My Personal Beast

Chapter 9

After my little…conversation with Klaus I realized I couldn’t let my guard down anymore. I needed to be extra careful around him, around all of them. I refused to let them see me as weak. After trekking back up to the mansion I saw Caroline practically jumping in the jet. She was saying something about going dress shopping. I was too numb to really pay attention to her.

“And they have to be elegant.” Elijah smiled at us.

“Aren’t you coming?” I asked Sophie.

“Naw. I already got my dress. And besides, Klaus and I need to spend quality time together.” She said clinging onto Klaus’s arm.

“Wanna come?” I asked Elijah. I would not let my face display any emotion.

“Yeah, I’ll come with you,” Elijah said weakly.

“You’re going dress shopping?” Klaus asked mockingly.

“Actually, I think I need to be alone. Can you drop me off somewhere?” Elijah asked us.

“Sure,” I said as he got onto the jet. When the doors shut, and we were in the air, I sighed.

“So where do you want us to drop you off?” I asked Elijah.

“Anywhere. As long as it’s far away from them.” He muttered, and I knew he was talking about Klaus and Sophie. After dropping off a very stressed out Elijah, Caroline and I headed into the city to find dresses. After two hours of looking, we found a beautiful blue dress for Caroline. It also brought out her eyes.

“Very nice,” I complimented her, smirking.

“Your turn.” She said, pushing me into the dressing room. I tried what felt like my hundredth dress this evening, and instantly knew this was the dress.

“Let’s go.” I told Caroline. The ball would start at nine, so we had exactly an hour to change.

“Aria, I don’t know how to do my hair.” Caroline complained. We were back at the mansion now, in one of the oversized bathrooms.

“Leave it loose.” I offered.

“But I always have my hair loose.” She complained.

“Here,” I said, taking the brush from her hands. I tied up her hair into a side pony and left a little of her fringe out.

“How’d you do that?” She asked in disbelief.

“Years and years of practice.” I laughed.

“My turn.” She squealed, taking the brush out of my hands. I sat down on the chair and closed my eyes as she worked on my hair. When I opened my eyes again my dark hair fell around my face in soft waves. A little of my side fringe covered my eyes.

“It looks gorgeous.” I muttered.

“Now for the make-up. I know I was born to do this.” She said, operating with the many kinds of brushes. We were in our dresses now, and already half an hour late.

“Caroline are you done?” I asked her. She was currently working on my make-up, having finished hers.

“Done.” She smirked.

“Let’s go.” I said grabbing her arm. In my heels I stilled managed to sprint to the stairs. In my haste, I never got to look at myself in the mirror.

“Here goes nothing.” I muttered. We both walked down the stairs to the ball room. Different scents filled the air, and I knew that all the guests were vampires. Or so I’d thought.

“What’s that?”asked out loud.

“Huh?” Caroline asked in confusion.

“That smell,” I muttered.

“I don’t smell anything,” She complained.

“That’s right. You’re still new. Never mind.” I told her. I knew now that there were werewolves here.

“Aria!” A husky voice called out. I turned around in shock, and was surprised when I was caught in a tight embrace.

“What are you doing here?” I asked happily. His grey eyes shone with the lights and his dark hair fell across his eyes.

“I heard there was some vampire party and that you were going to be there. Did you really think I’d miss the opportunity to see my best friend?” Aiden asked me. He hugged me again and I couldn’t helpbut smile. I hadn’t seen Aiden in fifty years. I missed his cheery personality and always annoyingly looking on the bright side of things.

“This is Aiden Montgomery.” I told Caroline. She smiled at him, extending her hand.

“Caroline Forbes.” She smiled.

“Pleasure,” Aiden said kissing her hand. Caroline blushed, and giggled just a bit

“What’s that on your neck?” Aiden asked.

“Huh?” I asked confused.

“That faded purple thing,” He said brushing his fingers against it.

“Oh shit.” I muttered. “Caroline I thought you covered it up.” I hissed.

“I did. I guess the make-up faded.” She said sheepishly.

“Is that a love bite?” Aiden asked, grinning like a five year old.

“Stop thinking dirty.” I snapped, hitting his arm playfully.

“Who’d you seduce this time?” Aiden asked, c*****g his head a little. He had such a playful grin on his face that I laughed at him.

