Once My Mate, Always My Mate

Sabrina’s POV

I woke up today with a plan for myself. My life has given me lemons and I plan on making some sweet lemonade!

First order of business, Xander.

"You look good today," I say, watching Xander walk out of his bathroom with nothing on.

"What brings you here?" Xander says with a smile as he puts his joggers on.

"I have decided to accept responsibility. I will play my part, give heirs to that world and do my job." I say confidently but the words cut me.

It's not what I want but what I have to do.

"Time passes differently there. I'll wait for you.” Xander tells me.

"I am not here to ask you to do that," I say, standing up to walk up to him but he beats me to it.

"All I have to do is wait a week, tops and you'll be here. I am an understanding man and we have had to fight some demons to be together, we can wait." He says to me and I feel the tears coming.

"I will be with another man. For years, creating life and raising it. That is not fair to you." I say.

"Is it fair to you? Is a life chosen for you and forced upon you fair? Is it fair that you have to go through it for years? The least I can do is be your peace. Let me be your retirement package and give you something to look forward to when all is said and done, allow me to do that for you." Xander says to me, wiping a lone tear on my face with his thumb.

"And don't ever think because you have been with someone else, that I won't love you any more or that I will find you disgusting. Give me some damn credit, I have never let you down." He says and I smile.

He was right.

Xander has been nothing but peaceful and loving...

I kiss him.

His wet skin, and wet hair, almost sent me into a frenzy but it is not that kind of kiss.

This is goodbye for now.

For me...

By accepting my job wholly, I have to accept everything that comes with it and that means accepting my true mate, Aiden. That means, no more Xander or any other man for a while.

Xander's hand pulls me in tighter, his other hand getting lost in my hair. Seconds pass and I don't want to let go, I can die like this. I'm at peace here...

His soft lips gently leading the kiss now, there was no rush. It's like he is trying to memorize my lips, the way I taste and I do the same...

I want to remember his scent, it will be the one to keep me going, to help me hold on and have hope for the future. His scent always seems to wrap me up like a blanket, securing me in and I will need that for the years to come.

Xander pulls away, both of us gasping for air. His hand cups my cheek, looking into my eyes with so much love.

Genuine love...

I could feel it, I could feel its overwhelming power but I embraced it and looked at him just the same.

"You will have to give it your all, Sabrina.” He says to me and I nod, not wanting to break down and cry because if I open my mouth, well... "The world of werewolves depends on it, depend on you. If being apart will bring some balance to this world and keep it from falling apart, if I get to keep my life then that is a worthy sacrifice. I don't mind waiting but I also don't mind losing you, knowing it is for the greater good. At least I will always know I have your heart and you will always have mine... that should keep us going long enough for us to build fruitful lives. Now, go on up there and bless this pack. Go make me a richer man woman!" Xander says to me, his smile sending electrical shocks to my nether regions.

I push him forcefully onto the bed because if this was going to be our last time together, then I am going to make it a good one.

wikix fy few OUTS laters asses

"I will be bringing Drastos to live with his dad. I know he has a place up there but I need him to build a strong relationship with Max before he is forced, like me to take up whatever role and never see any of his family from the dad's side.” I say while cuddled in bed with Xander. "Won't you miss him?" He asks and I nod my head once again, trying to blink the tears away.

"I will be there every morning to wake him up. That is the promise I will make him, with the immortality in him, he should be just fine if there is ever any danger." I say and Xander chuckles.

"So, I was right to decline your offer to give me immortality..." He says to himself and I groan out loud

"Yes, you were," I say.

"What about me? Will I ever get to see him again before he's no longer a pup?” Xander asks me.

"I would love it if you maintain your relationship with him. I will talk to Max about it." I say and Xander nods his head.

I get up from his bed and since I ruined my clothes, I opt for Xander's sweatpants and large cotton shirt.

Xander gets dressed too and pulls me in for a hug.

"You are mine, will forever be mine and I am yours, forever." He says to me, kissing the top of my head.

We pull away, afraid of saying the wrong thing, I quickly give him a peck on the lips and I wave goodbye.

Already stained with tears on my face, I look at Xander one last time before I run off to the realm I now call home. It was time to be an adult, to stop wishing for a fairytale ending, and just accept what is in front of me.

Just as I arrive, I come face to face with my reality check, Aiden. "Welcome back. I do hope that was the last time I get to feel that dull pain from your sex escapades.” He says to me with a smile. I force a smile on my face, but I feel it doesn't reach my eyes.

"I need to shower before I get Adrastos to his father,” I say, walking past Aiden to get to my room.

"This will all work out Sabrina, I know it will." He says and I turn around to face him.

"I hope you're right... for the both of us," I say, walking into my room and closing the door.