The next few days brought a strange new rhythm to life at the McCall house. Derek's presence was a constant but quiet one, and he visited regularly to spend time with Alexis, always respectful of her space, yet determined to get to know her. Alexis, while still guarded, was warming up to him, allowing herself to be curious about this man she'd only ever known as "Derek."

One afternoon, as they were sitting on the porch together, Alexis turned to him with a thoughtful look. "Why... why weren't you here before?"

Derek's face tightened, but he forced himself to meet her gaze. "I was young, and I made mistakes. I was scared... and I thought staying was the right choice. But it wasn't. And I regret it, every day."

Alexis studied him, her expression unreadable, before nodding slowly. "Okay," she said quietly. "I guess I can understand that."

Derek's heart clenched, knowing it would take time for her to fully trust him, but her willingness to understand was a glimmer of hope he clung to.

Vivian watched from the kitchen window, her heart filled with a bittersweet ache. She had spent so many years raising Alexis on her own, never imagining that Derek would one day be part of their lives. Seeing them together was surreal, a glimpse into the life she'd once dreamed of having with him.

As she turned back to her work, her phone buzzed. It was Allison.

Can we talk again?  her message read. I need your advice.

Vivian smiled, feeling a warmth at the thought of reconnecting with her sister. Of course, she replied. Anytime.

---

That evening, after Derek left and Alexis went to bed, Allison stopped by, her face tense with worry.

"Allison, what's wrong?" Vivian asked, guiding her to sit down.

Allison sighed, rubbing her temples. "It's... everything, Viv. Dad's been on edge ever since he found out about Derek's pack. He wants me to start training more seriously, and... I don't know if I want to do it his way anymore."

Vivian felt a pang of sympathy, remembering how she herself had once struggled against their father's expectations. "You don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with, Allison. Just because we're Argents doesn't mean we have to follow the old ways."

Allison looked at her, her expression one of relief mixed with fear. "I want to believe that. But Dad... he's so strict, so unyielding."

Vivian reached out, squeezing her sister's hand. "I'll help you, Allison. We'll find a way to make this work. You're not alone."

Allison's eyes filled with gratitude. "Thank you, Viv. I've missed having you around."

"I've missed you too," Vivian replied, her voice thick with emotion.

As they sat together, Vivian felt the rift between them start to close, a small but powerful step toward mending their family.