60 I Have To Go

That was a stupid question. Right now the problem was saving her because there was no way Ruby could leave that sweet little fairy in the hands of the unidentified fae who killed her parents. She had to do as the video said.

Her jaw set, determination coursing through her. This had been the outcome she wanted to avoid most but there was nothing she wouldn't do to save the only family she had left.

"I have to go," Ruby said grimly.

Blair's eyes widened. "Hey now, there's no need to do anything dangerous. Why don't you wait for Ash and—"

She shook her head. The video said she had to go alone. She couldn't drag Ash into this anyway; he had his own enemies to deal with. Whoever was after her wasn't really his problem. She had burdened him enough.

"He's been through enough. This is my problem."

"You…know what happened to him then? Do you really think he can afford to lose anyone else?" Blair demanded.

Guilt pricked Ruby's heart. She didn't want to leave him behind but what choice did she have? They were friends but their relationship didn't go beyond that. He needed to avenge his family and she needed to save hers.

This was where their paths diverged. It was never realistic for them to stay together anyway. She would have to hold onto those beautiful memories to sustain her through whatever was ahead.

"I'm not that important to him," she said softly. "He'll be fine. But if you do happen to see him…could you tell him I'm sorry I couldn't finish our deal? And that I'll visit him as soon as I can."

Blair scowled. "I hope you know what you're getting yourself into. That voice sounded vaguely familiar to me. I can't put my finger on it but with the vibe I got he's seriously bad news."

Ruby sighed. She had already known that. The only information she had on this fae was that he was rich and powerful. She had no doubt he planned on using her powers for nefarious purposes but she would endure it for Flora's sake.

It was only a hundred years, right? Those were the original terms of the contract. Though it might be considered void now because one of the signees was dead…

If they honored the original contract, Ruby would be able to take Flora and go before she was an official adult. Being a hostage would be a horrible way to grow up but she might be able to negotiate with these fae so she could have as normal a childhood as possible given her circumstances.

"I get that. But I'm all Flora has. She's only thirty-one; she can't fend for herself at all," she said fiercely. "I can't leave her at the mercy of strangers I already know are violent."

Ruby gave her a small strained smile. "Sure. Wish me luck."

She headed out of the store, forgetting all about the items she came for and the promised rush fees. Right now nothing mattered but saving Flora, even if it was at the expense of her hard-won freedom.

When she arrived at the bed-and-breakfast, her upper arms were immediately grabbed by two hooded figures. She didn't resist as they took her up to one of the rooms.

They roughly shoved Ruby inside and locked the door behind them. The window was barricaded too so there was no way out. There was, however, one good point to the room. Flora was snoozing peacefully on the bed taking her afternoon nap.

Her blanket was draped haphazardly over her and her tiny feet stuck out. One arm clutched her teddy bear while the other was bent so she could suck her thumb. She had broken that habit several years ago but went back to it in times of great stress.

Ruby's heart was about to burst. Her cousin was safe. She very gently adjusted the blanket so it covered her properly and began stroking her vined hair.

"I'm here, little flower. I've got you," she whispered lovingly as tears filled her eyes.

She was only left alone with the baby for a few minutes before the door opened again. A different hooded figure than before stood in the doorway rather imposingly. This must be the fae who bought her.

"You're the one who left that video for me, I presume," Ruby said in a hard voice as she sat protectively in front of Flora with her arms out slightly behind her.

"Hmm, you are a clever one. I am not so sure I like that. Clever people are much harder to control. But you are here so that is what matters," the cold voice from the video said before pushing the hood back.

She blinked at him in shock. A vampire. Flint and Lily seriously tried to sell her to a vampire?!

This didn't make sense. Vampires were the least likely race to get involved with others aside from mermaids but that was a geographical issue. What would a vampire want with a fairy who could summon jewels?

He smirked at her and she felt true fear run through her. This fae was nothing like her friend. They might have similar features but the aura around them was entirely different.

A horrible thought occurred to her. Was this vampire part of the coven that killed all of Ash's friends and family?

"Who are you?" Ruby asked flatly.

That smirk grew even more pronounced and he gave her a small bow. "Dorian Cromwell, at your service. It is such a pleasure to meet the rarest fairy on earth."