Second Chance (Enduring Kiss)

by Black, C. E.

  I was starting to feel guilty for pushing her into coming back with me so soon. She left a lot to be with me. I would have to find a way to make it right. Thinking about the things she was leaving, I remembered that guard Sean. He seemed attached to Rebecca and I wanted to know why.

  I didn't want to come off as jealous or nosy so I casually asked, "So were you, um, seeing anyone?"

  If she was surprised by my question, she didn't show it. Stephen snorted, but I ignored the asshole.

  "Not really," she replied.

  "What does that mean?"

  I had not meant to ask that aloud. She laughed though, and I relaxed.

  "It means it was complicated. Do you really want to know?" She asked uncertainly.

  I thought about it a moment. Did I want to know about past lovers? Not really, I thought. However, I did want to know what she was giving up to be with me.

  "Yes, I do. If it was important to you, I want to know."

  "Okay, well, like I said it was complicated. Sean and I have been friends for a long time and almost immediately there was an attraction there."

  I stiffened at her words, but I didn't interrupt.

  "Only just in the last few days had things begun to feel strained. We knew we had either to take the next step in the relationship or stay away from each other. He didn't know that you were dead, well that I thought you were dead. He was under the impression that I had not found my mate, as he had not. You know how those relationships can end. Someone usually gets hurt."

  "So, you both decided to not start something then?" I asked.

  Rebecca blushed and I knew I was wrong. "Well, um, see the tension was becoming uncomfortable and anyway, I went to the Pack Master and asked his advice. Actually, I was there to see him about being followed. You wouldn't happen to know anything about that?"

  Stephen spoke up for me again. "We were trailing any of your pack that left the house. It just so happen we smelled you."

  "Ahh, I see. That explains why I recognized the scent. Who was it?"

  "I believe that was Bruce."

  Rebecca nodded. "How is he?"

  "Oh, he's doing great. He and his mate are expecting their second child in the fall." Stephen answered.

  "Oh! That's wonderful! I can't wait to see everyone."

  "Can we get back to the subject please?" I interrupted.

  They could catch up later. They both glared at me, but I didn't pay much attention.

  "You were saying you asked advice from your Pack Master?"

  Rebecca gritted her teeth, but Stephen laughed loudly. I was going to kick his ass one of these days.

  "Yes, he had a theory on second chance mates. When we lose a mate or if it takes a long time to find him or her, we tend to feel the pull to someone else. Sean is my second, but by the time I decided to try and move on with him, I found out you were alive." She shrugged, but I could tell he meant more to her than that.

  I hugged her to me tightly. "Will you be alright?" I asked.

  She sighed deeply. "Yes, I have you, but I am worried about Sean. I told him goodbye and why I was leaving. He knew it would happen, but I could see how sad he was. He's been alone a long time. I know his mate is out there, hopefully he'll find her soon."

  "Or maybe she'll find him," I added.

  "Yeah, maybe. So what about you? What have you been up to Master Evans?" Rebecca teased.

  I was glad she could find humor in the situation. It was so much better than her fear.

  "Hmmm, well being a Master is hard work." Stephen snorted. "Hey it is. Dawson is awful to work with. He’s the Pack Master," I said to Rebecca.

  "Oh? What happen to Pack Master Reese?"

  "He didn't make it out of Logan's imprisonment," I told her sadly. She nodded, but did not say anything.

  Turning to Stephen I said, "You know, anytime you're ready to kick his ass and take the spot, let me know. I got your back." I was trying to lighten the mood and I was pretty sure it worked.

  "Really, you're going to challenge him Stephen?" Rebecca asked excitedly.

  "I don't know, maybe one day," he replied.

  I knew Stephen was more serious about it than that, but I wasn't going to call him out on it. When he was ready, he would let me know.

  "I inherited some of Logan's investments and added a few of my own," I said bring us back to the subject. "I own a couple of storefronts and a restaurant." I paused for moment then added, "I also help find other people jobs."

