Cage The Animal

[SEBASTIAN DAVENPORT]

Sebastian knew better than to stay out in public shirtless for long. Although he rebelled quite often against the rules of Guardianship that had to be upheld by his kind, he still knew better than to pay that much attention to himself. Someone was going to notice how his spine protruded in such a grotesque manner and then he'd be forever embedded into their memories. He preferred to have everyone know his name and his face. He wanted to world to bow to him. But he knew that wasn't allowed and so as Aly struggled against him he started to move away from the front entrance and towards the dark alley that was just around the corner. There was an alley around every corner in Scriptor Bay it seemed. One thing that he liked.

Once they were concealed by the shadows of the alley he grabbed a fistful of her curly hair and pulled his face away from hers. He stared at her with his cold grey eyes and then he spoke again to her. "I'm feeling generous tonight." He told her and raised his brows and opened his eyes wider, watching her and gauging her terrified reactions as he held her close still.

"You have two options. You come upstairs with me and you get to see another lovely night. Or," He tilted his head to the side and thought about it for a moment before his eyes looked over towards an old metal dumpster which graffiti all up the side of it saying something he couldn't make out. "We can make that your final resting place."

[ALYSON MONTGOMERY]

It took all of Alyson's effort not to cry when he pulled back so she could see his face once again. She swallowed the sobs that threatened to make her chest heave, her eyes red with the sting of burning tears that she desperately tried to conceal. She sniffled a little, looking into his piercing, pale blue eyes and seeing the monster he was. She didn't feel like he was being generous at all, but still her eyes moved towards the dumpster that he had explained could be her "final resting place". She gulped and then let her eyes land back on him.

A part of her wished to spit in his face, but the logical side made her hold back, knowing he might take that as a sign she preferred the latter of his offers, which she did not. Despite what his plans were for her, she wanted to live, because living meant she might survive, and surviving was key. Alyson was a survivor. She had survived all those years in her Podunk, small, backwards home town and she could certainly survive with this....whatever he was. There was something not very human about Sebastian.

Al swallowed hard and narrowed her eyes, not having the energy to fight anymore anyway. "I'll come upstairs." She growled angrily at him through clenched teeth. Why her? Why was he doing this to her? She didn't know, but she knew she had to make a new plan. She moved her eyes around and looked for a sign to give away where she was. This wasn't over... she was going to get away.

[SEBASTIAN DAVENPORT]

Even though the alley didn't have any means of illumination since it was just a small wedge of space between two buildings, Sebastian's eyes were definitely visible. His grey eyes fixated on Aly and watching for any sign that she would try to run or any other stunt again. But he could see the clear defeat across her face and when she agreed to go upstairs he felt satisfied that he wouldn't have to chase her around topless. It was a bit nippy out after all.

"Right this way." Sebastian stuck his arm out and motioned for her to go ahead of him back towards the entrance to the building. He'd be right behind her, watching her and hovering. He didn't want to let her out of his sight until they were back inside. That's when he'd be able to make sure that she couldn't leave again. At least not until he wanted her to.

[ALYSON MONTGOMERY]

It took a lot of self control not to run off when he began escorting her back towards the entrance of the building. He had chased her down once before, which she was still confused and shocked about, which meant he could easily do it again, and she was still a little out of breath from flying down the steps as quickly as she had. She just couldn't fight again that night, and she hoped he was equally as worn out. Alyson feared for what would happen to her once they were upstairs. She didn't know what exactly he had planned for her, or why he had even taken her in the first place, but after everything, and considering it was getting late, she was sure the torment was over for the evening. At least for the most part.

The ride back upstairs seemed to take an eternity. She felt his presence and it made shivers run up her spine. She didn't want him to touch her. She didn't want to feel his breath on her or hear his voice. Maybe if she just cooperated the rest of the night he would leave her alone. She was exhausted already, and she knew sleep wouldn't come, not with the thoughts running through her mind as they were.

She felt dread when they reached their destination and he escorted her back into the apartment. It was a prison, at least temporarily, and even though it was well taken care of, large, and nice, she couldn't help but hate everything about it.

