Fated Encounters

Chapter 23

Patrick stood outside Stephanie’s apartment, his breath visible in the cold evening air. His heart pounded as he knocked on the door. For all the battles he had fought, none felt as daunting as the one that awaited him now—saying goodbye to someone who had once meant the world to him. He had to end this, for Angela, for the war ahead, and for himself.

The door creaked open, revealing Stephanie’s familiar figure. Her auburn hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her eyes—once full of warmth and love—now held confusion and sadness. She stepped aside, letting him in without a word. Patrick entered the apartment, the tension between them palpable.

“Patrick,” she began hesitantly, "I wasn’t expecting you to come tonight."

“I know,” Patrick replied, his voice low. He could barely meet her gaze. “But we need to talk.”

They moved to the living room, and for a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence hung heavy in the air until Stephanie broke it.

“You’ve been distant,” she said, her voice trembling. “Ever since... everything happened with your father. I know you’re going through a lot, but I’ve been waiting, Patrick. Waiting for you to figure it out, to come back to me.”

Patrick winced. He could see the pain in her eyes, and it killed him to know he had caused it. But the truth had to come out now.

“I’m sorry, Stephanie,” he started, his throat tight. “I’ve been holding onto something I shouldn’t have. What we had... it was real, but it’s not what I need anymore. I haven’t been fair to you, or to myself.”

Stephanie’s face crumpled as tears filled her eyes. “Are you... are you saying it’s over?”

Patrick nodded, his heart heavy. “Yes. It’s over. I should’ve told you sooner, but I didn’t want to hurt you. I thought maybe I could balance everything, but the truth is—I’ve been holding you back. And I’ve been holding onto the past. I can’t do it anymore.”

Stephanie wiped her tears with the back of her hand, but her voice grew stronger. “Is it because of her? Angela?”

Patrick didn’t hesitate this time. “Yes. It’s always been her. I just didn’t realize it until now. She’s part of my future in a way I never understood before. I care about you, Stephanie, but this is something I have to do.”

Stephanie’s lips quivered, but she stood tall. “I loved you, Patrick. And I think part of me always will. But I see it now—you were never fully mine, were you?”

Patrick felt a pang of guilt. He reached out and gently took her hand. “You deserved better. And I’m sorry I wasn’t that for you.”

Stephanie stared at their joined hands for a moment before pulling away. She swallowed hard, then nodded. “I guess this is goodbye then.”

Patrick’s chest tightened as he stood, feeling the finality of their words. “Goodbye, Stephanie. I hope you find someone who can give you everything you deserve.”

She gave him a sad smile, her tears finally slowing. “Goodbye, Patrick. I hope you find what you’re looking for.”

With that, Patrick turned and walked out of her apartment for the last time, closing the door on their chapter together. It hurt, but it was necessary. His past with Stephanie needed to end so he could focus on the future—and on Angela.

---

Back at his father's old study, Patrick sat at the worn oak desk, Rex curled up at his feet. The Andasastra was safely hidden, but the war looming ahead was too great for him to fight alone. He pulled out his father’s old contact book, flipping through its pages, searching for allies.

As he scanned the names, he couldn’t help but marvel at the vast network his father had built over the years. Will had always known the right people, and now, Patrick had to rely on them if he had any hope of winning this fight.

One name jumped out at him—Jack slate Morrow. Beside it, a note in his father’s handwriting: Vampire Slayer. Jack was one of the best, a man with a reputation for taking down even the most dangerous vampires. If anyone could help track the movements of the alien creatures who might be hiding among them, it was Jack.

Another name caught his eye—Aiden Blackwood. He was the Alpha leader of one of the most powerful werewolf packs in the region. Werewolves weren’t exactly known for cooperating with others, but Aiden had worked with Will in the past. If Patrick could convince him, the strength of a werewolf pack would be a formidable advantage.

Further down the list were the names of several hunters—Stacy, Robin, and Wincent. Each of them had been part of various missions with his father, tracking down creatures that posed a threat to humans. They were skilled, loyal, and deadly when it came to protecting the world from unseen dangers.

Patrick made a list of everyone he needed to contact. There was no time to waste. The clock was ticking, and he had only months before the alien leader returned stronger than ever. But first, he had to bring these people together, form an alliance, and plan for the fight that would determine everything.

Closing the contact book, Patrick leaned back in his chair, the weight of the responsibility pressing down on him. He had ended things with Stephanie, made peace with his past, but now the real challenge began. He needed to protect Angela, prepare for battle, and somehow unite this diverse group of people for the coming war.

As Rex stirred at his feet, Patrick reached down and scratched behind his ears. "It’s going to be a long road, buddy," he muttered, staring out the window into the dark night. "But we’ve got a war to win."

And with that, Patrick began to plan the next steps in his journey—because this fight wasn’t just for him. It was for Angela, for his father’s legacy, and for the future of their world.