by Black, C. E.
"No, it would be alright for a little while, but without the Enduring Kiss, we'll never feel complete."
I looked away. This was hopeless.
"Please Rebecca, come home with me. We will work this out."
I was not convinced of that.
"Listen you won't be a feeder. You will just be my mate coming home to be with me. We can talk and figure this out, alright?"
He was pleading with me and I felt bad, but I wasn't sure yet.
"I don't know Drake. Let me think about it for a while. I need some time."
He shook his head. "I want you come back with us. We leave today," he said.
I sighed heavily. I just didn't know what to do.
"Listen, I'm staying at the Savannah Garden. We are heading out at nine o'clock tonight. If you want to come home with me, be there by then. Okay?"
I reluctantly agree.
"Can I kiss you? If you decide not to come, I want a memory to hold onto."
My heart melted a little at his words. I could not deny him a kiss and besides I didn't want to deny him. I wanted to kiss him with all that I had. In answer, I raised my lips toward his. He met me halfway.
His kiss was like an explosion of fireworks right from the beginning. There was no leading up to the climax. With Drake, it was pure passion from the start.
He nibbled on my lips licking the seam trying to get me to open for him. I did, I opened for him and he plunged his tongue in searching for mine. He groaned when I reciprocated stroking my tongue with his. I grazed the tip of one of his fangs with my tongue, but I did not flinch. I knew he wouldn't bite me. I did trust him with that, I realized.
He reached up cupping my head, holding me to him tightly and I found myself doing the same to him. Our kiss felt like it lasted a lifetime and yet felt too short when it ended.
He pulled back keeping his gaze on mine. It was full of desire and love for me and I wanted to weep at the sight. Would we ever be together again? I asked myself.
"I love you," he said fiercely.
"I love you," I replied with all of my heart.
"I have to go now. I hope you come with me tonight."
Then he was gone and I was waking up to my empty bed and empty heart.
I laid there staring at the ceiling wondering what I was going to do. Having Drake back had felt like a dream come true, but the thought of him being a vampire and what that entailed made me shudder. Everything had become so complicated.
I knew I had a choice to make. I had three options actually. One, I could go with Drake and see what happened. That was the scary choice and I decided to think of another. Two, I could refuse Drake, stay here and try a relationship with Sean. That didn't feel right anymore though. Not just because Sean lied to me, but now I could feel Drake. He was alive and as soon as he was close, my wolf had recognized him. She would never be happy with someone else.
Three, I could refuse Drake, stay here and be alone. I sighed. None of those sounded appealing. My wolf was becoming restless with all the decisions so I decided to go for a run to think things over.
When I reached the woods, I stripped my pajamas off and put them in one of the baskets that were in place for when we went running. I stretch to loosen my tired muscles then started to change. My wolf flowed through me smoothly. I could feel her pleasure at being able to get out.
After another quick stretch in wolf form, I took off. I ran mindlessly at first, weaving through the trees, feeling the wind blow through my blonde fur. It was late afternoon and the sun only peeked through the braches in some spots making the woods dark. The weather was warm though and my wolf senses let me see perfectly in the dark shadows.
I came to a creek and jumped over it, easily landing softly on the other side. I kept going east, wanting to make it to the beach. It was a few miles from where I had started, but it was worth the effort. It was not long before I got there. I slowed down and transformed back into human form before stepping out of the woods.
The beach was deserted except for the sea gulls circling over the water waiting for a meal. I walked toward the water and stared out towards the horizon. The sun was setting behind me making the clouds above the water look purple and pink. Like cotton candy, I thought.
Drake and I used go to the fair every year in Columbia. We always got the cotton candy, feeding each other and kissing the sticky off each other's lips. I smiled at the memory of holding hands as we looked at everything. My favorite part was playing the games. Drake said they were a rip off, but he always indulged me by playing a few. He won at least one teddy bear for me every year.
As I listened to the waves crashing, I wondered if we would ever have times like that again. We were so young, but so happy back then. I had thought I would never have that again, but now that I knew Drake was alive, the possibility was there. Drake being a vampire scared me and things would change considerably, but did I really want to spend the rest of my life without any new memories with him? I asked myself.
I thought of Sean. Just the day before, I was deciding if we should move on together because my mate was never coming back. I had to decide if I was going to move on with my mate or with Sean. I had two second chances to decide on.
My feelings for Sean had not changed really. I was still drawn to him, but now the pull was so much less. My soul was being pulled back in the direction it belonged in.
I knew immediately what I had to do. I changed quickly back into my wolf form and sprinted towards home. I had to find Sean.
Chapter 6
Sitting in the desk's chair, I looked out of the hotel room's window not really seeing anything. It was full dark now and we would be leaving soon. I still had to pack, but I was hoping Rebecca would have come by now. She hadn't yet, but I told myself not to give up. There was time.
"Are you packed?" Stephen called from the door as he came in.
