Fated Bonds

Chapter 4

The next morning, Sabrina awoke to find her bed empty, yet a message awaited on her pillow: "Come see me at the falls, 10:30 p.m. Carry a jacket. - EM." She giggled softly, feeling a rush of excitement. Despite the dreary day that followed, a shadow of disappointment lingered as she made her way to the falls. Her heart sank when Elijah was nowhere in sight. Tears welled up, shattering her heart once more over another man who had left her waiting.

The weeks that followed were even bleaker than when she lost Dean . Rumors of Elijah Smith circulated among her friends, particularly Caroline's warnings, but Sabrina had yet to meet him. Then came Rebekah, introduced unexpectedly during an art class interruption by Bonnie.

"Sabrina, we've gotta go," Bonnie urged, her tone tense. Sabrina's gaze met Rebekah's as the blonde entered the room. Their eyes locked, and Rebekah greeted her with a grin, "Hello, my love," sending a flutter through Sabrina's chest.

Bonnie hurried away, leaving Sabrina and Rebekah together. Rebekah took Sabrina's hand and introduced herself warmly, "Rebekah Mikaelson, pleasure." Sabrina smiled in return, feeling a stirring in her heart as Rebekah's soft smile captured her.

"Two out of five," Sabrina replied, reflecting on Elijah's earlier mention of his siblings.

Rebekah's expression darkened slightly. "Which of my bastard brothers did you meet first?" she asked, a trace of jealousy in her eyes.

"Lijah, but he vanished the night after we met; he didn't show for a date," Sabrina confessed, sensing Rebekah's unease.

"It's unlike Elijah to disappear like that, especially after meeting our mate," Rebekah remarked with a nod, her grip tightening on Sabrina's hand.

Changing the subject, Rebekah asked playfully, "So how's life after being stuck for 90 years?" Sabrina laughed, trying to lighten the mood. "You know, almost everything Lijah told me before he vanished."

Rebekah nodded knowingly. "Tell me, are you enjoying high school life? Planning on going to homecoming?" she inquired, to which Sabrina nodded in confirmation. "I'm going with Matt."

Sabrina felt a pang of sadness, imagining the sorrow Elijah must have felt during their brief encounter. Attempting to shift the conversation, she offered, "Need help with your dress?" hoping to spend more time with Rebekah.

"Eleanor's already assisted, but thank you, love," Rebekah replied warmly. "I wouldn't mind grabbing a bite at the grill after school," she added, eliciting a smile from Sabrina.

Later that day, Sabrina drove them to the grill, where they sat together in a booth, laughing and enjoying milkshakes. "Do you have any questions about the mate bond?" Rebekah asked, noticing Sabrina's gaze drifting to a couple across the room.

Sabrina sighed, confessing, "I do. When I met Elijah, I didn't feel the same way initially, but..." She paused, Rebekah's hand resting reassuringly on her leg.

"But what?" Rebekah prodded gently.

"I felt lost after he left; it was a tight, painful feeling that you helped ease. Bekah, how can we be soulmates and not crave each other?" Sabrina wondered aloud, meeting Rebekah's gaze.

"Elijah's better at explaining these things," Sabrina added nervously.

"Where is he?" Rebekah asked sympathetically.

"He's probably daggered, but don't worry, he won't be gone long. Klaus will bring us together; our family will reunite," Rebekah assured her eagerly. "Since he's not here, can you explain it to me?" Sabrina requested tentatively, her heart racing.

"Our mother designed our mate to give us hope, to love more than blood. It was meant to come sooner, not a thousand years later, so the link is fragile now. It weakens over time, but it'll grow stronger," Rebekah explained, grinning at Sabrina's admiration. "You spoke to him after meeting me," she teased.

"He said you're just as perfect as he described,"  Rebekah admitted, smiling back at her human . "He also said you didn't want it as much as he hoped, that someone had ruined love for you," she added softly.

Rebekah nodded thoughtfully, wrapping her arm around Sabrina. "A few months ago, I would've embraced this excitement, but now I'm cautious. I'm watching my back," Sabrina confessed as Rebekah listened attentively.

"The last time I trusted someone, they broke my heart and left," Sabrina revealed, studying Rebekah's features, her hair neatly styled and lips glistening.

"My brothers and I wouldn't treat you like that; we have morals. No matter how angry we get, we'd never abandon you like he did," Rebekah assured Sabrina, mentioning Klaus and their Mystic Falls circle, which made Sabrina catch her breath at the mention of her sister and friends.

"And Matt?" Sabrina asked tentatively.

Rebekah studied her for a moment before gently holding Sabrina's face in her hands and kissing her. Pulling away, she gazed into Sabrina's eyes, which reflected the bar's lights. "Does this show you how much he means to me, darling?" Rebekah whispered, tears welling up.

Why was it so easy for Rebekah when Dean had found it so difficult? Even though Sabrina's true soulmate stood before her, thoughts of him lingered. "I know you can't escape it, but my brothers and I will give you the love you deserve. We'll cherish and protect you forever," Rebekah promised, laying her head on Sabrina's shoulder .

Rebekah's eyes softened, a smile playing on her own. "Come on, my love, let's walk you home," she said, her voice gentle as she intertwined her fingers with Sabrina's.

As they walked together, their hands clasped, Sabrina couldn't help but feel a sense of hope stir within her. Maybe, just maybe, amidst the complexities and uncertainties, she had found someone who could mend the hurts of the past and guide her towards a new beginning.