The Bastard (Darling #2) [complete]

Chapter Twenty-Four

H E  W A S N ' T quite certain of how long he'd been back in the chair he claimed beside his bed, while an unmoving Louelle still laid under the sheets. One thing for certain, however, was how agonizingly slow time seemed to slip by. His bath had helped relieve some tension, relaxing his muscles and washing away a lot of fear he felt; just as Maryann suggested it would. But upon returning to his bedroom, it all crashed down upon him again like a large tidal wave. When it came back, all of his feelings doubled to the point where he could feel every ounce of pain, heartbreak, and absolute fury pounding against his bones - begging to be released.

Pleading for his vengeance.

Never before had Thatcher ever felt so angry. He felt anger when he found out about the arranged marriage with Maryann. He felt anger when Louelle lied about the child they conceived being someone else's. Thatcher felt anger before, just not as intensely as he was at that moment - clutching Louelle's hand, unsure of when she'd wake, and curious of who had done the unspeakable act to her and their unborn kin. He then understood how his father felt when he acted upon his murderous rage.

Because Thatcher was about to.

He wanted to end whoever had done it, but not before they felt the same pain he felt - that Louelle felt when she was so hopelessly defenseless.

"I will find whoever had done this to you and our child," he promised her, his tone thick with every emotion he felt. "I will search through hell and high water to ensure they suffer just as we have - just as you have."

With a shaky hand due to the adrenaline coursing through his veins, he placed a hand overtop of her then empty belly. His heart lurched with heartbreak. Just a day before, he had fallen asleep with his ear pressed against it, hoping to hear some sort of noise, although it was rather early to hear any heartbeat. There was not too quiet of a heartbeat in there any longer.

He hung his head ashamedly. "I am so sorry that I was unable to protect you as I promised. When you wake, I will understand if you do not wish to be with me any longer because of it." Tears were freely falling down his cheeks. They were involuntary, but he knew it was needed to clear himself for more emotions to invade his mind.

As he placed a kiss on her empty stomach, a hesitant knock sounded at his bedroom door. The visitor didn't care for hearing him grant entrance, as they had done so anyway.

Dane quietly shut the door behind him as it was before he permitted himself to enter. It was the first time he'd come to visit Louelle and Thatcher, guilt keeping him away from doing so. It was his fault entirely, and he knew it. When he informed the king of Louelle's pregnancy, he didn't expect him to be so cruel. Although, he should have, given that was what the king was most known for - cruelty.

How could he have been so careless? He took the queen's advice and told his father of everything, knowing very well which direction it could've gone. He was hesitant to do so because he was aware of how things would have panned out if and when he did. He should have trusted his instincts, he gathered. He should have known that she was unsafe, especially after unveiling such a deep, dark secret he promised to always keep.