Last Chance by Viki Lyn

condemnation. He wanted to jump over the table and embrace Nick in a big bear hug but thought better of it. The last thing he needed was to freak out his best friend, who was showing incredible understanding.

    He looked at Nick's strong fingers and shook his head. “I don't know who I am anymore. It's all so confusing.”

    “Stop your pity party. You're going to be the greatest wide receiver the world has ever known.”

    But Stu wondered if the NFL was his true path. He loved the sport—the smell of the fresh grass, the thrill of the catch, the camaraderie among his teammates. He'd miss it if he walked away, but his love of poetry had its own seductive siren call. Being an English professor definitely had appeal. And what about his destiny and his promise to his mother? A promise he'd sworn to uphold—a promise he'd already broken.

    “It won't work, will it?” he muttered, unaware he spoke out loud.

    “Football or me?” Nick grinned, but then his smile wavered. “Not sure, bud. I'm not sure you can have it all. You might have to choose.”

    Aric, football, fighting vampires alongside his brother—could he have any of these—especially the last one—without breaking his mother's heart? Corbin and his father had always encouraged his football career, but his mother wanted him to get his literature degree. And not one of his family members wanted him to follow the life of a slayer. But what did he want?

    Needing a shave and a shower, Stu shoved the empty coffee cup aside and rose from his chair. “Cor's coming over. I need to go.”

    “I haven't seen him in ages. How's he doing? Still breaking hearts?”

    Not since their mother kicked Corbin out of the house. Not since his father was alive and their family strong in their unity and love. “He doesn't stick around long enough to find out. I don't think he's ever been in love with anyone.”

    “Not like you, huh? The ultimate romantic. Just be careful. Don't fall in love without knowing what you're getting into.” Nick stood and picked up the empty dishes. “I'll bring these in. Meet you on the corner.”

    Stu watched Nick disappear inside the coffeehouse, then turned away and walked to the street corner. Cars whizzed by as he waited for his friend to come back. All these people…heading for known destinations. His own destiny was anything but. Whichever direction he took, his life would forever change. Yet he knew deep down his fate had already been decided. He was committed to helping Aric. But all the other stuff…

    Nick suggested Stu was falling in love, but that was ridiculous. Stu had just met Aric. What really bothered him was that Nick didn't seem all that surprised by his confession. Because Stu didn't show much interest in girls? Did he always suspect Stu liked guys?

    Then there was the dream. It persisted in his mind, an ugly reminder of Aric's precarious fate. Stu had to stop Johan from taking Aric away from him.

    Aric was his.

Chapter Seven

     

    Eyeing Stu intensely, Corbin draped his body across the sofa. A graceful recline fit his brother; Corbin never slouched. He was too urbane for such a pose. Stu grimaced and turned his back, steeling his shoulders for the lecture sure to come. Only Corbin could make him feel like a kid, with his penetrating stare and sharp tongue. Stu always obeyed him in the past, Corbin being more like a father figure than a brother. But that was ages ago. Stu was his own man now.

    “I'm not trying to control your life,” Corbin commented as if reading Stu's mind. He lifted the curtain behind the sofa and looked out the window. “Where were you this morning?”

    Stu's neck strained with tension. He turned to face his interrogator, knowing what was on his brother's mind. He'd hear about it soon enough. Better to sidetrack if he could. He forced his voice to stay neutral. Now wasn't the time for arguments. “Coffee with Nick. Did you find out anything useful?”

    Corbin wore his hair in a ponytail tied