Fated Bonds

Chapter 28

Watching as Rebekah caught the eldest Salvatore's dart mid-throw, Sabrina chuckled at the familiar scene. "Hi, Stefan," she smiled, standing near the younger vampire.

"How are you, Sabrina?" Stefan asked, his smile tight.

"Better than ever. How's Elena?" Sabrina replied, her voice dripping with underlying tension.

Gently grabbing her elbow, Stefan guided Sabrina away from the other two. "Hurt her, and everyone you love dies," Rebekah called out in a sickly sweet tone, making Stefan offer a strained smile in return. And the human responded with a roll of her eyes/

Sitting together in a booth, Stefan tried to make small talk, clearly uncomfortable. "So, how have you been? I hardly see you around anymore. It's like you've vanished since you got involved with the Mikaelsons."

Sabrina sighed, taking a sip of her drink. "I know, Stefan. Things have changed a lot. I didn't expect to find myself where I am now. It's complicated."

He nodded, leaning back in the booth. "I get it. But you know we miss you, right? Especially Elena. You were part of our group, our family."

Sabrina's eyes softened. "I miss you guys too. It's just... They're important to me. They've shown me a different side of everything, and I can't just walk away from that."

Stefan glanced over at Rebekah, who was engrossed in her own conversation with damon. "I understand loyalty, but are you sure this is what you want? Being with them means constantly living on the edge."

Sabrina looked down, fiddling with her glass. "It's not about wanting this life, Stefan. It's about who I am with them. They've accepted me for all my flaws, all my decisions. And I... I love her and I love them."

Stefan's expression softened. "Just promise me you'll be careful. I don't want to see you hurt, Sabrina. You deserve to be happy, but not at the cost of your safety."

She reached out, touching his hand. "I promise, Stefan. I'll be careful. And I'll always be there for you guys, even if it doesn't seem like it."

Rebekah approached, her conversation apparently over. "Ready to go, love?" she asked, her hand slipping into Sabrina's.

Sabrina nodded, standing up. "Yeah, let's go."

As they made their way to the door, Stefan called out one last time. "Remember what I said, Sabrina. Be safe."

She turned back, offering a small, genuine smile. "I will, Stefan. Take care."

Walking out of the Mystic Grill, Sabrina felt a mix of emotions. Rebekah squeezed her hand reassuringly.

"You okay, love?" Rebekah asked softly.

Sabrina nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay. Just... reflecting."

Rebekah chuckled. "Well, don't reflect too hard. We've got plans tonight."

Sabrina smiled, feeling a sense of belonging despite the complexities. She knew her path wasn't easy, but with Rebekah by her side, she was ready to face whatever came their way.

"Let's get out of here," Rebekah said, pulling her towards the car.

The drive back was filled with comfortable silence, the kind that only comes from a deep understanding between two people. Sabrina stared out the front window , watching the familiar streets of Mystic Falls pass by, feeling a sense of nostalgia mixed with the present reality.

Once they arrived back at the mansion, they found themselves sitting on the couch, the weight of the day slowly lifting.

"You know," Rebekah started, breaking the silence, "seeing you with Stefan made me realize how much I've missed having you all to myself."

Sabrina looked at her, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'm here now. And I'm not going anywhere."

Rebekah leaned in, kissing her cheek gently. "Good. Because I don't know what I'd do without you."