Mark of Fate

By C.M. Fick

"Just after I was born, my mother met the man who would be the reason for my end and the reason I would have a new beginning. No one would have believed that fate could be so cruel to mark me and lead me down a path I neither understood nor wanted but in the end it is what completed me."

Madison Samuels has, unbeknownst to her, fallen in love with the vampire who made a deal with her mother nineteen years ago. When she finds herself in a whirlwind romance with Xander Crane, her loved ones start to question his secretive nature forcing Madison to face the biggest crossroads of her life.
Will she choose the path of love or the path of reason?

Is the choice really hers?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BookBaby
• Release date: Oct 31, 2011
• ISBN: 9780981041957

C.M. Fick

C.M. began writing in 2007 when she was inspired to write the first book in the Fate series. With three published full-length novels, C.M. has also completed the first series in collection of short stories about a zombie apocalypse. She's currently working on a five book fantasy series, a second collection of zombie shorts, as well as playing around with a new sci-fi story.Her favorite genres to read are horror, fantasy, sci-fi, and select mysteries, while her writing genres are fantasy, horror (specifically apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic), and sci-fi. Her early works (the Fate series) are paranormal.C.M. has a diploma in Website Design and enjoys all aspects of the creative design process. Her hobbies include painting, drawing, sculpting, and of course - writing.

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Prologue

Just after I was born, my mother met the man who would be the reason for my end and the reason I would have a new beginning. No one would have believed that fate could be so cruel to mark me and lead me down a path I neither understood, nor wanted. In the end it’s what completed me.

* * *

Please… Please let me go, Judith sobbed as she huddled in the corner of the dark alley. She clutched the tiny bundle closer to her chest and whispered a prayer to heaven that they would make it home tonight unharmed. She tried reasoning with the man. I have nothing you could want!

It was past midnight on a dark moonless night and Judith, in a rush to get her daughter home, had made the mistake of taking a short-cut down a deserted city street. She realized now that she should have accepted her father’s offer of a cab ride home. But the night smelled of summer and Judith longed for the fresh air after working seven twelve hour shifts at the diner. She noticed the haggard man, who’d been loitering in a darkened doorway, too late. As she hurried passed him, he flicked his cigarette onto the street and began to casually stroll behind her. It was almost a full block before he overtook her and forced her into the alley.

I told you all I want is your purse, growled the man. His breath smelled of whiskey and his teeth were yellowed. He had greasy, unkempt hair which fell limply over his eyes. His face had gone more than a few days without a shave, and from his overall smell he desperately needed a shower. He was wearing tattered jeans and a baggy camouflage coat that looked like it had been through a war or two.

Maybe it had, Judith thought to herself as she frantically searched for a way to appease the man. The first thing that Judith noticed, other than his stench, was the man’s hands; they were badly scarred from some kind of burn. He thrust the knife towards Judith and she noticed he was missing the little finger on his right hand. He reached out with his gnarled left hand and grabbed Judith’s arm, roughly pulling her to her feet. Judith’s breath caught in her throat as he pressed the knife into her side.

I just got off from a twelve hour shift at work. I don’t carry anything of value with me when I’m walking home, Judith pleaded, trying to shift her body to shield her little girl from the maniac. The man circled behind Judith, snarling as he snatched at her purse. Please, please, just leave us alone. I have nothing of value.

It would have been easier if you had just let go, the man growled in Judith’s ear as he raised the knife, preparing to strike. Judith closed her eyes and flung her purse; she prayed the distraction would prevent the sharp blade of the knife from violating her. The baby she had been clutching to her chest had been asleep for the most part of Judith’s ordeal, but now she began to whimper in her arms.

The man released Judith as he scrambled for the spilled contents of her purse. Judith tried to sooth the fussing child, hoping something in her purse would satisfy her attacker. He turned back to her after glancing through the contents and snarled, Give me your necklace and that ring. He jabbed a crooked finger at Judith’s hand, indicating the delicate ring that had been given to her when her mother passed away.

It’s only silver. It was a gift from my mother. Judith fumbled with the ring, trying to balance her little girl and remove the jewelry. The ring slipped through her fingers clattering to the ground. I’m sorry. Judith cringed as the man roared in anger.

You stupid bitch! Judith closed her eyes as he reached for her throat in a rage.

