Free Second Chance (Enduring Kiss) by C.E. Black

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 ha rd 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 pe rson 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 ano ther 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 i s my mate and the least I can do is try."
    " Yeah."
    He got up slowly and came toward s 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 toward s her, but stopped