When the door shut behind her she knew it was the end of her rope. She gulped and turned around to face her assailant. Aly looked the man straight in the eye, frowning at him. She stood her ground, not wanting him to sneak up on her or have a leg up by not seeing him. She wanted to be prepared to fight if he had to, but she hoped she wouldn't. "Why'd you even bring me here?" She asked with an annoyed tone. "You can't ransom me. I'm from a broke family, and I don't exactly have wealthy friends. And whatever you think you're going to get from me? You won't. So how about you just let me go and I won't call the cops. We can just forget this even happened."

[SEBASTIAN DAVENPORT]

Once back in the comfort of the luxurious condo that he called home, Sebastian locked up the front door and bolted it shut. Not that Aly would have the chance to go out the front door again that night. Next time she gave him a hard time she'd be leaving through the window. He could care less about whether she would be the one he'd try to keep or if he'd have to go select another. He wanted to test himself! Anymore than a night at a time with the same person was too much for him but there was always room for change in a man, wasn't there? Sebastian just wondered if that only pertained to actual men. He was a gargoyle.

Aly jibber jabbered about ransoms and being let go but Sebastian just shook his head and moved past the girl but then stopped short and looked back at her. He wasn't going to just stroll through his home and expect her to tag along like he had the first time. He nodded for her to walk in front of him, almost like a silent command that he expected her to follow.

"Do I look like I need money?" Sebastian asked and smirked at the thought of it. If he wanted to ransom someone off he wouldn't have chosen some random girl working in a retail store. He would have gone after someone important. Aly wasn't important. Not to him anyway.

"Some people do things for money, for power. Me? I do this for sport." He said and reached out to tickle at her sides, figuring that she wouldn't want to be touched at him.

"It's up to you how enjoyable your stay is. You try screaming or try anything then you'll have to worry more about my sister than me. She has a shorter temper than I do and she doesn't give second chances."

[ALYSON MONTGOMERY]

Alyson folded her arms over her chest and walked with him when he gave the little nod to. She didn't like listening to him, but what was she going to do? Pout on the floor and whine like a child? No. She was an adult and she was going to handle this one step at a time, and the step she needed to take now was to follow him as he silently commanded.

She listened to him, hating him more and more with every word that left his mouth. When he mentioned taking her was for sport, though, she saw red and her body tightened once more with rage. This was just a game to him? She was being taken away from her entire workd because he thought it was fun? Her teeth clenched tightly together and when he reached out to tickle her, she jerked away and swatted fiercely at his hand. What she wanted to do was claw his damn eyes out! She was going to miss school, miss work, and all of her groceries would go bad. She was glad her rent was covered for the semester since she lived in the campus housing, but even then she would have a hell of a time explaining this to her professors. That is if she got out of this alive.

"You try screaming or try anything then you'll have to worry more about my sister than me. She has a shorter temper than I do and she doesn't give second chances." Her fists were now clenched at her sides and she had to contain herself so she wouldn't freak out on him. Words didn't mean anything to him, and fighting seemed like more of the game, so she did exactly what he wouldn't want her to do; kept her mouth shut and played along. Obviously he got a kick out of seeing her so riled up, otherwise he wouldn't be working so hard to get her that, so she had to learn to try and stay calm when her anger and fear were getting the best of her. She was realizing that if she wanted to survive his game, she would need to play her own, which meant, for the time being, that she was keeping her damn mouth shut. She needed to focus on bigger things; where were the windows? Where were potential weapons? Were there any other exits? Alyson had every intention of winning this game.

[SEBASTIAN DAVENPORT]

Ah, the silent treatment.

Sebastian knew this trick quite well. He'd done it when his father would tell him to do something he didn't like when he was just a boy. His father had been strict with his children. Sebastian especially since he would rebel out in the open when they were around the others of their kind. He never cared, and his father didn't care to tolerate it and would punish him while others watched.

But this wasn't about Sebastian's childhood. No, this had to do with Sebastian and him alone, enjoying himself and running a trial to see whether he could very well tolerate someone other than his dreadful sister for longer than a few nights' time. The fact that his father would have disapproved if he were alive only made it better.