Leave her alone, commanded a stern voice. Judith’s eyes snapped open; it wasn’t the voice of the man who’d attacked her. The voice was smooth, almost velvety.

Judith slowly backed away from the man and towards her savior. Thank you she prayed. As she backed up Judith didn’t take her eyes off her attacker, who now stared blankly into space as if he were in a daze. She continued backing up until she bumped into the man with the velvet voice. She turned, and standing before her was the most handsome man she had ever seen.

He couldn’t have been more than twenty four, had chin-length brown hair, dark green eyes and a strong jaw line. His alabaster skin was perfect with not a single blemish or mark that Judith could see. His nose was pointed but it fit just right with his piercing eyes and clenching jaw. He wore a long dark coat that was far too warm for the balmy spring night, and his shaggy brown hair hung over his eyes. Mysterious, dangerous, calculating, manipulative, cunning – all were words that poured into Judith’s head as she peered into her rescuers face. She quickly reminded herself that she should not judge him by his appearance – he was, after all, helping her – but something about this man made him seem far more dangerous than the first.

Did you not hear me the first time? The mysterious man took a step toward Judith’s attacker. While his voice was still velvety smooth, it held a bite of sarcasm now. This is your last warning – you won’t like the consequences.

The attacker stood dazed for another moment before he shook his head as if waking out of a trance. Then he turned towards Judith’s savior and sneered. His yellowed teeth caught the light from the street, making them stand out even more. Judith backed against the alley wall, wanting to stay clear of the fight that was about to commence. The thought that she should flee crossed her mind, but was quickly dismissed; she should stay and properly thank her rescuer.

Do you have a death wish? the attacker threatened as he moved the knife from one hand to another.

Before Judith could blink, her hero had pinned her attacker up against the opposite wall. The knife clattered loudly across the pavement and echoed down the alley.

I said leave! growled her rescuer. His eyes glinted with anger as he released the now cowering man. There was something very sinister about the look in his eyes. And don’t let me catch you here again. With a push from her savior, her attacker scrambled away into the darkness of the alley.

How can I ever repay you? Judith asked as the young man picked up her purse, its contents, and the ring she had dropped. He tucked everything back in her purse, handed it to her, then took her by the elbow and started back toward the street. You must let me buy you a coffee sometime. I work at a diner not too far from here, Judith insisted as they walked.

Do you think my motivation for confronting your attacker was because I wanted to save you? The young man interrupted Judith and stopped walking. Judith stiffened and turned to look into his eyes. He chuckled, No, being a Good Samaritan was not my motivation. The young man moved behind Judith with lightening speed and peered over her shoulder.

Judith couldn’t describe the look now shadowing his face. Ravenous? A chill went down her spine. This was not her night; she felt as if she had jumped from the pot and into the fire. She glanced over her shoulder and wished that she had gone with the lesser of two evils.

No, I did it because the fear emanating from you was too enticing. With a flip of his long fingers, the young man brushed aside the blanket in her arms, uncovering the baby. I could smell your fear, and I’m due for a snack. His tongue flickered across his thin lips.

Judith blinked back tears. It didn’t make sense; he could smell her fear? She looked questioningly into the young man’s face and a slow smile spread across his lips, revealing a pair of sharp canine teeth.

He knew that the realization would hit her soon and it would cause her to try and flee – oh how he loved a good struggle. As the reality of her situation sunk in, Judith’s tears welled over.

She clung to the baby Yo-you just saved our lives from that man only to take it yourself? Judith took a deep breath trying to steady herself as she tentatively stepped towards the young man. She reached out to him and gently placed her hand on his arm. Please spare us, I’ll do anything. She hoped that appealing to whatever was left of this creature’s humanity would get her and her daughter out of this situation.

The touch of a mortal hand on his arm startled the young man; it was foreign for them to touch him. Mortals had an innate sense to avoid him unless he willed it. He liked the chase and didn’t like to use his specialized skills. It was more pleasurable to have the heart beating quickly when his fangs penetrated the flesh. But the woman before him was not like his other prey. It was almost as if she could see the little part of him that he hated the most – the tiny mortal part he kept suppressed. He gently took the baby into his arms and sat for a moment staring unblinkingly into her wide azure eyes. He felt as if he were caught in the baby’s gaze.