“She didn’t seduce anyone. She was the one being seduced.” Klaus muttered, showing up out of nowhere.

“Although with that dress I’m sure she’ll have many heads turning. You look amazing, Aria.” Sophie complimented me, still clinging onto Klaus’s arm. She wore a light pink dress and her hair was tied up in a neat, yet playful, bun.

“You too.” I said smiling lightly.

“And who is this?” Klaus asked politely, staring at Aiden.

“Aiden Montgomery.” I introduced him.

“Aria’s seductive lover.” Aiden smirked. Klaus glowered at him and I could have sworn Aiden flinched.

“He’s kidding.” I said smiling up at the lopsided grin on Aiden’s face. Even though Aiden was a very powerful vampire, he was no match for Klaus. And I didn’t want to see him get hurt.

“You must be Klaus. The man holding my best friend hostage.” Aiden said.

“I see my reputation is very well known.” Klaus smirked.

“So you are holding Aria hostage.” Aiden smiled. “I never thought anyone could tame this tiger. But you have. Congrats.” Aiden said extending his hand.

“He hasn’t tamed anything.” I said, pulling down Aiden’s hand.

“Oh really? Then why exactly are you staying here so obediently? I would have thought you might have tried to escape by now.” Aiden said raising an eyebrow.

“I have tried to escape. But my powers are drained, “I pouted. “And he’s promised not to kill anyone if I stay the weekend.” I said. Aiden was well aware of the past Klaus and I had, and he knew my hatred towards the man.

“Always so noble. Putting other’s needs before your own. My little kitten.” Aiden said patting my head.

“This little kitten with chomp your hand of if you keep touching her hair.” I snapped.

“Feisty. Just like I remember you.” I heard another familiar voice say.

“Please tell me I’m dreaming.” I muttered.

“Nope. I’m here. In the flesh.” Daniel muttered. I turned to see his burly, muscled body standing directly behind me. Like Aiden, Daniel had grey eyes and dark hair. Only his was cropped short. Aiden and Daniel were brothers, twins almost. Only Aiden and Daniel were completely different people.

“Danny. You came too.” I smiled.

“Of course I would, hon,” He smiled, hugging me. Daniel and I were close. Not like Aiden and I were close, but close none the less.

“Everyone, this is my brother Daniel.” Aiden introduced him to our little gathering.

“Another one of your friends?” Klaus asked me blankly.

“Yeah.” I smirked.

“Where’s Leila?” I asked. Leila was Aiden’s girlfriend, and the closest thing I had to a sister now.

“She’s around here somewhere. She bumped into some friends and were catching up. She’ll be here soon.” Aiden assured me.

“So, who wants to dance?” Daniel asked. He stared blatantly at me and I smiled.

“Sure,” I said taking his hand.

“How ‘bout you?” Aiden asked Caroline. She blushed and nodded. Aiden was only being playful, but he didn’t know the affect he had on females. He was undeniably gorgeous. Leila was a lucky girl.

“I haven’t seen you in such a long time. How’ve you been?” Daniel asked.

“I got captured by the devil. How do you think I’m doing?” I asked bitterly.

“You’ve had so many chances to run away. Why haven’t you?” He asked.

“My powers are drained. You know I’m no match for him.” I sighed.

“That’s not it.” Daniel said, easily seeing through my pretenses. “You’re in love with him again, aren’t you?” Daniel asked. As we twirled among the crowd of people I looked up to see Klaus and Sophie dancing. Klaus was looking directly at us and I knew he could hear our conversation.

“You realize he’s looking straight at us, right?” I asked Daniel.

“I know.” Daniel smirked.

“Well, to answer your question, no. I’m not in love with him. I just don’t want more people dying so I’m putting up with his little games.” I said.

“Alright then. I guess it’s safe for me to say that I haven’t stopped thinking about you.” Daniel smiled softly. I looked up into his eyes and instantly knew what he wanted to do. I almost laughed, but held my composure.

“Really? Well I haven’t stopped thinking about you either.” I smirked, playing along. I looked up to see Klaus’s expression, but I couldn’t. Sophie was bent over in his arms, with her lips kissing his. Suddenly I felt sick.

“I need some air.” I muttered, letting go of Daniel. He gave me a worried look and followed me out of the room.