MARKED BY FATE

The Past Comes Knocking

Vivian's POV

Sunlight dances across the thin curtains of my cabin the next morning, creating patterns on the floor as though attempting to make this day feel regular. Still, the memory of last night hangs, weighted and sour. The words the stranger had said ring true in my head, and I can't get rid of the anxiety and rage boiling just under the surface. Lucian is familiar with the youngster. And, if he knows, my tranquil life will end.

I pace the little area, considering my next action. Running is not an option; he would merely find me once more, and I cannot live with that ongoing anxiety. Confronting him, though, is equally horrible. Closing my eyes and focusing on my breathing helps me to slow down my rushing thoughts. This youngster is deserving of a better life than I have had—one free of treachery and anxiety.

I stop when there is a quiet, reluctant knock on the door. Not one person from town visits here. Heart thumping, I reach for a little knife off the kitchen counter and inch nearer the door, gazing through the little, dusty window next by.

The man standing outside is a stranger; his posture is laid back but guarded, as though he is cautious about what might lie on the other side of the door. Tall with dark hair and a tough face, he looks around until at last his eyes land on the door before him.

Though I mistrust him, his posture strikes me as familiar—that of home, that of Lucian. I groan then grab the knife tightly and open the door just enough to glance at him.

"What do you wish?," I asked Keeping a calm voice.

He gestures peace with his hands, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Simple; I am not here to harm you. Ryker is the name, Lucian dispatched me to... converse.

"Talk?," I asked snidely. "Is that what he describes it now? Sending strangers to slink through the forest and offer threats?

Ryker's smile disappears and he looks melancholy instead. "Look, Lucian has his justifications even if I disagree with all he has done. He only wants to chat to you. All that is.

I pause, fury shooting through me. And if I wish not to talk?

Then you would be a fool, he says softly, his eyes fixed and unflinching. "Lucian won't let this go, Vivian. He will be more committed to bring you back the more you oppose. Nevertheless, " He stops and looks at my tummy almost sympathetically. Maybe you could find understanding if you chat with him. For the benefit of the youngster.

His comments cut like a razor. He uses the one thing I value against me to precisely reach me. But I pause because I see something almost real in his eyes that makes sense. He is correct; Lucian will only keep returning if I avoid confronting him. And I cannot keep going indefinitely with a child on route.

"Fine," I responded, my voice stifled. "But first I want responses. Why does Lucian show immediate concern? When I left, he seemed to not really care.

Ryker shifts uneasily, rubbing his neck back-of-course. "It's... nuanced." Lucian was driven into a number of decisions he did not want to make. Though not flawless, he is nonetheless the Alpha. He had to decide whether to guard the pack or shield you. And he has been funding that choice daily since.

I chuckle grudgingly. "So he finds he made a mistake right now? After a year of quiet?

"It's not as straightforward as that, Vivian," he says, his voice gentle but forceful. "Lucian has motives." But you will only hear them if you speak with him personally.

Breathing deeply, I consider my choices. Ryker is waiting patiently, ready to stand here as long as it takes for me to decide. His steady look indicates this.

"All right," I reply at last, just above a whisper. "I'll speak with him. But as I said on my terms. Until I know I'm safe, I'm going nowhere at all.

Ryker nods, a sliver of relief flickering in his eyes. "I will tell him. Nobody else; he will come here personally. And I will make sure he leaves you alone should you find his comments unsatisfactory.

His statements has promise that amazes me; for a brief period, I nearly believe him. Nevertheless, not after what occurred, there is still a part of me that does not trust any of them. Still, this is the only approach to stop the running, the hiding, the anxiety that has plagued me for so long.

Ryker backs off, gives me a last nod, then turns and vanishes down the little dirt road separating my cabin. I try to sort everything that just happened while resting against the door,after closely shut. Deep in my bones, I can sense the tension releasing, a restless energy not going away until this is over.

By the time I hear footsteps approaching the sun has dropped beyond the horizon. My heart racing; I grab the edge of the table for support and muster myself to inhale deeply, steadily. Like a storm building on the brink of my awareness, I know it is him.

I hesitate before opening the door; it sounds soft but strong. When I do at last, Lucian is standing there, his presence exacting and relentless, as I recall. But today he exhibits something different: a weight in his eyes absent from years past, a tiredness.

He enters silently, his eyes glancing over the little, run-down cabin before landing on me at last. His face is blank, a mask of control covering whatever he is experiencing. We just stare at one another for a minute; neither of us is ready to break the stillness.

"It's been a long time," he replies at last, his voice gruff and low.

"Not long enough," I say, my voice more pointed than I like. I cannot stop the bitterness bubbling up. "Lucian, what do you wish for? From me, you have already taken everything.

His teeth close and I detect a flutter of regret in his gaze. "I know Vivian, I hurt you." I lacked choice, though. I had to look after the pack.

"Protect the pack?" I laugh, abruptly, Lucian, you made use of me. You turned on me in order to advance yourself.

He winces; for a minute, I see a fracture in his armor. His voice just above a whisper, he continues, "I did what I had to do." "But I was wondering about you nonstop. I never stopped thinking about you and I do regret it.

Between us, the words hang thick and harsh. Though I want to believe him and see the truth in his eyes, I can't get rid of the suffering that has been nesting inside me for so long.

" Then why now?" My voice shook as I asked. "Why come after me now, following all this years?

Lucian pauses, then looks down to the floor. "I found out about the child," he continues, his voice hoarse and emotional. "I had no right to desert you, Vivian. Now is what I know. And I want to right things for both of you.

Though I find his statements to be quite honest, I cannot overlook the suffering still present. "Lucian, you cannot show up here and demand that everything be forgiven. You wounded me. You shattered my confidence.

He gets closer, his eyes sharp and uncompromising. "I know. If you will let me, I am also ready to spend my life making it up to you. Not now, though I cannot walk away. Not when a youngster is involved.

I turn away, his comments weighing down on me. I want to believe him and let go of the hurt and resentment that has been dragging me captive for so long. but I can't, though.

Then prove it, I say, my voice almost above a whisper. Show me that you are here for the proper motives.

Lucian nodded, his face set in concentration. I will.I will show you Vivian whatever it takes to prove it. I hereby swear.

The words linger thick in the air, a promise both alarming and consoling. Looking into his eyes, I also worry whether I'm letting him back into my life following all he has done and whether I'm making a mistake.

Deeply, though, I know that this is the only path forward. The only path to at last reach calm.

I get a weird mix of relief and anxiety when Lucian goes. Even now the weight of his presence hangs around behind the door. But as I start to let myself unwind, another tap on the door—a quieter, more reluctant one that makes me shudder down my spine.

Half-expecting Lucian, I open the door and instead find the familiar Ryker face. His look is harsh, his eyes sharp.

His voice low and anxious, he replies, "You're not safe here." "You also should know something else. You have been under observation; they are here to atone.

Ryker's eyes veer before I can digest his words.