2 A Deal (1/2)

Ruby couldn't tell this vampire why she was running. If he knew, he would either turn her in to them himself or take advantage of her unique powers. Vampires had a certain degree of control over blood and were capable of making other races do their bidding. That was the last thing she wanted.

She was perfectly capable of fending for herself because of said powers. She only stayed with her aunt and uncle out of a sense of familial duty. And because she couldn't bear to leave her only cousin behind.

A pang of regret went through her. Flora was probably worried sick right now. Ruby would find a way to contact her secretly once she made it out of this. Right now she had this vampire to worry about.

He was looking at her expectantly. ”Well, are you going to tell me or not?”

”Why would I?” she shot back, feeling defensive. ”You haven't even told me your name!”

”Oh, yes. That was dumb of me. Excuse my poor manners, Miss Sapphire. I am Ash Mayhew, owner of the castle you invaded.”

He did a theatrical bow and Ruby held back a snort. What was with this guy? Were all vampires like this or was he a little off?

”Anyway,” she drew out the word. ”If I could stay here for like an hour and fix up my wing I'd really appreciate it. And is it really an invasion if it's an accident? I did get hurt in the process, you know.”

Ash shrugged. ”Right…sorry about that. I'm not so great at blood magic so I can't make a full dome. The current barrier keeps out everything but fairies. Luckily I have yet to make enemies of any yet.”

”Well, you will if you don't let me fix up my wing,” Ruby said lightly.

The vampire laughed. ”You're a funny one! Are all fairies this funny?”

”I don't know. I haven't actually met all that many fairies. We're kind of scattered, to be perfectly honest. We don't have covens or packs or anything like that.”

She bit her lip before she said anything more that would give her situation away. Mentioning she had family out there would be a pretty big clue they were the ones looking for her. Why couldn't she keep her stupid mouth shut?

”RUUUUUUBYYYYYY!” Aunt Lily's voice called in the distance.

All the blood in her body froze. Oh no. If she and Uncle Flint were flying right now, they might make it over the barrier too. Then she would be doomed.

Ash seemed vaguely amused. ”Ruby? I wonder who that could be…it isn't like rubies and sapphires are both gemstones. Oh wait. They are. You should come up with a more original alias next time.”

He already knew so she may as well fess up. ”I panicked, okay? You try coming up with an alias on the spot. Unless…you already did?”