored my own. "I can't lose you."

I paused, the weight of his words hanging heavily between us. I could hear the sadness trembling in his voice, and for a moment, I considered lashing out to tell him he already had. But I swallowed the bitter words. Despite everything, I loved my brother. Hurting him wouldn't ease my own pain.

"I'll just be in the library," I said softly, trying to steady my voice. "I need some space, Chase. This was my home. I grew up here. No one is going to hurt me. I carry the Alpha's grandbabies-it would be... unthinkable for anyone to try." Although true, the words felt like ash in my mouth; I might carry the twin's pups and his grand pups, but really, what effort had he made to reach out to me? None. Chase studied me for a moment, the conflict evident in his eyes. Finally, he sighed and gave a reluctant nod.

"I'll be here if you need me," he called out as I turned away. I walked down the dimly lit hallway, the familiar creaks of the old floorboards echoing beneath my feet. The house was quiet, the silence only broken by the distant ticking of a grandfather clock. As I passed by a doorway, a cool draft brushed against my skin, causing me to shiver. I paused, glancing toward the slightly ajar door leading to the basement.

"What is that?" I asked the cold night air as an inexplicable pull tugged at me. Something about the darkness beyond the door beckoned, stirring a curiosity I couldn't ignore.

"Keep walking," Sage urged softly in my mind, her voice laced with unease. "There's nothing down there for us."

"But what if there is?" I countered. "I feel... I don't know, compelled."

"Sometimes, things are better left alone," she cautioned nervously. I hesitated, but the faintest sound-a muffled whimper-reached my ears. My heart skipped a beat. Was someone down there? The thought of anyone suffering in silence spurred me into action. Ignoring Sage's protest, I pushed the door open wider. A musty scent wafted up from the depths, tinged with something foul-an undercurrent of decay that made my stomach churn. Carefully, I began my descent, each step creaking underfoot.

The basement was just as I remembered it: a sprawling space with low ceilings and walls lined with old shelves cluttered with forgotten items. Reaching for the light switch, I flicked it on, and fluorescent bulbs flickered to life, casting a stark white glow that banished the shadows.

I scanned the room, but it appeared empty. Just rows of dusty boxes and cobweb-covered furniture. Perhaps my mind was playing tricks on me after all.

Then I heard it again a faint, pitiful whimper, this time more distinct and coming from beyond the far wall.

"Sage, did you hear that?" I whispered.

"We should leave. Now." She was silent for a moment before replying, but I couldn't ignore the pull. Something-or someone was there, and they needed help.

I moved toward the wall; my footsteps hurried yet cautious. Pressing my ear against the cold surface, I strained to listen. Beneath the silence, I detected the faint rhythm of laboured breathing and the soft sound of sobbing. "There must be a hidden door," I murmured.

"Please, we need to leave." Sage

uttered fear lacing her tone. My

fingers traced along the edges of the wall, searching for any irregularities. Frustration bubbled up as I found nothing. Stepping back, I glanced around and noticed an old, rusted shelf hearby. On impulse, I struck it with the side of my fist, and to my surprise, there was a soft-click. A section of the wall slid open with a low groan, revealing a dark passageway beyond. A putrid smell assaulted my senses-stronger now, causing me to gag. Covering my mouth and nose with my sleeve, I hesitated.

"Please, let's not go in there," Sage pleaded. "Something isn't right."

But the sounds of quiet suffering spurred me forward. Summoning my courage, I stepped into the

narrow corridor. The air was thicket

and stale, each breath a struggle. As

I moved I movednovelbin

way to a dim gloweve

ved deeper, the darkness gave

from a

single, flickering bulb hanging from the ceiling.

My eyes widened in horror as the space opened up into a small chamber. Chains dangled from the ceiling, and suspended from them was a figure gaunt and motionless. The person hung limply, wrists bound above their head, feet barely touching the ground. "Dear goddess," I whispered, fear gripping my heart.

I approached cautiously, my

footsteps echoing softly. As I drew nearer, I could make out more

details. The figure was a young male, his clothes torn and dirty, skin pale and bruised. His hair hung in matted clumps around his face, obscuring his features.

A faint stir-a barely perceptible movement. Then, a weak moan escaped his lips. I hurried forward, instinct overriding fear.

"Hello?" I called out gently. "Can you hear me?"

"It's okay, I'm here to help," I assured him. Reaching up, I examined the chains. They were secured with heavy locks, the metal cold and unyielding.

"Sage, what do I do?" I asked frantically as I moved to face the figure.