Aila paused her pacing and whipped her head to the side, staring outside the patio doors behind the dining table. Her heart began to race, her palms squeezing shut from the perspiration forming in angst and elation from the idea of Damon being nearby. She was glad to be alone, for she could not control her feelings right now or the brightness behind her eyes at the thought of her mate so close to her. Cassius would surely notice, and she could not reveal herself to the others for fear of it getting back to the vampire.