PLEASE! Judith quickly reached out for her daughter and broke the connection he had been unable to break for himself. The man turned away from Judith’s reaching arms; something foreign within him was not willing to give the girl back to her mother.

Judith sank to the ground, tired and distraught. She clung to the young man’s pant leg There must be something I can do… She choked back a sob and whispered, Please! Her motherly instinct told her that there was real danger with this man. I’ll give you anything. Take me. Just let my little girl be. Take me, TAKE ME!

The young man ignored Judith’s pleas and removed the baby’s blanket, looking at her intently. She was a beautiful baby with thick dark hair, ivory skin and dark blue eyes that stared curiously back at him. Something within him hesitated – there was something in her eyes that he couldn’t pinpoint and the uncertainty left an uneasy feeling within him.

I’ll let you live, he said, startled by his own words. Judith held her breath, knowing there would be a condition.

However, as payment for both of your lives, I will come again on your daughter’s nineteenth birthday. After that day she will be mine to do with as I see fit. He turned back to Judith as another cruel smile played across his lips; he knew he had her cornered. Do we have a deal?

B-but, Judith stuttered as she looked wildly around. There were a million thoughts that ran through her head in an instant. She tried to think her way out of the situation with both her and her baby in one piece.

YOUR ANSWER WOMAN! the young man raved, scattering Judith’s thoughts, Or shall she be my midnight snack now? His eyes glowed blood red in Judith’s mind.

She hung her head in defeat and whispered her answer, Yes.

The man’s hand flitted over the baby’s head. She is beautiful. He drew one finger down her cheek and over her belly; the baby giggled What is her name? he asked, his voice suddenly soft.

Madison, Judith whispered as she fought back more tears. It wasn’t totally hopeless, she thought. She could always ask her father for help – he knew a lot of unusual people from his youth.

The young man reached into his pocket and pulled out a lighter. What… started Judith, but was quickly silenced by a glaring look from the young man who, in the harsh light from the street, did not seem as handsome any more.

He pulled Judith’s ring out of his pocket and held it to the light; she hadn’t noticed he’d kept it. It had been her mother’s ring – a filigreed Celtic knot – no beginning and no end. Her mother had always told her it was the key to love; to cherish the ring and it would bring happiness.

With a snap of his fingers, the lighter sparked and when he held the flame to the ring it turned red with heat. In a movement too swift for Judith to see, the man pressed the ring into the flesh on Madison’s stomach. It left an angry red mark just to the left of her bellybutton above her diaper. Madison, who had begun to wail from the startling pain, was abruptly handed back to Judith who bundled her, and held her close trying to sooth her.

Why did you do that? Judith snapped angrily through her tears, Was my word not enough?

The young man knelt down and looked directly into Judith’s eyes. The mark placed on her is the symbol of our agreement and constant reminder to you that I gave you your child’s life. He slowly stroked Madison’s hair, as if trying to calm her crying. On her nineteenth birthday, I’ll come to claim her. His hands cupped Judith’s face. But if you should decide to cross me, she will become an orphan at which point I will take what is mine. He ran his finger down Judith’s neck, giving her chills. And if you should ever mention this to anyone, especially her, I’ll take her. Judith believed every word he threatened her with. Either way you will lose what is most precious to you.

Judith dropped her head in defeat. I understand, she said quietly.

The young man stood and dusted off his hands. Good, I’ll make sure to check up on the two of you every so often – make sure you are being good. He winked at Judith and she forced her eyes to the ground. I’ll keep this for later.

Judith looked up to see what he was referring to, but the man was gone. There was nothing left in the alley but Madison, Judith and her scrambled thoughts. She held Madison closer to try to stop the whimpering. I’ll find a way Mattie, she whispered, I’ll find a way out of this bargain. I will save you precious and I won’t stop until you are safe, Judith vowed.

Chapter 1

The bell above the door chimed, alerting the owner she had guests. The air in the small shop was thick and the smell of incense, oils and herbs mixed into a sweet aroma that assaulted our senses as we entered. The tiny shop was poorly lit due to the heavy drapes that covered the walls and windows. The furniture looked antique but the heavy, colorfully embroidered drapes were in immaculate condition. It felt like we had walked into the past.