  When she looked at me quizzically, I elaborated. "Basically I help the other lowly vampires that live in the area find a place to work and live if they need it. I help humans and wolves also. I own a job search center."

  "Really?" She asked surprised. "That's really neat. Maybe I could help. You know I almost have a degree in accounting. I could help them with their finances?"

  She sounded excited and I loved it. Things were looking up.

  "That's a great idea honey. We'd love to have you."

  She smiled brightly and I felt hope again. Maybe things would work out after all.

  "So I guess it's my turn to ask. Have you been seeing anyone?" She asked.

  "No, not really. Nothing serious anyway," I replied truthfully.

  Rebecca's face fell a little and she looked away. I noticed Stephen giving me a dirty look so I glared back at him then turned my attention back to Rebecca. She was looking out the window silently.

  I pulled her closer to me and she turned towards me again. I smiled at her and she smiled back, but I noticed it didn't reach her eyes.

  "You okay?" I asked uneasy with her change in mood.

  "Oh yeah, I'm good, just tired." She yawed right at that moment punctuating her words.

  "Lay down on my lap and I'll play with your hair while you rest."

  She did not hesitate. Her head lay on my thigh while her body curled into a ball. I ran my fingers through her silky strands slowly. Sitting with her like that brought back many memories of moments so similar. Her lying beside me while I played with her hair. It felt comfortable and right.

  As her breathing became slow and even, I finally allowed myself relax. She was finally coming home, I thought with a smile.

  Chapter 7

  I woke slowly feeling engulfed in warmth. Drake's arms and scent surrounded me and because of the slight bouncing sensation, I knew I was being carried. My ear pressed against his chest, my eyes still closed. We stopped for a moment and I could hear Drake's muffled voice. I did not really pay attention to the conversation. It was brief and we began moving again. I snuggled closer inhaling deeply and dozed off.

  I opened my eyes as I was laid down softly. Drake stood above me. I blinked a few times to clear my vision then looked around. I was lying on a four-poster queen sized bed. The bedding was white silk with blue accented pillows. My gaze went to the rest of the room. The robin's egg blue walls made the gorgeous mahogany furniture stand out. The bed, dresser, vanity, and nightstands were all a matching set. White roses sat in crystal vases throughout the room. It was feminine and beautiful.

  Drake's voice broke through my perusal. "Do you like it?" I looked at him a bit confused.

  "Like what?" I asked.

  He lifted his hand up, gesturing around him. "Your room?"

  My room, not our room I thought, feeling dejected. I knew it was ridiculous to feel that way. It was obvious I couldn't stay with Drake. I told him I would not feed him and I definitely didn't want to watch him feed on someone else.

  Moonlight streamed through the windows letting me know he clearly wanted to keep me separated from that aspect of his life. My room was above ground, far away from his. That was probably for the best, I thought.

  Just the idea of a feeder lying beside him all morning had tears prickling my eyes. It also reminded me of our conversation in the limo. He practically admitted to not being abstinent while we were apart. I couldn't really blame him. He did believe I had left him, but still one thing that I had always felt fulfilled by was that we would b
e each other's first. I knew it wasn't possible anymore and it hurt.

  Sighing I looked up at him. I had to put thoughts of him with other women of out of my mind. The most important thing was that he was alive and we were finally together again.

  "It's lovely," I finally whispered. His shoulders sagged in visible relief.

  "Good. Well, I'm going to let you get some rest and I will see you later."

  He leaned down and kissing me briefly on the forehead. I was baffled. He was leaving me alone? We had not seen each other in five years. I would have thought we would spend a lot of time together getting to know each other again.

  When I continued to look blankly at him he began shifting his eyes around the room looking everywhere but at me. He looked extremely uncomfortable making me completely confused.

  "I, uh, have some things to do," He said finally.

  His gaze landed on mine and it was as if a light bulb went off. I could actually see hunger burning in his baby blues. The look was so close to desire I found myself looking away. The jealousy was killing me, but I forced a nod, showing acceptance.

