HUNTED

While Aila put up with her increasing pain and overemotional state, the guys took turns trying to keep distracted. The vampire was not one of them. In fact, Aila rarely saw him, he was always busy but the times she did see him was either late at night drinking from one of his good-looking staff members or the early hours of the morning when she would wake up to him sitting on the bed. He was always away the most at night. It must have been a vampire thing.

But her thoughts were not on the mysterious vampire who never seemed to sleep, they were constantly turning to Damon, and she wondered how he was fairing. The bond being blocked was frustrating, but at least she could hear him on the phone each day.

In the meantime, Cassius removed the hunter's car from the car park, getting his 'men' to get rid of it while buying Aila clothes she didn't necessarily need. She almost glared at him when he brought her some heels, but he stated she needed to start dressing the part of a future queen. It made her speculate over it as she held them in her hands; Damon rarely dressed up. But when he did, my gosh, he was hot as hell in a suit.

"That's because he hasn't needed to, but he will when you're crowned, and you have ceremonies and royal balls to host." Came Cassius' response to her thoughts, missing the part of her lust for her suited mate. He had an answer each time to any clothes she thought were a bit too much, especially since she would not be staying there long. The only thing she didn't complain about was his exquisite taste and sticking to her preference of black and sometimes red.

Aila was looking at the latest designer dress he brought her and placed it gently in its bag before she headed down to the group. As per usual, she stuck to wearing all black in jeans, a crop top, and some short, heeled boots. After an hour of debating with the men, Aila leaned her hands on the dining table with the group surrounding a map with circled points of locations. She was lost in thought until Chase continued with where the conversation left off.

"Aila, we should check it out, but you should stay behind-"

"It will also be unsafe for you guys. Especially you, Chase-"

"If that's the case, then maybe we shouldn't do this.."

Aila and Chase were arguing back and forth until Cassius appeared leaning against the window with a raised brow, "Yes, Chase should not go. He might be captured and used as a hostage again.."

"Aww, Gabriel, are you worried about me?" Chase smirked. The tense atmosphere between the two had dialled down over the days making Aila wonder if they had 'made up'.

Cassius sighed and looked at his nails, "More like I won't be saving your ass this time. You're so much effort. Ugh, humans."

"Ugh, vampires," Chase mimicked back.

Aila and the guys glanced between the pair before looking at each other and holding back a laugh. It was surreal.

"Why don't I go and check it out by myself?"

All four heads turned to Ajax at his announcement.

"How-"

"It will be the safest option. I just fly there, check it out and let you guys know if they are still at the compound.." Ajax interrupted Aila's question. She pursed her lips and looked at him with worry forming on her flawless features.

Finn scratched the back of his head, "That could work.." He trailed off and looked at Aila. She looked around and realised everyone was waiting for her to make the official decision. It seemed the most logical..

"Then it is settled.. Ajax will go," Cassius answered for her, but the guys were still looking to their Luna.

"Okay.. but I think Finn should go with you. Not to the location, but set up a meeting point, then you guys can get in contact with us and get back ASAP."

Finn bowed his head, and the pair started striding towards the front door, pausing when they heard the vampire speak up.

"When you return, we will need to go to Onyx."

Everyone turned to look at Cassius questionably. "We need to meet an old friend of mine. He has resources we need if you want to take all of the hunters down.."

"What's Onyx?" Aila asked the obvious question.

Cassius tilted his head to the side. "A nightclub. One of a few I own."

Aila's brows drew together. "You want me to leave here after keeping me inside because of the hunters to then go to your nightclub to meet this mysterious friend of yours?" She deadpanned.

"You will wear a wig. The hunters haven't been seen for days." Cassius abruptly left his spot next to the window and stood in front of Aila, leaning into her personal space. But much like before, she kept her chin raised. "Why.. Do you not trust me, Aila?" He searched her eyes, his own narrowed, and she knew he was reading her mind.

"You know I do," She sighed, "It's just a bit of an odd place to meet this friend. Why not come to the penthouse?"

"I thought you might want a change in scenery, Aila." He reached his hand out and placed a loose strand of hair behind her ear as he leaned closer to her, so their faces were a few inches away from each other. "I can rearrange it to here if you wish.."

Aila grimaced. Her mark had been burning since his cold hand had touched her ear. Cassius' gaze lowered to her crescent moon mark and glared. "No, you're right. I want to get out. I can't stay cooped up in here."

The vampire dropped his hand, and his features lit up. "Excellent," Cassius smiled, his fangs showing off before he disappeared from sight. Aila blinked and turned around, rubbing gently at her mark, unaware of Finn and Ajax watching her with furrowed brows before leaving on their mission.