Fated Bonds

Chapter 2

Sabrina sidled up to the bar at the Mystic Grill, scanning for a vacant stool amidst the lively chatter and clinking glasses. She settled onto a bar stool and ordered a cherry vodka sour, hoping the tangy sweetness would settle her nerves after a long day. As she pondered her drink choice, a man in a sharp suit approached and gracefully took the seat next to her.

"If anyone asks, it's cherry juice and Sprite," he murmured, passing her the drink with a knowing smile. It was Matt, always looking out for her.

Sabrina nodded appreciatively and was about to take a sip when the man beside her spoke, his voice smooth and accented, "Hello, Elskan."

Startled, Sabrina almost spilled her drink.She turned to him, offering a tentative smile. "Hi."

He was striking, in his late twenties with an air of confidence that both intrigued and unsettled her. Sabrina recognized that look—it was the same intensity she once saw in Dean's eyes.

"What's your name?" she managed to ask, extending her hand. Instead of shaking it, he turned her hand over and placed a gentle kiss on her palm, causing her cheeks to flush.

"Sabrina Forbes," she introduced herself, her curiosity piqued. "Nice to meet you."

"Elijah Mikaelson, though most know me as Elijah Smith," he replied smoothly, his gaze unwavering.

Sabrina raised an eyebrow, unsure of what to make of this charming stranger. "Elskan, I'm trying not to draw attention. Tell me about yourself," he urged.

She hesitated briefly, then replied cautiously, "Oh, there's not much to tell. I'm a homebody, living a quiet life, trying to avoid encounters with vampires."

A human might laugh, but a vampire would feign innocence. Elijah met her gaze evenly as she took a sip of her drink, testing him subtly. It was crucial to discern whether he was human or not—whether he posed a threat or possibly a romantic interest. If Elena Gilbert could have a vampire boyfriend, why couldn't she?

"You're aware of the supernatural here?" he inquired, his tone thoughtful. "You know of me," he added knowingly.

"Not you specifically, but in Mystic Falls, one leerns to be cautious... Are you a vampire?" she ventured cautiously, readying herself for any response.

"I'm on vervain, so I'm off your menu," she added with a wry smile, half-joking but entirely serious.

Elijah caught her wrist gently as she made to stand up, his touch surprisingly tender. "I wouldn't harm you, Elskan. You mean a great deal to me, can you not feel it?" His expression was earnest, pleading almost.

Sabrina felt a mix of unease and curiosity. "I don't know what you're talking about, but this is all a bit... strange," she admitted, pulling her hand away gently. There was something undeniably intriguing about him, but also unsettling.

"I'm Not really looking for any entanglements right now, and this is... well, it's weird," she confessed, shaking her head.

"Why is it weird?" he asked softly, still holding her gaze with unwavering intensity.

Sabrina struggled to find words, grappling with the surreal situation. "I... I'm not sure," she finally managed, feeling a strange tug in her heart that she couldn't explain. Meeting someone who claimed such a profound connection felt like stepping into a story meant for someone else—someone like Elena Gilbert, not her.

"Elijah, this is all just too much," she sighed, conflicted. "I'm not sure I can trust any of this."

He looked at her earnestly, his voice gentle as he whispered, "Please don't deny our bond. I've waited a thousand years for this."

Sabrina blinked in disbelief, feeling overwhelmed by the weight of his words. She thought of Grams and the tales of soul bonds she had heard. This felt like that, but different somehow.

"I know you owe me nothing, Sabrina, but please give me a chance to explain," he implored, his accent soothing.

She hesitated, then nodded slowly. "Okay. But let's walk and talk. You have until we get to my place," she decided, standing up and feeling a chill in the night air.

Elijah's relief was palpable as he followed her, a polite smile on his lips. "Where shall I begin, Elskan?"