I did not answer. He could see for himself. I was too lost in my own thoughts to pay attention to him as he began telling me to get started. I knew we were leaving soon and I had a feeling I would be leaving without my mate. Hope was slowly fading into hopelessness. I didn't know how I was going to live on without her.
I was also pissed to know Logan had been feeding on her that whole time I was imprisoned. Did he treat her as he did me? I asked myself. Oh God! I didn't want to think about her going through that.
"Did you know?" I choked on the words. My throat felt tight with emotion.
Stephen stopped whatever he was saying and asked, "Know what?"
"Did you know she was forced to feed Logan?"
Stephen's silence made me look at him. His guilt showed and I narrowed my eyes.
"Yes, I knew. If the guards that were locked up had mates or lovers, he took them. He threatened them into feeding them. You knew that"
"Why didn't you stop him?" I shouted.
"Drake that time was so hard to get through. We were all just trying to survive. Yes, I feel guilty for not doing something, but at the time there was nothing I could do."
He pleaded with me to understand. I did not want to understand right then. I wanted to be angry with someone. Logan was dead so Stephen would have to do.
"Why didn't you tell me? All this time, I thought she left me on purpose. Why didn't you tell me she thought I was dead?"
"I honestly did not know she thought that. There was a time we all thought you were dead. I wasn't one of the guards that were chosen to stay with the Master. We didn't really know much of what was going on until Logan was dead and they released you. By then she was gone." He shook his head. "I'm sorry."
"I thought she was safe Stephen. Logan promised me he would leave her alone if I agreed to be turned," I said in agony of what she had been through. "Now she's afraid of me because of what I am."
Stephen walked towards me and placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. "She'll show Drake. I saw how she reacted to seeing you alive. She loves you."
"No," I said looking away. "I dream walked with her today.
She was too afraid. She'll never accept what I am now."
"Give it time Drake. You never know, she might show up at the last minute." I began to disagree, but he stopped me. "No man, listen. Even if she doesn't show up tonight, we live only a few hours away. You will see her again. You can change her mind."
He left me to my packing shortly after. I felt like I was moving in slow motion getting my things together. I had so hoped I wouldn't be leaving here without her. I did not really believe what Stephen said about me changing her mind later. I felt like if she didn't take this step now, she would never be ready.
I grabbed my bag and headed out. Stephen was waiting for me outside my room.
"You ready?" He asked.
"Not really, but let's go."
We walked out of the hotel in silence. My bags were put away and we began climbing into the limo. I could feel the depression already setting in. The doors shut and it was not long before we pulled away from the curb. I closed my eyes and laid my head back. This was going to be a long ride, I thought.
~~*~~
"Sean!"
I shouted trying to get the man's attention. I had spent the last few hours looking for him. When I couldn't find him I went to my room for awhile to get some things and change my clothes. I immediately went out searching for him again. I finally just saw him walking out of the woods putting his shirt on. He must have just come back from a run.
He lifted his head up at my shout and jogged to meet me. He had a wary smile on his face and he looked tired. Even with bags under his eyes, he was gorgeous. His muscles stretched as he ran towards me and I couldn't help the appreciative look I gave him. That was a mistake. He noticed my look and his dimples began to make an appearance.
"Sean, I have to talk to you," I said when we reached each other.
He nodded and led me to a gazebo that sat at the edge of the woods. I sat on one of the benches while Sean sat on the one across from me.
"Before you say anything, I just want to apologize for lying to you. I knew it was wrong, but I was afraid of losing you. I tried to rationalize it by thinking that now that he was a vampire you couldn't be together. I'm sorry I tried to force your decision," he said regretfully.
I nodded. "You’re right, it was wrong. But I think I understand."
"You forgive me?" He asked. His face brightened with his smile.
"Yes, I forgive you. You've always been a good friend to me Sean and I'm hoping you always will be."
His smile faded. "Friends," he said dully.
I swallowed hard and nodded. "Yes, friends."
He looked away and I knew he got my meaning. I didn't have to spell it out for him. I felt like the worst person in the world for doing it, but it had to be said.
"I wanted to tell you in person that I'm leaving."
He looked back at me with such sad eyes. It was my turn to look away. I watched as wolves came and went from their runs. I saw some children playing on the playground off in the distance, their mom's talking off to the side while they watch their kids. I wondered absently if that was another distant dream that would never come true.
"Are you sure?" Sean asked.
My attention focused back on him and I nodded my head solemnly.
"I have to try with Drake. He is my mate and the least I can do is try."
"Yeah."
He got up slowly and came towards me. I watched, as he got on his knees in front of me, so that we were facing each other eye to eye.
I would miss him. I would miss his teasing and constant laughter. I would miss those golden eyes and sexy dimples. I had not realized how hard it was going to be to leave him.
I felt wetness on my cheek and reached up to wipe the tears away, but Sean got to them first. He kissed away each tear and then softly kissed my lips.
"I love you," I said as he pulled away.
The admission startled me, but the words were true. I did love him. It just wasn't enough. I loved Drake more.