Mona quickly went and sat in the waiting area. I stood at the counter waiting for the young woman who was busying herself with some menial task at the back of the shop. There were several dusty shelves behind the counter; the small figurines and crystal balls caught my attention. They were oddly beautiful but at the same time, strangely ominous. There were figurines of fairies, dragons, and skulls in different shapes and poses all lightly covered in dust. Above them, there were rows of many small bottles filled to different levels with chalky colorful powders. Some of the bottles still had their peeling and worn labels clinging to the last remnants of glue; the few I could read I didn’t recognize.

Mattie, come sit until she comes out. Mona patted the seat beside her. She looked oddly nervous.

Just leave me be, I waved her off, intrigued by the display behind the counter, I’m just looking.

You are here for an appointment with Mademoiselle Fiona? The soft voice startled me. The young girl who had just been in the back now stood beside me, smiling sweetly.

I nodded as Mona stood and fiddled with her jean pockets. We would both like a reading, I motioned towards Mona, Can we go in together?

The young girl nodded and pulled back a heavily embroidered curtain. Mademoiselle Fiona will be right in, please have a seat. She held the curtain as Mona and I entered a small room lit only by candles.

We sat in the two chairs that were tucked under a circular table opposite a large black ornate chair. I don’t know about this Mattie, Mona whispered to me looking around the room. There had to be twenty candles standing in tall black candelabras; the wax from them had burned for so many years that it dripped off the stands to the floor holding them firmly in place.

You’re just fine, now hush, I chided. The young girl came back into the room carrying a stone bowl filled with, what I assumed was, water. She set it on the table in front of the black chair.

She will be right with you. The young girl smiled sweetly and sprinkled the top of the water with a mixture of dried leaves. She excused herself quietly, closing the curtain behind her.

The candles flickered, causing Mona to dig her fingers into my leg. This is just for fun, right Mattie? This isn’t real… A gust of wind closed her mouth tightly. It blew into the room and stirred the leaves on the top of the water while the candle light danced. The curtain at the back of the room slowly billowed as the young girl entered the room. An elderly lady, who must have been well over seventy, held her arm. She escorted the old woman to the large black chair and helped her sit down before silently excusing herself.

The woman had grey hair that was pulled back into a neat bun. Her face was thin and wrinkled. She had such a severe hunch that her face sat only inches above the bowl the girl had just set on the table. Hello, her soft voice creaked as she spoke, I am Mademoiselle Fiona. She held out her wrinkled hand and looked up. I felt Mona’s fingers dig deeper into my leg and as I reached for her outstretched hand I noticed why Mona tensed. Mademoiselle Fiona was blind; her eyes cloudy white and empty. Her hand was cool to the touch and soft like my Gramps; it was a comforting feeling. Mademoiselle Fiona smiled gently and reached for Mona’s hand with her other arm. I nudged Mona to snap her out of her shock. It took a moment but Mona finally released my leg and took the psychic’s hand.

So you are here out of curiosity? Mademoiselle Fiona asked as Mona nodded.

Shoving my elbow into Mona’s ribs I scowled at her for her insensitivity. Yes ma’am, she whispered as Mademoiselle Fiona released our hands.

She touched the top of the water, slowly moving her finger in a circular motion. Madison, please put the tips of your fingers into the water at the edge of the bowl there. I did as asked, noting that we hadn’t told her our names. Mona only referred to me as Mattie in the waiting area – not Madison – and yet the psychic still knew my name.

Mademoiselle Fiona hummed to herself as she continued to stir the water. You have a birthday coming soon; your nineteenth. She nodded to herself as she stirred the water. I see a man in your future. She frowned almost imperceptibly. He has a dark past but will love you more than you can comprehend. He will risk everything for you. She kept stirring the water in silence but her face slowly started to contort into a deep frown. Emma, she called out sharply; her voice no longer soft. The young girl stuck her head through the curtain. Both Mona and I turned and saw that Emma was as confused with the summons as we were.

Yes ma’am. She hurried over to Mademoiselle Fiona’s side. I couldn’t make out their hushed conversation but as quickly as she’d come in Emma scooped up the bowl and left. Soon after the door rang as someone, I assumed was Emma, exited the shop leaving us in complete silence.

Mona and I exchanged questioning looks as Mademoiselle Fiona closed her eyes and took both of our hands in hers for a second time. Curiosity is why you wanted to come, but fate is what sent you to me. She took a deep breath, I normally don’t divulge everything I see to a regular customer, but your situations are different. Again Mona and I exchanged a look, this time it was one of concern over the situation we found ourselves in. The trip to the psychic was supposed to be fun – not serious. I wasn’t completely sure I even believed in psychics.

