Hello everyone!

I'm so happy to receive such good reviews from you all. You guys inspire me to write more. Thank you so much for all the positive comments and encouragement. :)

As a way of expressing my gratitude I'm posting another chapter!

00000000

CHP 7: MONSTER

CAIUS POV

I felt the familiar burn in my throat. I headed down towards the dungeons, where Heidi usually kept our prisoners. Heidi bowed as she saw me and I nodded back. I grabbed hold of the first person I could find and sank my teeth into his neck. I was so blinded by my thirst and anger, that by the time I drained him dry, my face and robes were covered in his blood. The other prisoners, all of them tourists who fell into Heidi's trap, watched in horror. Several women screamed. They can scream all they want. Their cries for help will not go beyond the walls of this castle.

It took another three persons to satiate my bloodlust.

By the time I finished, my face and robes were coated with my victims' blood. I've never fed so messily before. I couldn't help but take out all of my frustration on them.

I stepped out of the dungeons, feeling content and in control again.

"Oh my God! You monster!"

I turned around and saw Leah staring at me, a horrified expression on her face. How did she come here?

"I heard many screams coming from down there...," her voice faltered as she pointed towards the dungeons.

"What did you think? I need to feed for my sustenance, whether you like it or not. Now you realise exactly what I am capable of," I said, unfazed by her reaction.

"Don't you dare justify your actions! You disgust me!"

She turned on her heels and went. I didn't understand why she'd react this way. Hadn't she known all along that I was a vampire and I feed on human blood to survive? Did she think I signed up for this? However, I felt a twinge of hurt. Actual hurt. She called me a monster. She said I disgust her.

What is going wrong with me? If it was anyone else, I would have taken that as a compliment or made them pay for being too cheeky. But when those words came out of her mouth, they stung a lot.

I hated how her words affected me so. Was I going soft?

000000000000000000000000000000000

LEAH POV

What I just witnessed was the most vile and repulsive thing ever.

To see my imprint covered in blood, knowing that he had feasted on the blood of innocent human beings was like a nightmare come true. Is this person the one I'm destined to be with forever? As I stood there, I felt real fear. I knew he was a vampire, but to actually witness him in his true form was terrifying. If it was anyone else, I would have killed them on the spot. But this was my imprint. Even if he decided to kill everyone in the world, I would be forced to stand by him. It was so immoral.

I suddenly didn't feel safe in Volterra at all. I wanted to leave.

But my conscience stopped me from taking such a hasty decision. There were innocent people trapped in there. I had to save them, somehow. But I can't do anything right now. Not when Caius and Heidi was there.

I made my way to my room, feeling a little nauseous. I felt my eyes welling up. What kind of a monster had I imprinted on?

I needed to phase. Probably a run would help me clear my head. Perhaps, I could also talk with Jacob and Seth.

I made my way to the castle grounds. The weather was calm and cool. Perfect for a run. Phasing into my wolf self was such a liberating feeling. As soon as I phased Jacob's voice was in my head.

Leah! Where were you all these days?

Sorry for not phasing for so long Jake. I was busy exploring Volterra all these days. How's everyone?

Everyone is fine. Sue and Seth miss you a lot. They were so worried about you, especially considering the fact that you didn't call us or anything. The pack is fine. Oh, I forgot to tell you. Emily is pregnant!

If I had heard this news a few weeks ago, I would have been upset. But now, I felt genuine happiness for her. Thankfully, something good has come out of this imprint. I didn't envy her or feel jealous of her anymore.

That's great news! Convey my best wishes to them!

Jacob paused for a moment.

Wow. You've really changed Leah. Having Caius around is definitely having a softening effect on you.

At the mention of his name, I felt sad. I replayed all that had conspired during the past few days in my head.

I'm sorry Leah. I really hope this works out for you. I'm sure he feels it too. He's just in denial, that's all.

Forget him. I'm wondering how I should free those innocent people trapped there?

Should we come there? I don't think you can do this on your own. If the Volturi find out, which they will, you'll be dead meat.

That hurt my ego. I felt so indignant. He was underestimating me.

Of course I'm capable of accomplishing this on my own. I only asked for advise, not back ups.

Sighs. Your attitude remains unchanged Leah. I've got to give you that. Forget what I said earlier.

I laughed.

Shut up Jake. I don't know why. But I don't feel scared. I feel as though I can do anything. I feel you know...safe...

It was true. He may be a blood sucking, cold hearted vampire. But his mere presence made me feel safe. And this annoyed me more.I just saw him after he killed a couple of people. Not even that thought could help me think more logically or rationally. I've officially lost it.

That's the power of the imprint. But this is more than just a simple matter. You need our help on this. Do not try anything stupid. I have to discuss this matter with the Cullens. And you haven't lost it Leah. It's natural for you to support your imprint no matter what he does. Even if Nessie did the same, I would have to side with her. Accept it, Leah. I completely understand what you're going through.

Whatever you say, oh great Alpha.

0000000000000000000000000000

The thoughts of the people in the dungeons and the image of Caius covered in his victims' blood kept me awake. The run had helped me clear my head. But I've never felt so helpless before. I was even considering disobeying Jacob's orders when suddenly someone knocked on my door.

Who the hell is disturbing me at this ungodly hour?

I opened the door slowly. Standing in front of me were three figures.

I felt my stomach do backflips as realisation dawned on me.

000000000000000000000000000000

Cliffhanger! ;)

R & R