The Gargoyle kept an eye on Aly and once they made it into the kitchen he moved past her, hardly brushing up against her to walk towards a corner of the kitchen counter where they had a small Bose radio that was plugged into the wall. He tapped the round little power button and it lit up and came to life, playing the first thing on its playlist. The beginning tone made it obvious that it hadn't been something that he would have selected. It must have been programmed to one of Prestine's stations. Why she had been in the kitchen was beyond him, but he could care less. Music was music.

I'm not calling you a liar, just don't lie to me

The song played in the background while Sebastian reached up into a cabinet and pulled out two short scotch glasses, moving his hips to the music. Sebastian loved to dance when he was home, it was one of those things that just passed time. "This is the kitchen. Like I tried to show you earlier." His brows raised when he spoke but his expression didn't change.

I'm not calling you a thief, just don't steal from me

He moved towards the sink and bent down to open up the cabinet and pulled out a glass bottle which held a yellowish brown liquid that sloshed around when he set it down on the island in the center of the kitchen. He then uncapped the bottle and began to pour a little into both of the glasses.

"This is a very old scotch. It was my father's, actually. I keep it under the sink so Prestine won't find it. She's not very domesticated you see." He explained casually to Aly and slid a glass over towards her and then leaned against the island and picked up his own glass, tipping it towards her and then downing the contents.

"You look like you could use a stiff drink."

And I love you so much, I'm going to let you kill me

He poured himself another glass and then picked it up and began to walk around the kitchen. There was no reason they couldn't be friends. He might have been holding her against her will but it didn't mean he couldn't show her a good time and get her to enjoy herself a bit. Loosen up some.

[ALYSON MONTGOMERY]

The girl was angry and defeated and more than a little tired. She followed Sebastian reluctantly to the kitchen and stood at the island where he left her. She shied away when he brushed past her, glaring after him knowing he'd done it intentionally. She hated him with a passion. She didn't need to know him or know what he had in mind for her to know that she despised him beyond recognition. Her goal from then on out was to get the hell out of there at any cost.

She ignored his snide remark, keeping her eyes narrowed at the island as if it were the thing she actually was annoyed at. Her lips were tight together still and she was tense. How could she not be? "This is a very old scotch. It was my father's, actually. I keep it under the sink so Prestine won't find it. She's not very domesticated you see." Her eyes moved to the amber colored liquid in the glass and then she looked away again.

Did he think she would be impressed by the age of the scotch? Or amused by what he said about his sister? Her eyes darted around subtly trying to pinpoint where the knives were. Knives made good weapons when wielded properly. Not that she knew how to wield a knife. Aly wasn't skilled when it came to really protecting herself. Obviously.

"You look like you could use a stiff drink." The comment annoyed her. Was he serious? She glared at the liquid and then looked up at her captor, meeting his eyes. She kept hers firmly on his as her hand reached out towards the glass, only she didn't pick it up and put it to her lips as he had intended for her to do. Instead she slid her hand to the edge of the island with the glass pressed against the back of it, and pushed it clear off the ledge. She never let her eyes move away from his as she heard the shattering glass, knowing the scotch would be everywhere. It was if she were silently challenging him, something that she knew to be stupid considering how much power he had in that situation and how little she did, but she needed to send a clear message; she was not going to play by his rules unless forced to.

"Oops." She muttered, her eyes narrowing a little more. If he expected her to cooperate, he was wrong. She was there against her will and if he wanted anything from her, he would have to make her. Aly had never been known for her level head, and she apparently wasn't going to start now.

[SEBASTIAN DAVENPORT]

The shattering of the glass might have phased someone else, but not Sebastian. He just stared right back across the counter at Alyson as if they were playing a simple staring game, although his brows furrowed as if he were trying to figure out what the real reason for her to slide the glass off the counter was.

"Oops."

It was obvious that she'd done it intentionally, and that was what was so puzzling to him. It was as if she wanted him to torture her. She had yet to experience the dirty tricks that Sebastian could play with her. All the tormenting games that they could play. And yet here she was acting like a stupid girl deliberately pushing the glass off the ledge.