"I love you too," he whispered.
I couldn't take anymore and I knew I'd be late if I lingered here any longer so I scooted out from in front of him and got up.
"Goodbye Sean. I hope to see you again soon."
"Goodbye Rebecca," he said and gifted me one last time with one of his famous grins.
I turned away before I broke down and changed my mind. When I reached the house, I turned back around to look at the gazebo. Sean was still there on his knees with his head bent in defeat. He deserved so much better and I prayed he would find it soon.
~~*~~
I knew the ride home would be lonely and miserable, but I had not realized how fast the ache would spread. We had just pulled away from the curb and already an emptiness was forming inside of me.
My cheek was itching so I reached up to rub at it and my hand came away wet. I looked at the wetness on my fingertips blankly. If Stephen were not sitting only a few feet away I would have sobbed my heart out.
"Drake!"
My head snapped up at the sound of my name. I looked at Stephen and he too was looking for the voice.
"Drake, wait."
"Stop the car!" I shouted.
The driver slammed on the brakes. I pushed the door open and jump out, ignoring my guard's shouts. I didn't care, because Rebecca had come.
She was almost a whole block away and I thanked God for my supernatural hearing. She had a suitcase in her hand, running as fast as she could and she was smiling. God, she was smiling.
"Drake, wait. I'm here," she called.
I started towards her, but stopped to admire how beautiful she was. Even in simple jeans, white t-shirt, and tennis shoes she was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Her long blonde hair flew behind her like silk as she ran.
Her smile was radiant, her white teeth practically glowing in the night, and when she got closer I saw her magnificent eyes. It was as if she held the secrets to the universe in those eyes. Everything that has ever meant anything to me in my life, my whole world was in those eyes.
Then she was in front of me panting lightly from her run and smiling.
"They're green today," I said to her.
"What?” She asked breathlessly.
"Your eyes. They're green today," I told her.
She smiled at me. I used to tell her everyday what color they were.
"Can I kiss you?" I asked.
She shook her head. "You don't have to ask."
I kissed her lightly and didn't linger too long or we would have been standing there forever. After I reluctantly pulled away, I grabbed her bag and led her to the limo.
Her bag was stowed and we were pulling away once again. I pulled her close to my side and said a quick prayer of thanks that she was with me. I leaned over and kissed the top of her head, then her forehead and nose. I couldn't stop touching her. It was just so unbelievable to have her there.
I stopped kissing her, but kept her close and looked over at Stephen. He was smiling as brightly as I was.
"I told him you would show," Stephen said. "How are you Rebecca?"
"I'm doing just fine Stephen. It's so good to see you again."
She sighed and snuggled into my side resting her head against my chest and I thought I was in heaven.
"Do you guys really want to question me about Logan's death?" Rebecca asked suddenly.
I cleared my throat, but Stephen was the one to answer.
"No sweets, that was lug head over there's idea."
I growled a little and Rebecca elbowed me in the ribs. "Ow!" I said.
"That wasn't a very nice thing to do. Those were my friends you were threatening."
"Sorry," I replied sheepishly.
"They forgive you. I made sure of it before I left."
She paused as she was thinking of what to say next. I looked over at her when she pulled out of my arms.
"I know me showing up means that I'm willing to try working things out, but we need to talk about what that means."
I glanced at Stephen,
but he was looking away.
Rebecca shook her head. "I don't care if Stephen hears."
"Alright," I said
"I don't want to feed you," she admitted.
I already knew that, but I was hoping she would try.
Before I could speak, she went on, "at least not for now. I know that at some point I will have to decide for sure. Can you live with that?"
"Yes, for now. I want to make sure you're comfortable with me and I won't force you. But at some point you will have to think about our future and our bond."
"I know." She sighed.
I pulled her close and she snuggled against me again. "Fill me in about what's been happening with you these past five years," I said.
We sat together talking about our lives. She told me how wonderful the pack she joined was and how they accepted her quickly. She talked a lot about her best friend. I had to laugh when I found out she was the red head from the meeting. Susan was her name.
"What are you laughing at?" She asked.
"I can't believe your best friend is that feisty red head." She gave me a curious look. "She was at the meeting I had with Christensen. She was the mate of one of the guards there."
"Yeah, Paul. I did not know she was at the meeting. I didn't get to talk to her before I left. There was no time."
I noticed how upset this made her and I promised myself I would find a way for the two of them to visit.
"No worries, you'll see her again soon, I'm sure."
She smiled and continued to tell me about the pranks her and Susan use to do. I was surprised she was a part of that. She used to be so shy, but I noticed she had changed since I last saw her. She was more confident and outspoken than before. I was happy to see she had grown into such a woman.
When Rebecca told me about school, I became concerned.
"How long did you have left until you graduated?" I asked.
"I only had about a month and half left." She looked away a moment then turned to me with a small smile. "But it'll be okay. Maybe I can finish later. I'll have to retake a lot of the classes, but I'm sure I can work it out."
