Fresh blood

The day dawned crisp and clear. The dappled sun shone through the maple trees creating mysterious shadows on to the person lying on the bed. Waking up to the sunrise, Devin got up from his bed to go for an early run.

With full-on positive energy, he got fresh and peeked into Leena's room one last time. Scared of the devil story Devin has told her two days ago, Leena has kept the door open in the nights.

"Look at her position. Her sleeping posture looks like a starfish with spread out arms and legs." Devin chuckled and stepped into her room to put her under the blanket.

"Why does she have dark circles? Didn't she sleep early yesterday?" Wrapping her spick and span into the sheets and putting the laptop aside which she had also thrown into the bed, Devin headed out for the morning run.

His day doesn't start without working his body out and it has become the habit ever since he was little. Back then, Devin wielded his body for hours of fitness training during his modeling career to the point of turning it into addiction.

…

Sweating profusely after two hours of the long run, Devin went back into the house garden feeling heated. Sitting over the bench, he ran a hand through his disheveled hair and relaxed closing his eyes. The tiny droplets of sweat dripping over his body were radiating creating an immense appeal on his silhouette.

"I was surprised to see you here really. You would never attend any weddings right?" His eyes lazily opened to a familiar voice.

"What made you turn up to the wedding? Even, I have never seen you in any of your family occasions." Devin asked back not intended to answer her question.

"You are right. I have never been to any of the special events in my life. That's the reason, I wanted to experience the joy of the wedding at least now." Kyle answered. Even more, she wants to see him from the far at least. She has come to the wedding only because Austin has informed of Devin's stay. Otherwise, she would be sitting either in the home or in her office.

"You should quit living over the past Kyle. It's not your mistake." Devin advised.

"I am trying to." She bolstered. Being an illegitimate daughter of the prominent Sawyer family is not an easy quirk. But she has been trying a lot since.

"You must be thirsty after the rigorous workout. I got water for you." Kyle passed him the bottle assuming he would accept her souvenir at least now. Yesterday's after-match incident was still fresh in her memory.

"No thanks." He rejected it likewise.

"You have changed a lot, Devin." With a bitter smile, Kyle gazed into the distance. She has foreseen his refusal already.

"What do you mean?" Devin asked.

"Even when the most beautiful girl from our school went after you, she was blatantly rejected by you."

"So? Devin asked clearly knowing where it was turning. "What are you trying to infer here?"

"The man who would never accept anything from a girl ran behind a woman yesterday even after he was getting a turndown. That is very strange and not so you."

"Look, Kyle. I hate when someone pries into my personal life. If this is what you want to hear, then yes. I am chasing after her. Don't soar your heights which would never happen." Getting up, Devin walked away leaving the woman in an emotional turmoil. He long realized Kyle had feelings since school and the sole reason he has maintained a distance. It's not only her, Devin was always wary of talking with girls. He never rose their expectations of accepting something which would only make it worse. He had never expected he would fall in love until Leena embarked into his life like a hurricane.

A teardrop fell over her cheeks hearing his confession to another woman in front of her.

...

While he was entering the house, Devin was again stopped by another person at the junction of the patio. Can this day get any better? He exhaled a loud sigh.

"Hello, Handsome. I am Wendy. Wendy Hamburger." Shyly, she introduced herself tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I hate hamburgers. So pack up." Devin tried to move away, but Wendy didnot allow to flee him.

"You were as hot as a Greek god in yesterday's basketball game." Wendy ignored his sarcastic comment of her surname and tried to come up with a topic to extend their conversation."Do you want juice after your morning run? I will make it for you."

"A glass of fresh blood." With a deadpanned voice, he stated.

"Huh?" Wendy was confused by the way he was speaking. Did I hear right? Did he ask for fresh blood?

"You are right. I am a vampire. I will be happier if the blood is yours." Devin walked away shaking his head with annoyance. Why does he have to encounter a nut case in the morning?

"His rejection has something to do with that crazy Leena. I should have warned him just now to be wary of that seducer." Wendy also went inside the house without knowing she has saved herself for not bringing up the topic of Leena in front of Devin. She would be bashed away if it happened.

...

To get a fresh shower, Devin walked into the house, and in entering into the hall, he heard a familiar voice crisp and clear.

"Damn it! I didn't inform him about my visit to Austin's wedding. He would sure nag around for the entire day." Devin tried to sneak into his room but his effort turned into utter vain when he was hugged by him.

"Vincy! Do you dare to cheat on me? Why aren't you answering my calls and messages? " A loud voice reflected the entire house. As expected, his voice could even wake the dead.

"When did you arrive? " Devin inquired dismissing himself from the fleshy hug.

"Just now landed into Seattle. You are enjoying the break without taking me? Nobody wants me. If not for Austin, I would still be in the_"

"Andrew!!!" Abruptly, he stopped his blabbering and turned around when his name was called.

"Drew. It's really you?" Austin screamed when he saw the person in real.

"Austin!" Running towards him, both bear an emotional hug after seeing for a long time.

Seeking the chance, Devin immediately slipped away not interested in listening to their blabbering. They will surely continue their chat for hours if time permits.

"You look dapper after putting on a little weight." Words of praise came easily to Austin.

"Is it? I am working out a lot nowadays." Drew also had no trouble in accepting his friend's compliments. "And I could already see the glow in our groom's face?" Drew immediately received a sheepish grin from Austin.

"Where is the bride?" Scanning the house, Drew inquired.

"She is busy with wedding works. What about Wilbur and Jasper?" Austin asked.

"Jasper will arrive in another two days. But I doubt Wilbur."

"He must be taking revenge on me for not tending to his wedding. I will talk to him. I have arranged a room for you. It's next to mine and Vincy's. Go and get fresh up." Austin called a maid to bring him to the room. He had urgent work to prepare everything for tonight and to deal with the mole in their company.

"You are the best Austin." Drew went up happily to enjoy his friend's wedding without knowing it would be a roller coaster of drama in their lives which they would never forget.