The male casually took a few steps around the island until there was only one corner between the two of them and he leaned his side against it, his own glass in his hands still. A part of him wanted to rip her in half for it, but then there was that part of him that was holding back because it reminded him of how he acted when he wanted to get others riled up.

"I don't think you understand how this works." He started to say and narrowed his eyes at her almost like he was judging her with those cold grey hues of his. Most people wouldn't be that stupid.

"Breaking glasses isn't going to make this go any better. Now," Sebastian set his glass down on the counter and he reached out for Alyson's wrist. He wasn't going to let her break anything else tonight. Tomorrow, maybe. But that was it for the night.

"It's about time I show you to your room." He jerked his arm once he had a firm hold on her wrist to try and get her to lunge forward, wanting to show her a little roughness to show he wasn't playing. But at the same time he didn't want to rough her up too bad. He had plans for her, and if she were black and blue all over then that would ruin it, wouldn't it? He didn't like damaged goods and that was considered just that to him.

Sebastian guided Alyson further into the condo, heading down another hall that lead to his bedroom. The only reason living with Prestine was tolerable was because their rooms on opposite ends of their home. So he didn't have to listen to her latest pet shout in whatever foreign language he spoke, and Prestine didn't have to listen to his fling of the night's own howls.

"You're going to love your new bed. I set it up just for you. Well, I set it up knowing that I would be bringing someone home with me tonight. You were just lucky enough to pick the short straw, since I usually go for brunettes." He looked down at her and smirked as if what he said amused him. If the brunette girl had stayed and Alyson left the store earlier that night then he would have been happy with her too.

The door to Sebastian's room had been left ajar and all he had to do was give it a nudge with his foot and it opened right up for them. Although the rest of the condo seemed to have giant windows that covered the west wall, Sebastian's room didn't have a single visible window. He had floor to ceiling drapes that were thick enough to keep out the light of day. The entire room was covered in dim lighting, shadows and dark corners everywhere in the room.

There were only a few things in the bedroom, but those items were quite nice. A very soft looking bed with very fluffy pillows and blankets! It looked like it would definitely give someone a great night of sleep. At the foot of the bed there was a bench with more pillows for extra sitting room. Not that Sebastian had ever used it to sit on. He used it when he didn't feel like taking his night stand in the bed.

In the corner closest to where the window would have been if it hadn't been hidden behind a great deal of curtains, was a cherry colored piano. Aside from a few dings in the legs and around the edges it seemed to be in mint condition. There were a few white pillar candles sitting on top of it and wax had dripped down and stuck to the wood but it wasn't anything that couldn't be cleaned off if Sebastian ever decided to pick up a duster. Something he didn't do.

In the opposite corner from the piano against the wall was a cage. The cage appeared to be big enough to fit two large dogs. It held a couple of pillows for padding against the cold metal floor of it and a blanket. Currently it was empty, but Sebastian's eyes traveled to it and then to Alyson.

The smirk widened into a sadistic looking grin as he looked back at the cage, where he intended to put Alyson. "Home sweet home."

---

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Permission to power play a bit by Alyson. ♥

[ALYSON MONTGOMERY]

He didn't look angry when she broke the glass, but Al felt as though she had established that she wasn't willing to play along as he expected her to. When he started to move closer to her the only sign that she felt nervous was her swallowing nervously. Her eyes didn't bother moving away and she didn't back off, standing her ground. "I don't think you understand how this works." Her eyes narrowed more. What was to understand? He took her away and basically told her she was never leaving his home. Did he expect her to just drink to that? Play good girl? She was a human and a strong willed one at that. She wasn't just going to celebrate with a drink. She was going to make it as clear as day that she had no intention of cooperating any more than she needed to in order to stay alive another day. He was an arrogant prick, but she felt confident he wouldn't end her life over a broken glass of liquor.

When he snatched her wrist her body tensed more and she pulled it back, but his grip was firm and she couldn't get away. She said nothing, only glowered in his direction, trying to keep her arm as close to her body as possible, despite his strong hold on her.

"It's about time I show you to your room." It was something Alyson had been dreading since he had informed her she would be staying there indefinitely. She gulped again as he tugged her along, not bothering fighting. She would lose, he made that extremely clear several times.

