Chapter 172: Into the Demon’s Lair

Kane POV

"Charlotte..." I whispered but it evidently fell on deaf ears as I watched my mate leave, a sense of dread churned in my gut. She was agreeing to my plan, a plan I had thought was foolproof. But Charlotte had laid a compelling case at my feet, making me doubt everything. As the door closed behind her, I met Knox's icy blue hues.

"Brother?" I asked, seeing him look utterly overwhelmed and hurt., although I got it. Not only had he just learned that he had a wolf all along and that our parents had lied to him, but he was also facing the possibility of losing Charlotte, his mate. The misery rippling through him was palpable, a physical force that hit me like a punch to the gut.

I stepped forward, closing the distance between us, and wrapped my arms around him, ignoring the way he fought to push me off. He needed me whether he knew it or not. Knox was usually taller and more imposing than me, but now, he felt small and fragile in my embrace. It seemed impossible, given his size and strength, but in this moment, he was vulnerable, and I needed to be the strong one.

"I've got you, brother," I whispered, my voice thick with emotion. "We'll get through this." Knox's body shuddered as he let out a breath he had been holding, leaning into my embrace. I could feel the weight of his emotions pressing against me, his anger, his confusion, and his deep, aching pain. He had always been the rock, the one I relied on, but now it was my turn to be his anchor.

"I can't believe they lied to me, Kane," Knox murmured, his voice muffled against my shoulder. "All this time, I thought I was... different. Broken."

"You're not broken, Knox," I reassured him, tightening my grip. "You're strong. And we're going to figure this out. All of it. she might be lying" I added with a hopeful edge to my voice, one I did not feel deep down.

"But Lottie... what if we lose her?" He asked as he pulled back slightly, just enough to look me in the eyes. I shook my head, determination hardening my resolve.

"We won't let that happen. She's our mate, Knox. We'll fight for her, for our family. No matter what." I explain, with resolve, I truly felt sitting in my gut

Knox nodded, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes.

"You're right. We have to stay strong. For her. For us." As we stood there, a united front against the storm of uncertainty, I felt a surge of fierce protectiveness. We had faced countless challenges together, but this was different. This was personal, a battle for the very essence of who we were and what we stood for.

"Let's go find Charlotte," I said, my voice steady. "We need to talk to her, to figure out our next steps. Together."

"Together," he echoed, his voice stronger now as he took a deep breath, drawing strength from our bond. Quickly throwing some of Knox's clothes on, I gave myself a once over in the mirror and sighed realising that over the last four to five days my life had been so chaotic I had barely had the chance to shower, shave and give myself the TLC My reflection showed I seriously needed.

"That's my favourite shirt." Knox whined like a child as he came out of the bathroom dressed in a pair of loose shorts and a vest. Looking every bit the model he always did. It irritated me that I had to go to such lengths to look good when that bastard could rock up in a garbage bag and look sexy as fuck, and have all the damn girls fall over him.

"I know." I announced smugly smoothing the shirt out. "But you have to admit, brother... It looks better on me." I teased as I walked down to Charlotte's room.

"Prick." Knox yelled playfully as I pushed her door open, not bothering to knock.

"Hey." Charlotte called as she sat up from the bed, dressed in yoga pants and a t-shirt. Like Knox, she had the gift to look stunning in anything. Nodding to her with a gentle smile I felt my heart sink seeing the red tinges to her eyes, the wetness on her lashes and the firm pull of her lips. She was fighting back tears.

"Princess," I breathed as I stepped forward, but she recoiled away.

"No, let's get this over with. I can't handle the waiting. It's breaking my heart." She gushed as she closed her eyes tight.

"Ours too." Knox whispered, but any other response was cut off as we watched Charlotte summon Astaroth, her determination unwavering. The air around us crackled with dark energy as the demon appeared, his presence commanding and malevolent. With a wave of his hand, we were whisked away, transported through a swirling vortex of shadows and whispers.

When the world solidified around us, we stood once more in the eerie cathedral from earlier. The blood-red moon cast everything in an ominous shade, bathing the ancient stone and flickering candles in crimson light. Astaroth lounged atop the altar, his gaze sweeping over the three of us with an unsettling mixture of amusement and curiosity.

"So, we have made up our minds?" Astaroth asked, his eyes lingering on each of us in turn. His fingers absently fussed with the ears of a massive black dog at his side. "Oh, ignore Fluffy," he said with a grin. "He’s a hellhound."

Charlotte stepped forward, her eyes blazing with resolve. "Yes, we’ve made up our minds."

I couldn’t help but glance warily at the hellhound. Its eyes glowed with an otherworldly fire, and its presence added an extra layer of menace to the already oppressive atmosphere. I stood beside Knox, feeling the tension radiate from him as he kept his eyes locked on the hellhound.

"And what conclusion have you reached?" Astaroth's voice was smooth, almost mocking. "Do tell."

"We're willing to consider your offer," Charlotte said firmly, her voice echoing in the vastness of the cathedral. "But there are conditions."

"Conditions? Oh, this should be interesting." Astaroth arched an eyebrow, his grin widening.

"You will not harm Kane or Knox and will ensure no harm befalls them or anyone I care about. And we will not be violent towards you in return. This truce is non-negotiable." Charlotte didn't waver. Astaroth chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that sent chills down my spine.

"Very well. And the rest.." He asked with a sly smile.

"I am aware of the deal Kane has put to you." she blurted out, a look of surprise crossing the demon's face quickly as he eyed me but as quickly as it appeared it was gone.

"I see." He laughed dismissing her upset with a flick of his wrist. "What if I can make it easier on everyone.." He asked casually, returning to fuss the large beast.

"How?" I demanded stepping closer, my hand landing on Knox and Charlotte's side, unifying us as one.

"So to all it needs to seem that Knox and Kane here have a new mate.. Connie, I believe... one they have betrayed you with, correct?" He asked, arching a brow as he continued to fondle the beast's ears. Charlotte, not one to be deterred, nodded.

"The girl you have in mind, Kane.. you choose her because..."

"Because she is already jealous of Charlotte, she wants Knox and I for herself and will be gullible enough to believe anything if it involves her getting her way." I declared truthfully.

"So you have no interest in... naked wrestling... so to speak?" Astaroth asked, his eyes landing on me and only me.

"No." I replied coldly.

"Nor me, I would rather snap my dick off and eat it." Knox grunted firmly, his eyes flashing to our mates to reassure her, but she lowered her eyes, pain etched on her face.

"Sounds deliciously darling, but I have a better suggestion. If you can get Connie, alone in your room. I can see to it that she falls into a drunken consciousness."

"And that is helpful how?" Charlotte barked, growing irritated quickly.

"Well, then you appear dear Charlotte with some witnesses in tow and Bob's your uncle, Fanny's your aunt. I cast an illusion that mimics your mates here in bed with the little gold digger." Astaroth shrugged. "Jobs a gooden."

"So they wouldn't actually have to.." Charlotte asked, holding her breath.

"Hades no! It would be a shame to sacrifice such a jewel, right Knox?" Astaroth winked at Knox before nodding to me.