HUNTED

*One Month Ago*

Rays of light filtered through her closed eyes, disturbing her from a deep slumber. Aila slowly blinked open her eyes and shut them again with a slight frown. She somehow felt lightheaded and her throat incredibly dry. She licked her lips and forced her lids open again, adjusting to the brightness of the unfamiliar room she found herself in. 

Rising up into a seated position, Aila noted the mahogany antique French style four poster bed she had been sleeping in, her groggy mind believing herself still to be asleep. She looked at the spacious bedroom in awe and confusion. The high ceilings hung two magnificent chandeliers. The eggshell blue panelled walls were separated by gold engravings flourishing up to the top in splendid patterns and little white cherub statues in the corners. Paintings were framed in gold, and golden candle holders hung on the walls. 

It's very regal.. Where the frick was she?

Aila turned her head slowly as she took in the mixture of new and old furnishings in what she could only describe as something a princess would live in. Before the bed was a backless loveseat matching the colour of the walls and across from her were floor-to-ceiling arched windows where the sunlight beamed through. To the right were golden doors, and when she looked to the left-

Aila stilled, suddenly very aware of a hand clutching onto her waist, she didn't recognise the pale skin or unfamiliar feeling radiating from her waist. When she followed the occupant's bared arm up to their face, she saw tousled white hair covering sharp features. 

"Ah!" She screamed and jumped out of bed, then groaned after hitting her back harshly into the wall on the far side, causing one of the paintings to fall to the ground. She stared wide-eyed and gaped when she saw Gabriel lifting his head, looking at her sleepily and moving the white strands of his hair away from his eyes. A smirk tugged at his lips, and Aila faltered in her realisation when she suddenly smelled the sweet scent of strawberries.

Aila crossed her bare arms and growled, "Cassius. What is the meaning of this?!"

She pinched her arm, believing it to be a dream. It made more sense; she couldn't quite remember what she'd done the night before. But she knew enough that it was Cassius in the bed shirtless with her. She clenched her teeth together after feeling the slight pinch of pain, and her gaze hardened at the vampire.

Cassius sighed and sat up in the large four-poster bed, stretching his arms up lazily, uncaring of his dishevelled and naked appearance. "Careful, little wolf. I don't want you to hurt yourself. Your senses may be a little overwhelming right now," He yawned and pulled back the covers before appearing just before her in black, silky pyjama bottoms. "I mean you no harm."

She couldn't remember what happened, but one thing was for sure, she would not be casually sleeping in bed with Cassius. It was apparent she'd been kidnapped. Again.

"Uhuh, and I am meant to believe what my kidnapper says now?!" She snapped and pushed past him, running towards the double doors. But as her hand grasped on the handle and began to open it, Cassius slammed the door shut, his figure looming over her. 

"If it weren't for me," He leaned his head closer to hers, his lips almost brushing her ear. "You would not be alive right now."

A shiver ran down Aila's spine, and she gasped; her mind flashed back to what had happened to her. The coronation, Cassius, Davian, the hunters, Clint and lastly, her loving mate Damon. The last thing she remembered was dying in Damon's arms. 

Aila gasped again, her trembling hands covering her mouth as tears pooled in her eyes. Her mate, where was he? She started to breathe heavily as she felt for the bond and sighed in relief when she felt Damon was alive. 

Aila slowly turned around, leaning against the door and flattening her hands against the surface, trying to put some distance between her and Cassius. Which unfortunately wasn't much. She eyed him suspiciously.

"Why am I here, Cassius?" She asked slowly, but panic began to stir in her chest, and her voice rose as the following questions blurted out of her mouth. "Where is Damon? Why were we sharing a bed!?"

Cassius tilted his head to the side with another smirk tugging at his beautiful lips. It irritated her further. He was standing there nonchalantly like her situation was completely normal. 

"Get changed. I'll answer your questions after." With that said, Cassius turned around then spoke over his shoulder. "The dressing room is-"

"Tell. Me. Now." Aila interrupted him, punctuating each word with a growl as her feet padded across the cold, marble floors after the vampire until the warmth of a patterned rug comforted her bare feet.

Cassius stopped and spun on the spot, making Aila almost bump into him, but she hopped back, putting that much-needed space between them. A lazy, dazzling smile tugged at his lips as he looked her up and down through lustrous eyes. "If that is what you want. I don't mind the view." 

Aila looked down, only now realising she was in a short silk black nightgown. She crossed her arms over her chest and glared at him. The last thing she wore was her bloodied gown-

Cassius scoffed and raked his hand through his hair in irritation. "I am not a scoundrel, Aila. I am a gentleman above all else. My maid was the one who tended to you." He held his hands up now with a playful smile on his features.

"A gentleman wouldn't sleep in the same bed as me nor touch me in my sleep," Aila replied, then bit her tongue at the sudden cold glare she received from the vampire. Her body suddenly went cold under his scrutiny. Even though she made a comment to gain a reaction out of him, Aila somehow sensed he was telling the truth, although his actions were suspicious.

Cassius was shameless at times, but he wasn't that shameless. "Where is the dressing room?" She asked quietly, lowering her gaze, deciding to play along with whatever Cassius wished.. For now.