MARKED BY FATE

Glimpses of the Past

Vivian’s POV

As Ryker enters, the door hardly closing behind him, my heart thumps in my chest. I am quite conscious of the tension in the air, that sense of approaching catastrophe encircling us like a dense fog. His eyes sweep the cabin, lingering on the corners as though he were looking for something secret.

"What do you mean someone is observing me?” Keeping my voice calm despite the discomfort wriggling in my stomach, I ask.

Ryker closes the door with a serious look. "I have no time to go over everything. Simply said, Vivian, you trust me. You need to exercise caution. Others besides Lucian know about your child.

Sharper than I thought, panic flares inside me. "What are you implying? Others know too.

"There are some who neither give the kid nor you any thought. You are a target; they will travel whatever means to reach Lucian.

Like a frigid wave, the awareness strikes. I believed I was sheltering in my small hut from the storm that had blown across my life. Still, I see how naive I have been lately. My decisions have effects; I am not the only one touched by them.

My voice quivering slightly, I say, "I have to protect my child." "How am I supposed to accomplish that?

Ryker moves closer, his attitude softening. "We first need to make sure you are not alone. This cannot be faced alone. Lucian still has great power even if he may have harmed you. You are in need of his protection.

I choke hard, the idea of seeing Lucian again bringing a tsunami of contradictory feelings washing over me. Are you wanting me to return to him? following all?

"Not back." Forward, Ryker says, his eyes penetrating me. "You can't change the past; but, you can influence how it shapes your present. Please trust me, Vivian. Working with Lucian will help you to protect your child and yourself.

Working with Lucian seems to be a betrayal of all I have stood for since I left him. But I relate to Ryker's urgency. Running from my past is not something I can do, particularly if the safety of my child is at risk.

"Okay," I answered, now with a more steady voice. Still, I need guarantees if I do this. I refuse to return to be a pawn in his game.

Ryker nods, respecting the lighting across his gaze. Known. I will assist in terms setting. Still, we have to move fast. We cannot afford to waste time if Lucian indeed is under observation.

I can't get rid of the uneasy sensation that hangs about once Ryker leaves. Lost in meditation, I sit at the kitchen table with hands encircling a mug of lukewarm tea. I attempt to ignore the concern slinking into my head as the shadows from the flickering candlelight dance over the walls.

What if Ryker's right? What if Lucian is indeed my best bet for keeping my child safe? Still, I torture myself with the recollections of treachery. I find it impossible to forget how fast Lucian put the pack above our love or how readily he turned his back on me.

My thoughts return to the last night we spent together—the heat of our bodies, the passion in his kiss, and the promises we made under the stars—as I consider my alternatives. It reminds me terribly of what I lost.

I look at the little mirror on the wall, my reflection haggard and worn back at me. The woman gazing back hardly reminds me; she is not at all like the lively, hopeful girl who initially developed feelings for Lucian. That girl dreamed and aspired; this woman suffers uncertainty and anxiety.

The Following Day

I get up to see rustling outdoors, the chirping of birds hardly audible through my sleep haze. Though the morning light comes through the window bright and clear, my mind seems foggy. I have Lucian to see today. I have to face my past squarely if I am to safeguard my future.

I have a quick breakfast, then get dressed in my most basic attire—a fitting sweater and some worn jeans—and inhale. I'm not only going to visit Lucian; I'm going to ask questions. I'm done running about like a victim.

Stepping outside, I find the woodland to be really peaceful. The road back to the area of the pack seems both appealing and horrible. Every action reminds me of what I could possibly be returning to and what I left behind. As I consider Lucian waiting for me, the man I loved and lost in one breath, my heart races.

The clearing opens and the main lodge of the pack is visible. Standing as evidence of their power and unity is this big, rustic construction. I slow down, my fingers hesitating over the door. What am I going to say? His response will depend on what?

I inhale deeply, then open the door to find the coziness from within all around. My lungs smell familiarly of cedar and earth, but I resist allowing nostalgia to control me. I have to be concentrated.

Inside, the common area is a hive of activity. Members greet me with inquisitive looks, but their faces soon change to respect when they see I'm not here for small conversation. Here I am ready with responses.

Vivian: A voice breaks through the hubbub, and I turn to find Lucian marching toward me, his face incomprehensible. He looks different, more tough maybe, and his eyes have a depth of feeling that astounds me.

"Lucian," I reply, my voice firm in spite of the whirl around me. "We must speak."

He motions for me to follow him, sending me into a more subdued chamber off to one side. Once we are by ourselves, the conflict between us gets tangible and electric.

Running his brown hair between his hands, he murmurs, "I'm glad you came." "I was not sure if you would."

Defensively crossing my arms, I say, "I came because I want answers." I have to find out what is happening.

Lucian steps forward, his face sincere. "I can't undo it; I know I wounded you. But I want to guard our child and you. Having compiled data, I believe I know who has been observing you.

The reference to our child sets off a protective surge in me. "Who?"?

He pauses, looking aside as though the name alone would be lethal. "Someone tracking you is a rogue wolf. They seem to be trying to reach me.

My air freezes. "What do you mean 'use me'?

"They believe you are the key since they want to undermine the pack. Vivian, I already have already lost too much. Neither will I allow them to pull you away from me.

I experience a range of emotions—confusion, wrath, terror. "Why did you not tell me this earlier? Why have I been kept in the dark?

"Because I thought you were safer away from all this," he says, his voice strained. But I misjudged it. I should have shielded you rather than driven you away.

I stopped because of his sensitivity. I see the weight he bears, the remorse and regret that have grown to be a great load. He finds it difficult to own he was mistaken, and for the first time I see the man I fell in love with underneath the Alpha front.

My voice steady, "I cannot be a pawn in your game, Lucian." "I have to know I can rely on you.

He moves still another step forward, his concentration just directed upon me. "You can count on me, Vivian. On all I have, I swear. I will correct things and guard you. Just give me an opportunity.

His voice's genuineness appeals to me on the emotional level, and I start to believe him. Still, uncertainty lurks in the margins of my brain, shadows from the past unwilling to go.

Fine, I say at last, my will is strengthening. Still, I have to be involved. Should there be a threat, I would like to know how to defend myself. One cannot rely just on you.

Lucian's eyes harden somewhat, then he nods, a trace of respect flickering in them. You are more powerful than I would have credited you. We will do this alongside each other.

A tremendous crash echoes the lodge as the tension starts to relax, then yells and growls follow. As panic strikes, my heart lowers.

"What was that?"? I ask, terror racing through me.

"Stay here!" Lucian approaches the door, his voice authoritative.

I give a shake of my head. I'm here with you. Should a threat materialize, I am not hiding.

He turns back at me, a face of respect and annoyance. You have to—

I stated I was joining you. I cut him off with a snap. "I am not going to be a victim going forward."

He breathed deeply and backed off. "Great. Just be near.

We enter the communal area and anarchy rules. Members of Pack hurry about, and the air is tense. I see a number of them on the ground struggling with someone else—another wolf, dark and ferocious with eyes glistening with hate.

Get down! Pushing me behind him, Lucian yells to place himself between me and the renegade. My heart speeds,