HUNTED

After relaxing on the sun terrace and giving Chiara and Ajax space to resolve their issues, Aila and Damon re-entered the dining room. The Gamma and shapeshifter were sitting comfortably without a heavy silence or awkward atmosphere between them now. Ajax seemed like his usual self as he smiled broadly at the Alpha, who ignored him and looked to be mind-linking Chiara. Most likely checking in to see if she was okay.

Aila glanced at Ajax, but his eyes were set on Chiara. She refrained from smiling as she watched Chiara's cheeks blush on her otherwise impassive expression as she responded to Damon's mind-link. Aila sat down on a chair as the remaining group entered the room; all were there except for Gabriel, who seemed to always be busy. It reminded her of Cassius, who was always busy. She wondered how much of Gabriel's absence and Cassius' influence affected the vampire empire.

With the group now seated, Aila discussed with Damon, Chiara and Kane in detail about their plan to take out Silas in the nearest hunter's compound. Time was of the essence now, and they needed to act quickly. Chase reported how there were compounds all over the country, and if his father felt threatened or required to leave, he would go without notice. Sometimes he made sure to get rid of any evidence of their existence by burning the building down or how it happened in the past, leaving explosives.

Damon was leaning back in his chair, his hands clasped together in front of him on the table. Aila could see he was deep in thought about their plan, but she did not reach out through the bond; there was no need. If they were in a normal marriage, she would not know her partner's thoughts 24/7, and even so, she knew him well enough now to see that he was not happy. His jaw was set, his face hard, his gaze looking at the table.

"You were going to do this without the help of the pack?" Damon asked no one in particular. But everyone knew who he was aiming his question at, and so everyone looked to Aila.

"Originally, we planned to have Gabriel or well it was Cassius.. to help, and he said he knew someone that could help. With that said, I think with us staying at the Vampire King's place.. we could try and ask for his help in the matter. If the vampires are loyal to him, then they would help with such a request.." Aila replied calmly, staring back at her mate.

Damon still did not look pleased. "But how can we trust them if they did help? We are sworn enemies. I can trust Gabriel, but not his subjects," He reasoned. His words, however, took her by surprise. He trusted Gabriel? He nearly tried to rip his face off the previous night; what happened?

"He went after Gabriel earlier about something, looking pretty pissed off.. returning as though nothing happened.." Malia added to where Aila's thoughts were heading to.

"I'm sure even having a few vampires who are his closest subjects would be trustworthy.." Aila began as she slowly stood up and stepping away from the table.

"Where are you going?" Damon asked as Finn also rose from his seat and began following her towards the door.

"We can't discuss more without Gabriel himself here," Aila muttered before leaving the room. She shook her head when Finn popped up by her side as they walked through one of the open spaced lounges. "You don't need to follow me, Finn. There are no dangers here.."

"We are in a vampire's penthouse above a vampire bar in vampire territory.. You are the future Alpha Queen.. Do you seriously think I am going to let you wander around-"

"Yes, I do," Aila interrupted, standing still as she patted Finn's back. "You know I am very strong. Plus, I am in no danger here. Go on, chill with the others. I won't be long.."

Finn sighed and looked to the side as he rubbed at the back of his neck. "Is that an order, Luna?" He asked in a resigned voice.

"No. But I hope you will follow my wishes as a friend," She replied and dropped her hand, tilting her head to the side as she watched the conflicting emotions cross his handsome features.

Finn bowed and abruptly turned around, his hands fisted at his sides. Aila felt terrible as he was only doing his duty as a Delta, but she was only going to see Gabriel. He would not harm her and would act as an even bigger shield if another vampire was roaming his grand penthouse.

Aila searched around the floor and even went upstairs looking for him in the library. Did he go out? She walked back down the stairs, past his office and towards the other stairs that led to the pools, sun terrace, and much more. But she halted, realising he might be in his office if he had affairs to attend to.

She walked towards his office and held her hand up, ready to knock, but noticed the door ajar. That was strange; Gabriel said no one was allowed to enter, so why would he leave the door open? She peeked through the small gap that was left and frowned after seeing the dark brown hair of the beautiful woman from before.

Aila searched the grand room for Gabriel but could not find him. The woman was in there by herself. After a few seconds of watching her, Aila concluded that she wasn't cleaning his office but searching for something instead. Was she snooping?

  Aila opened the door causing the woman to flinch and drop what was in her hands, looking at her wide-eyed and in fear. "What are you doing in here?" Aila asked while observing the woman. There was something about her; Aila really thought she had met her before but from where? Surely she would remember such a face.

"I erm I was.. waiting for Gabriel and got bored after waiting for so long.." The lady replied nervously. Aila noted how she wouldn't meet her eyes, but what made her still was when she bared her neck to her.