I don’t want to know if something bad is going to happen. Mona tried to pull her hand away but Mademoiselle Fiona held on tightly.

You will listen to what I have seen. Your friendships, your lives, your loves, and your very souls depend on the choices you make today. Mona squirmed but finally gave in to the old lady. Mademoiselle Fiona cleared her throat and her voice returned to the soft calming lull it had been when she first came in. Your friendship, which has already withstood the test of time, must now face a new challenge. You will both be confronted with the hardest choice you will have to make – where your loyalties lie; with blood, or with each other.

She turned to face me directly Madison, your path was chosen for you just after you were born, you cannot change what will happen. The mark of fate placed on your body will forever stay with you; you cannot outrun it or outwit it, you must accept that this is your path. You will only be able to choose what you will to do with the gift that is also a curse. Immediately, I knew she was talking about the mysterious mark I had on my stomach. I knew nothing about it and when I asked Gramps he would not-so-subtly change the subject. It was, and always had been, off-limits.

By your next birthday, Mademoiselle Fiona continued, the day will be night and the night day but the man I saw will do anything for you. Lean on him; he will be your support for the difficult times ahead. I also see a man dressed in black sitting at a shadowed table in a restaurant. No… she paused and shook her head, it is more like a… Hhmmmm, she waved her hand as if searching the air for the right word, what you would call a pub. Mona and I looked at each other knowing she must mean O’Malley’s – Mona’s grandfather’s pub – it was also where I worked. He will be the reason for your end. If you try to run away from him, he will follow and you will never live in peace. She sighed, looking almost distraught as she continued on. The ones you love will fade, treasure every moment with them – they will keep your humanity close in your darkest hours. This will be your true test, the test of who you are and who you were meant to become. If your new self and your old self cannot live inside of you in harmony, your path will be much darker and fraught with more inner conflict than I have foreseen today. But do not lose faith; your love will help mould your present and future self into who your mother wanted you to be. Listen to him, let him guide you, and after your trials, your path will be one of love and happiness.

Mademoiselle Fiona shifted to face Mona. Mona, my sweet, you will have a much harder choice. Madison can’t change her future, but yours isn’t as certain. Fate hasn’t touched you in the same way. You will be faced with the choice between your heritage and your friend. I see much loss in your future, but always remember to hold onto what your heart tells you. It will be your compass to help you navigate through the storms ahead. Mona shifted in her seat as her eyes jumped to me, then back to Mademoiselle Fiona. If you choose your heritage you could lose the very thing that makes you who you are. If you choose your friendship you will lose much of your heritage, although your actions will forge a new path for all those involved. You must remember that no matter what happens, Madison will always be the Madison you remember, even if her actions contradict what you believe.

Mademoiselle Fiona shook her head. I see two possible futures for your friendship. You both will continue for a time until your paths in life separate. They will meet again after some major life changes for you both, but it is up to you to choose to continue on your paths together or go your separate ways. However, let me warn you, she shook her finger, if you choose to go your own ways, your friendship will not survive and there will be much more lost than either of you could have ever anticipated. I do not envy the choices you girls will face. The path will be hard and you will not see the light at the end of the tunnel for possibly years to come. Keep faith in your friendship, for if you do that the two of you will become a force that nothing on this earth would dare go against.

Mademoiselle Fiona slumped over in her chair just as the door chimed. Mona and I exchanged worried glances as Emma returned to help Mademoiselle Fiona out of the room. I’ll be right back. I have to get her to bed, she called over her shoulder as she escorted the old woman through the curtain.

What was that? Mona burst out as soon as Emma left.

I… I don’t know. There had been a pit growing in my stomach since Emma had first left the shop; now it threatened to explode. I managed to subdue the bile creeping up my throat. What did she mean that our souls depend on the choices we make today?

Mona shrugged as she stood I don’t know, but I think it was a bad idea to come to see a psychic. I don’t want to know that something could threaten our friendship like that. Let’s just get out of here.

As we walked out into the waiting area, Emma came through the back curtain and smiled brightly. You two are special. She looked at Mona. "Mademoiselle Fiona said that if you have