Mated To My Boyfriend's Dad

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.

But being vulnerable, especially around his mate, had started becoming a natural thing. She was his safe space. He tried doing everything in his power to ensure no harm fell on her. To ensure she was protected. But time and time again, he felt like he’d failed her. Just like he’d failed Kylo since the day he was born.

Isleen sniffled again, shaking her head. "No. And I didn’t ’decide’ that I didn’t want to see you again. I... I just felt like I’d pushed myself on you and did something I wasn’t supposed to. I regret my actions with you this morning, and I’m sorry."

Rhett shut his eyes, taking in a deep breath. But soon, he opened his eyes, revealing a bright smile. He placed his hands on her face, lifting it slowly until he could peer into her eyes again.

Those watery eyes. Those eyes made him feel like he was peering into another part of his soul.

But then, his gaze wandered her face until they landed on her lips.

"Silly Omega." He chuckled softly, saying those words with such affection that would make the strongest wills crumble. "You don’t have to be sorry about anything. I understand you perfectly. All I ask is that you let me in. Let me feel your pain. Let me take it on myself. Let your pain be mine to bear too. I am your mate, and that’s what I’m meant for, so let me fulfill my duties to you."

He felt his heart dance when Isleen’s smile brightened as she nodded her understanding, her gaze etched with a warmth that he’d been eagerly seeking all day.

And then, not being able to hold back anymore, Rhett kissed her. Their lips collided, as his insides burned at the taste of hers. They tasted salty, from her tears that’d flowed onto them freely. But they also tasted like strawberries, probably due to the lipgloss she wore.

Soon, the kiss became even more fiery, their passion a fan of its rising flames. Their tongues soon started exploring each other’s mouths, searching, longing, colliding...

He didn’t know when his arms drew Isleen closer until she clung tightly to his chest. Their lips were still interlocked in a kiss, which seemed to be never-ending, just like their desire for each other. His hands roamed her body, exploring it like a work of art.

It was a work of art. One that the Moon Goddess had blessed him with. He didn’t deserve a mate like Isleen. She was one in a million. Her kind heart was one In a million.

A soft moan escaped her lips, as the urgency of their kiss increased. Now, it was Isleen’s turn to work her hand around Rhett’s body. First, landing on his firm chest, which fell and rose with his breathing. Then, it traveled to his strong shoulders, feeling his muscles as her other hand grabbed a handful of his hair, causing him to groan.

They had to stop. If they continued, if this went on for much longer, he wouldn’t hesitate to have it right here and now, even though Cullen was still downstairs. Gosh, he hadn’t realized how annoying the young wolf could be till after the investigation.

Pulling away gently from the kiss, Rhett also gently shoved her away from his body.

"Not now, little Omega." He whispered to her when she gave him a questioning gaze. She couldn’t admit it, but she also needed a break.

So, Isleen could only smile, nodding her understanding before she purred. "Whenever and wherever, my Gamma. I’ll be waiting."

And with that, he got up. His gaze still lingered on Isleen, his smile never leaving his face.

Was he smiling after everything he’d seen today? Yes. And it was all because of his mate.

This courageous young woman only seemed to intrigue him more every day.

The two stared into each other’s eyes, a silent promise within them. They’d revisit the fire that’d been lit today, another time. For now, Rhett had to return to the preparations for the camp for the enlisted soldiers, while also leaving Isleen to grieve properly.

And with that, he turned away, leaving her to face his other duty. His duty as Gamma.