  He quickly kissed my head again and left. I could tell he was in a hurry and I began to feel guilty. If I fed him he could have stayed, but I just couldn't yet. I began to wonder if I ever would get over my phobia or if it would become the norm. I was beginning to understand the pain both of us would endure if I couldn't.

  I closed my eyes and willed myself to put it aside and sleep. Luckily, the emotional turmoil I had been through the last few hours was enough to exhaust me and I slept fitfully.

  I woke up alone as I had every day for the past five years, and I felt lonelier ever before. I had hoped Drake would have come back to me, but that was stupid thinking. I looked over at the beautiful sheer curtains letting the afternoon sunlight drift in and knew that was stupid thinking. He could not stay in this room. It was bad for his health. I thought I was never going to get used to him being a vampire.

  Another thought popped in my head and it saddened me. I wondered if he could still change into a wolf. I missed running with him. We would run along the great rivers around this area, splashing and having fun. He would find the biggest rock and climb to the top then jump off just to see how far he could go. I guessed even if he could shift into wolf form going out for morning runs was out.

  I sighed and rolled over to face the door wondering what I was supposed to do. I used to live in this house, but it seemed different. I wasn't sure where to go or who to talk to. Was I supposed to wait for Drake to come to me?

  I missed him so much I could still smell him. I breathed deep letting his scent wash over me. Closing my eyes, I moaned at the thoughts that were trying to invade my mind. His arms wrapped around me and his kisses covered my lips. My own lips parted thinking about his teeth nibbling and his tongue searching.

  I began picture him slipping his hand beneath my shirt to caress my breast. I wasn't wearing a bra because I took it off before falling asleep. My own fingers glided over my nipple still covered with a cotton t-shirt. They hardened into tight peaks and I moaned again a little louder. I rubbed my naked thighs together for I had taken off my Jeans that morning also.

  I imagined Drake's hands skimming over my body and down my stomach. I found my hand was following the path of my imagination until I reach the cotton-covered apex. My finger ran over myself making me groan and spread my thighs wider.

  I heard an answering groan and startled. My eyes flew open looking straight at him. Drake was sitting in a chair situated in a darkened corner of the room. His blue eyes were almost glowing in the shadows. I gasped and removed my hands from my body.

  "Don't stop," He said breathlessly.

  I blushed and shook my head. I felt awkward and embarrassed. He stood up and started towards me, but stopped at the ray of sunlight that was trailing across the room separating us. I felt ridiculously cheated and angry at that sunlight.

  "Please."

  That word came out of his mouth husky and full of desire. I knew the beam of sunlight would not kill him, but it would hurt and weaken him. I also knew he wanted us to play this game. He wanted to watch me. I pushed the covers as my gaze stayed locked with his and I surprised myself when my hands began their journey again.

  My palms rested on the swell of my breast and slowly moved down, rubbing circles over my nipples. They were still hard and I arched back a little in pleasure, never taking my gaze away from Drake. I again slid my hands down my torso and stomach until I reached the apex of my thighs. As I gently slid over the cotton, I could feel myself become wet with need.

  When I groaned, so did Drake and I never felt so powerful. We had fooled around plenty in the past, given each other so much pleasure, but I had never felt as bold as to do something like that before. Watching the pleasure and enjoyment in eyes was worth the slight embarrassment.

  "Take them off." His deepened voiced echoed throughout the silent room.

  I peeled my panties down and dropped them to the floor. He continued to stare into my eyes.

  "Now the shirt," He commanded.

  I pulled it off and left it with my panties on the floor. His eyes finally left mine to skim over my naked body. I could feel heat move over my skin, but his groan of pleasure made me feel confident.

  I spread my legs giving him a frontal view of myself. My fingers brushed through the blonde curls spreading wetness over the swollen flesh. I circled the small bundle of nerves until the teasing left me shaking with need. I arched, my breast pushed high as I finally made full contact with the nub.

