Fated Bonds

Chapter 13

Sabrina awoke in a different room, feeling disoriented until she saw Rebekah sitting beside her. "Bekah," she whispered, relieved, as she sat up. The vampire hugged her warmly, and Sabrina felt a cool sensation on her skin, realizing she was dressed only in her bra and underwear.

"Don't worry, sweetheart. I made sure my brothers didn't see anything they wouldn't see later. Let's get you showered and dressed so you can meet Kol, Finn, and Mother," Rebekah said cheerfully. Sabrina nodded, feeling a knot of anxiety about meeting Esther Mikaelson. She managed a weak smile and agreed, trying to focus on what lay ahead.

In Rebekah's bathroom, Sabrina stripped down, feeling oddly comforted to be in her mate's personal space. "I'll sit right here while you shower. We can talk," Rebekah grinned mischievously. Sabrina chuckled nervously, flushing under her gaze as she stepped into the warm water.

"How long was I out?" Sabrina asked, feeling the warmth soothe her nerves.

"About three hours," Rebekah replied. Sabrina nodded, massaging shampoo into her hair. "What happened to you?" she asked, rinsing out the suds.

"Elena daggered me right before homecoming," Rebekah sighed. "I'm sorry you were so excited to go, and you didn't deserve that-or the other times you were daggered."

"It's okay. You're here now," Sabrina reassured her, focusing on washing her body. "What's happening with your mother?" she asked, turning off the water and accepting the towel Rebekah handed her.

"We're becoming a family," Rebekah gushed, and Sabrina smiled warmly. "I'm so happy for you guys," she grinned, tilting her head. Something felt off, but she couldn't quite pinpoint it.

"Dry your hair, and I'll fetch you some clothes. I hope you don't mind; I packed your things from your backpack with mine... I figured we could share the room," Rebekah called from the bedroom, making Sabrina's heart race. "I'd love that!" she called back, hoping Rebekah could hear her.

Rebekah returned with a shirt, leggings, and underwear. "Are you sure this is okay to meet your mother in?" Sabrina asked uncertainly.

"Of course! She'll love you no matter what you wear, and I want you to be comfortable," Rebekah reassured her. Sabrina dressed quickly, glancing at herself in the mirror and noticing she looked different, almost radiant. Rebekah guided her to sit on the bathroom sink edge, brushing her hair gently.

After finishing brushing her teeth, Sabrina joined Rebekah as they walked together down the grand staircase. "Our mate has awakened," Rebekah announced as they approached the Mikaelson siblings who were gathered in the living room. Sabrina checked the wall clock-it was ten o'clock. She looked at each brother in turn. Their intense gazes sent a shiver down her spine.

"Finn Mikaelson," the eldest brother spoke as Sabrina released Rebekah's hand and offered it to Finn, who kissed it gently. "Hello, Finn," she greeted softly, leaning into Elijah as she moved closer to him. "Elskan," he whispered into her hair, prompting a smile from Sabrina. Tears welled in her eyes as she hugged Elijah tightly. "I missed you so much," she choked out, feeling hands settle on her waist, pulling her in. Glancing up, she met Nik's gaze. "Miss me, little love?" he teased, to which she replied cheekily, "Absolutely not, Nik," and pecked him on the lips. With a warm smile, she moved over to Kol, embracing him firmly. She hesitated at first but reciprocated when he extended his hand for a handshake, pulling him into a hug. Kol murmured, "I needed this, love," and Sabrina's heart softened.

"It's alright, baby. I'm here," she comforted him, noticing the relief in the Mikaelsons' eyes at Kol's evident affection for her, unexpected though it was. Finally pulling away, Elijah interjected, "We must go to Mother; she's waiting." Sabrina followed the siblings, holding Kol's hand as they entered the living room.