38 The Components Of Blood (2/2)

”No,” he said firmly. ”No one can know about this so she can remain safe.”

Jezebel seemed relieved. ”Good! I certainly won't tell anyone. I enjoy figuring out the world's mysteries but not at anyone else's expense. Her secret is safe with me. But I am curious…did she come here with you by chance?”

”Yes. Why?”

”Oh, I just want to see a unique glamour at work. I'll walk you out,” she said with the eager glint of one who craves knowledge above all else.

The two of them headed out to the main area of the store and Ruby looked up from where she was reading labels on the back of a box of organic crackers. Her red eyes flashed with annoyance and her fangs dug into her pouting lips.

”What took you so long? Do you have any idea how long I've been reading these labels? I need to go to be—” She cut herself off when she realized she looked like a vampire to the two witches and saying she needed to go to bed before midnight would sound wrong.

Jezebel's eyes gleamed as she drank in the sight of Ruby's glamour. She circled around her examining it from all sides before clapping her hands together in delight.

”Perfect! You make a beautiful vampire!”

Ruby's brow furrowed in confusion. ”Uh…thanks?”

Ash wanted to get out of there before Jezebel gave him away. He looped his arm around hers and steered her out of the store after thanking the witch again for her help.

The fairy grumbled all the way back to the hotel about how tired she was and fell asleep almost the moment her head hit the pillow. All he could do was stare at her in the darkness trying to process everything he inadvertently learned about his ally today.

Panic nearly paralyzed him when he thought about the horrific irony that someone so dangerous was currently under his feeble protection. He didn't think someone so kind would ever use her powers maliciously but the fact remained that she would be a fearsome weapon in the wrong hands.

Not only was she dangerous, her very nature put her IN danger. And she had fallen right into his lap.

Ash let out a small hysterical laugh and ran a hand through his hair. He could destroy the Cromwells completely with her power, no doubt about it. But he wouldn't do that—couldn't. Not when she trusted him.

Ruby wasn't a tool. She had inexplicably become his friend.

He could never let her know that he was aware of her secret. She would be afraid of him using her and feel betrayed. His time with her had been a precious memory he would have to hold onto for the rest of his lonely existence once they parted. He could not allow it to be spoiled.