  Drake's growl made a grin break across my face. I lowered my head to look at him and found him touching himself. His jeans were undone and his hand was grasping himself. My lips parted as he pumped in time with my ministrations. It was without a doubt the most erotic thing I had ever seen. He was long, thick and beautiful.

  The sight was too much for me, I bucked against my hand as wave after wave of pleasure washed over me. I closed my eyes and arched into my climax feeling every nerve on fire. My heart was pumping, my breathing heavy as I fell back down limp on the bed.

  My eyes flew open when Drake growled out his release. The muscles stretched and the veins throbbed as his neck arched back and his jaw tightened. His hand moved swiftly over himself until he thrust his hips one last time spilling his seed. It was the sexiest moment of my life.

  Lifting his head his baby blues still held the edge of desire, but now also looked serene. His dark hair curled around his ears making my fingers itch for contact. Oh, how I wanted to touch him right then. I could see the same need on his face.

  We were lost in each other's gaze for quite a few minutes until the last rays of sunlight left the room leaving us in a soft darkness. He wasted no time coming to me. When he reached the bed, he stripped his clothes and climbed in beside me. Wrapping me in his arms, he kissed me thoroughly. That was what I needed, to feel his body flushed with mine, and his heartbeat strong under my palm.

  He pulled back from my lips and kissed my nose and cheeks before returning to my lips once again. He kissed me lightly then hugged me close burying his face in my neck.

  Before I could stiffen at the thought of his mouth near my neck he said, "That was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen in my life. Thank you."

  I relaxed against him feeling comfort and peace, as if our bond was getting stronger. I was feeling like I was finally home in his arms.

  "I'm sorry I had to leave you last night," Drake said shattering the peaceful moment.

  He squeezed me tightly, running his hands down my back then up again. His face was still close to my neck making me feel a little uncomfortable.

  "Let’s not talk about it, okay?" I said pulling back enough to move his head away from the curve of my shoulder.

  He pulled back a little on his own and just looked at me a moment. I knew my emotions showed on my face and it wasn't long before Drake understood. I did not want to think or talk about him feeding on other women. Drake nod
ded grimly.

  We held each other for a while longer. I skimmed my fingers over his smooth skin, reacquainting myself. My palms smoothed over his shoulders and down his chest. His chest was unusually smooth for a dark haired man and I loved it. I loved every peak and valley of muscle. Circling his flat brown nipples, I laughed when he groaned as they peaked.

  "Do you want to take a walk around and see the house? I've made a few changes. We could catch up with some of your friends also," Drake said.

  "Yes, I'd love that." I smiled.

  We disentangled ourselves and got out of bed, both needing to clean up. I quickly showered then came out wrapped in a towel. Drake was dressed and waiting, sitting on the side of the bed. I tried to ignore his heating gaze as I searched my bag for some clothes. I found what I was looking for and started to dress.

  I didn't go back in the bathroom. I figured after what just happened there was no sense in being coy. I chose a very sexy black lace bra and matching panties set just to tease him. It worked. He growled as I wiggled into my panties. I couldn't hide my pleased grin.

  After dressing in blue jeans and a dark blue tank top, I threw on some flip-flops and went for my brush. Drake was suddenly behind me in the vanity mirror.

  "Let me," he said taking the brush out of my hands.

  I watch him through the mirror as he brushed out my long wet hair. His gesture was tender and the feel of the bristles along my scalp was blissful.

  When he finished, I pulled my almost dry hair up into a ponytail. "Ready," I said.

  Drake grabbed me into a quick passionate kiss before we headed out of the room hand in hand.

  As we walked down the darkened hallway, I could not help but notice how quiet it was. I looked around and found no one. There was not a single guard around. That was quite unusual.

  I turned to Drake. "Where is everyone?" My brow wrinkled in confusion.

  Drake shrugged like it wasn't a concern and continued down the hall.

  We went down a set of beige carpeted stairs and turned down another hall coming to an open doorway. I expected it to be the living area. He did say we would meet up with some of my old friends, but it looked like the lights were off.