Chapter forty four

Chapter forty four
It was a week later when I heard Richie got released from the dungeon. I didn't seek him out, nor say anything to him when we ran into each other.

He looked hollow, miserable even. I passed without saying anything to him. He looked at me as if he wanted to say something to me, but didn't.

What he did to me was unjustifiable. I feel bad about what Drew did to him, but he didn't have to take it out on me. Although I did apologise, it was not my place. I apologized because I felt bad, and I felt for him.

I was about to be out of sight when he called me.

"Leon..."
I stopped and turned around to face him. I got a good look at him. His hair was messy, as if it hadn't been combed and groomed for a long time. Hi eyes were sunken, with black bags around them. He seemed to have been starved. In his case, starved of blood.

He didn't stand steady, and I could feel his gloomy mood. I wished he hadn't attacked me like that. He wouldn't have been in this situation.

"I have learnt my lesson, Leon. I apologise for my behavior. It is not palatable to be locked in the dungeon. I give you my word that I will no longer do that to you. You don't have to be afraid of me."

That must've been hard to say. I guess the dungeon did give him a lot of time to realise his mistakes.

I casually smiled, "Don't worry, Richie, all is forgotten."

I hope he means it and is not thinking of taking a bite out of me.

"Thank you for forgiving me, Leon."

I never said I forgived him for what he did. I only said that all was forgotten.

He sighed, saying, "I wanted to inform you that I will be away for a while..."

"To hunt?"

He cast down, almost as if he was embarassed. He didn't seem to be the kind to defy his Coven and hunt humans, right?

I nodded, acknowledging that he had demons that needed to be let out. I understand that it's hard for him to see me here, especially considering that I am Drew. I am not Drew, but I was married to the guy and was considered his soulmate.

"I can assure you that we do not hunt humans. I will be taking an excursion to the Coven hunting park to hunt."

That grew ny curiosity. This Coven seem to have everything under control. "How do you hunt? Do you transform into a vampire and chase the thing or you tie the animal down and suck it's blood?"

He lightly chuckled, and it seemed genuine. "You are quite funny, Leon. Do you want to see me hunt?"

I was puzzled on what he meant by that. Was he inviting me to the Park?

"I doubt I should agree to go with you there."

"Do you think I'll attack you again? Marianne has lost her trust in me. I know that she's a sweet person, but this is the last thing she expected me to do. If you go with me to the lodge, then I can prove myself to her that I have not lost control."

What's Richie suggesting? I would be a fool to agree to spend a week with him without everyone. I would be a fool to agree to leave with him.

I can't lie, I am a fool. I ended up agreeing to go with Richie to the lodge to watch him hunt. He said that he would show me things about vampires. I don't know what things, but he was relentless when he promised me an adventure of my life.

He did gain my trust back when he made me laugh. I was engaging in a meaningful conversation with Richie when I noticed Seren stealing glances st us. She quickly looked away when she realised I saw her. I chuckled, mostly to myself and shrugged my shoulders when she was looking.

"Seren likes you, Leon. I'm surprised she lets you get away with a lot of things. It's unlike her." Richie commented.

"Are you implying she's pretending?"

"Oh no, Leon, don't get me wrong. You are fun to be around, but we all heard your thoughts the first time you arrived here. The things you thought, I assure you Seren is not the one to let that slide. It did help when your thoughts were blocked from us, but I can't imagine the rage Seren has everytime she hears your thoughts."

Richie's words did seem to come from a place of malice. How could he say that about Seren when he knows our relationship? It seems to me he's trying to drive a wedge between us, and wants me to lose my trust in her.

Either way, it didn't work.

I felt a finger tap my forehead. I got irritated, but masked it with a smile.

"You zoned out, I had to."

I sighed, "It was great catching up with you, Richie. Let me pass by Seren to ask for today's activities. See you around."

I walked away from him to rush to Seren.

"Don't forget our date!" He yelled when I was closer to Seren.

Damn him.

"Hi, Leon. A big smile you have there," she commented, strutting towards me. She fished out a packet of chips from behind her.

I hadn't noticed that she had hid her hands behind her back. She opened the packet and gave it to me. "I've brought you snacks," she also wore a big smile on her lips

"What is it? Am I in trouble?"

She kicked the imaginary stones, twirling as she exudes life. "I want to take you hunting," she said.

I was confused. "Hunting?"

"Yes, Leon. I am going to train the young ones, show them the ropes and how to feed. It's a sacred tradition for most vampires, and it's one of the most ancient secrets for each group. I want you to come with us. Marianne and I thought we should show you the beautiful side of our beings," she paused, draping her hand over my shoulder.

She continued, "You have been through a lot, Leon. Life has not been fair on you. We know the trauma that the Harimots have put you through. We thought it would be refreshing for you to come with us to appreciate nature."

I was honored, but still confused. I'm not a part of the Coven. This is something big and I am not worthy to experience this.

I caught a frown on her face, as if she was annoyed. "When will you stop belittling yourself? If I say you are coming to the hunt, then you are coming, Leon. Some may not agree, but it's good for you to know different perspectives of vampires."

I hugged her, relieved. "Thank you, Seren. I guess it would be good for me to go out. When are we going?"

"Tomorrow-"

"Tomorrow?" It came out throaty.

She rolled her eyes. "I know you made a promise to Richie, but the only date you'll be attending is with me. I can't let you make the worst mistake of your life."

So, this is all about a ploy to sabotage the supposed 'date' with Richie? I should've seen this coming from a mile away.