Chapter 193: Hidden Grief And Regrets
Seeing his mate in tears brought a whole new level of pain to Rhett’s heart. And knowing that he might’ve been the cause of it, made it even more jarring.
They couldn’t go on like this. She needed to learn how to confide in him, and he in her. So he’d decided there and then to discuss things with her. A way forward.
He rushed to her side, embracing her gently. He felt her body tremble with sobs, but soon she began catching her breath. The mate bond allowed him to feel her relaxing under his hold. The feeling of having her under his protection was soothing, to say the least.
"Isleen..." He called softly, raising her chin with his fingers so her gaze could meet his. "You don’t have to face any of this alone. You don’t have to live with the pain of Liam’s loss alone. Blood-sucking vampire or not, he meant a lot to you. He was a son to you. You’re allowed to grieve, but what you’re not allowed to do is bury all that hurt and guilt inside you, pretending like it doesn’t exist. Especially when you have me."
After they mated, he felt a stronger pull towards Isleen. Which was why it hurt him that she avoided him without a reliable explanation after the experience.
Isleen finally heaved a sigh, amidst sniffles. "It’s so hard, Rhett. It feels like I’m slowly losing everyone I hold dear. I can’t help fearing who might be next after Liam’s disappearance, especially now that we know he might come after any of them next. I feel so helpless."
He bit his lips, trying hard to suppress his rage. That blood-sucking bastard had emotionally manipulated her for so long! He wished he’d acted on his suspicions sooner, to apprehend him as soon as he noticed something off.
But he couldn’t help wondering if there was more Isleen wasn’t telling him about.
"Is that why... why you decided you didn’t want to see me again?" He asked, silently cursing himself for how vulnerable he felt.