"You're going to love your new bed. I set it up just for you." The words sent chills down her spine. She wasn't sure what he meant, and she didn't like his casual tone. It almost seemed like this was all amusing to him, which it probably was. "You were just lucky enough to pick the short straw, since I usually go for brunettes." The words hit home and she actually looked up at him wide eyed. He'd meant to take Cassidy? Her gaze went back to the ground as he tugged her along realizing she might have saved her bosses life. She had a husband and a child. Aly had no one. If anyone should have been taken it was her, and the feeling made her feel sick knowing she had saved Lilly from potentially losing her mother.

When he pushed the door open she looked around, noticing the bed first. It was a nice bed and it looked comfortable enough. It wasn't hers though, and it looked like it was big enough for two. More, really. Did he expect her to sleep beside him? She soon learned that he had no intention of letting her stay in that bed.

"Home sweet home." Came the dark voice as she stared at the dog cage that was intended for her. Her body tensed once more and she took a step back, but he still had her. "I am not going in a cage, you son of a bitch! I'm not your damn dog!" She sent her free arm swinging in his direction, the adrenaline coursing through her veins once more as she began wailing on him attempting to get free, knowing it was useless, but she didn't want to be caged! "I swear to God I will kill you!" She snapped, tugging desperately to get free, tears finally soaking her eyes though they didn't drip. She pulled her body down, trying to use her entire body weight to get free as she flailed in his grasp, letting out an angry, animalistic scream of frustration. She was NOT going in that cage!

[SEBASTIAN DAVENPORT]

He assumed that once she saw the cage she would get upset. Sebastian just didn't know how upset that would be and when she began to swing at him he leaned his head back a bit, not wanting to get hit in the face. However she got a couple of good jabs in there and he finally grew sick of it and grabbed hold of her by the shoulders and gave her a good shove to try and get her off of him.

"That's enough of that." Sebastian told her and lifted his leg and used his foot to shut the door that was behind him so that if she did run for it she'd have to get it open first. But he was hoping he didn't have to go chasing her again.

"What's wrong, you don't like what I set up for you? You better get used to it." He had no tolerance for her at the moment. He should have been enjoying himself! He should have been taking advantage of her and ripping her clothes off so he could see just what she had to offer. But her tricks and tantrums were starting to be more of a turn off than anything else. Not to mention if he wanted to keep her around for a while then he'd have to behave himself. At least he'd have to take care of his own sexual urges.

"We're going to change your schedule around. Since you said you go to the college I'll bet you're up during the day taking classes." He took a few steps backwards and leaned up against the only door that would be her escape, putting all his weight on it and crossing his feet at the ankles so he looked like he was just casually leaning against it and not blocking it from her.

"Now that you're here, you'll have all day to sleep. And at night I'll let you out if you're good." That would be a very big if.

[ALYSON MONTGOMERY]

When he grabbed her shoulders and shoved her away, she went down immediately, landing hard on her ass since she was pulling towards the ground anyway. She quieted down once she was there, glad he had at least let go of her, even if he was blocking her from escaping through the door. Where would she go even if she had the chance, though? He already proved she couldn't escape that way! Maybe if she banged on doors and they let her in? But honestly, who the hell would let a stranger in. Not in the city. In Texas? Sure. People had shotguns in Texas. You would have to be a damn fool to try and rob someone in her home town. Toddlers knew how to point and aim it seemed!

She had never felt so helpless and vulnerable in her life. Alyson had always been strong minded. She had been tough and no one had messed with her before. Not really. She kept to herself mostly and people left her be. She wasn't used to someone overpowering her this way. When Sebastian told her to get used to it she couldn't accept it. Her mind couldn't wrap around the fact that she was in this situation and that she would be forced to not only stay there, but be caged like an animal.

And why would she have to sleep during the day? It made no sense to her! She gulped and just shook her head, at a loss for words, a look of defeat crossing her face as she glowered at the ground. What other options did she have? There was no way of getting out of this! She had to find out a way, but it wouldn't be tonight, not when his guard was up!

"Fine." She said angrily after a moment. "I'll behave. I won't run...as long as you don't cage me." She said through gritted teeth. She meant it, too. At least for tonight. The thought of being caged freaked her out to no end. She wouldn't go in willingly and though she had a feeling he could force her in there if he wanted, he would have to work at it. When Alyson didn;t want to do something, she wouldn't do it.

[SEBASTIAN DAVENPORT]

Sebastian could sense that Alyson was going to struggle to get into the cage. He could see it written all over her face clear as night during a full moon. She was feisty! That was one of the reasons why he decided not to just ravage her in the store but wanted to take her home with him.

The male licked his lips and shook his head, still watching her with that smirk on his face. His smirks looked almost sarcastic, and the fact that he was shirtless and just resting against the door didn't make them look any less sarcastic. Almost like he was taunting her in a way, although he wasn't trying to. At least not at that very moment.

"Why would I trust that the moment I fall asleep you aren't going to run out the door?" He asked her and he knew that she would. It was instinctual for a human in order to survive. Of course as soon as he wasn't able to prevent her from leaving she would do it. Only she didn't realize how vulnerable he was when the sun came up.

"Get in the cage." He pointed towards it and nodded at the dog cage, wanting her to start moving towards it. She could crawl if she had to, but she was getting in that cage!

"Maybe if you're quiet then tomorrow Prestine's little rodent will keep you company. But not tonight. Now in."

[ALYSON MONTGOMERY]

He had no reason to trust her and after her stunt earlier she knew he wouldn't. What could she do to get him to reconsider? She thought for a moment, her thoughts all jumbled as the anger and terror made her head spin. "I won't!" She growled, but even she knew it wasn't good enough to convince him. Besides, he knew where she worked. Maybe that was it!

"Get in the cage." She felt degraded, which was likely the point, but she didn't move. He would have to physically get her up and move her in!

"There's nowhere I can go where you couldn't find me!" She said out of desperation, though she wondered if that were true. "You know where I work! You...know where my boss is." Why had she said that? Would she really bargain Cassidy? She was trapping herself and she shut her eyes tight, putting her hand over her face.

"Why are you doing this to me!" She yelped more to herself than him. She wasn't prepared for this night to be like it was. She was supposed to be home getting her homework done! Not captive in some freaks home. She almost considered bargaining for sexual favors but the very thought made her ill and lightheaded.

"I won't run. You could find me too easily. Okay? I just won't! Lock the door!"

[SEBASTIAN DAVENPORT]

Sebastian let out an overly exaggerated sigh. She wasn't going to get into the damn cage unless he dragged her in there by her hair! And although that was a very tempting idea he didn't want to mess up any of those curls. He was actually fascinated by her curls and maybe the next night he'd even play with them a bit.

But maybe he could do what Prestine did with her little pets. His sister got foreigners to come to her bed willingly and they stayed without a problem. But Alyson wasn't there by her own free will. She had been taken. And he didn't think that she would stay put in his room if he locked her in. Of course, just like Prestine had, his door had locks on the outside. The windows were also sealed shut. So he could leave her in there while the sun was up. He decided if he was going to do that then he was going to have to make sure he scared any thought of her leaving out of her.

"You're right. I would find you if you left. And if I couldn't, then there is always your boss. She'd be a suitable replacement." Sebastian started to walk towards Alyson and when he was close he dropped down to his knees and crawled towards her as if he were a beast hunting his prey. The sight of his jagged spine made him seem like he could pass as a reptile if he only painted his pale skin.

He crawled up to her and grabbed her by her right calf and with one hand he slid her across the rugged floor closer to him so he could practically crawl over her. He made sure he kept his right leg between her legs and used his legs to press against her right one to keep her put while he hovered over her body. "Because I'm feeling more generous than usual, I might be open to a deal." He said in a sly tone and looked down at her, like he was trying to pierce through her eyes with his own.

"I won't cage you up if you don't try to get out of this room. If you do decide to try and escape then not only will I go after you, but i'll go after that pretty little boss of yours too. I'll go after everyone you've ever known. And I'll bleed them all dry." Sebastian offered and his face darkened to prove that he meant business.