40 Because Youre My Friend (2/2)

”Sixty-something. I'm not sure of their exact numbers. All I know is that they're powerful and are located somewhere in the forests of Washington State that will be nearly impossible to find,” Ash said grimly as his eyes flashed with bloodlust.

Nearly impossible to find…they were definitely other vampires. The blood barrier was the only spell Ruby ever heard of that could hide an entire lair. Had he really made it all the way down to the castle he now called home on foot from Washington?

Her heart ached for him. Whatever he went through to get here must have been really hard for him to be this upset. She had a suspicion it involved death somehow after she way he snapped at her for making light of dying.

Going up against that many vampires by himself was suicide. He would need a lot of help and that sort of help required capital. Tons of it.

Ruby wasn't about to let him die on her watch. She could stay here a few more weeks and try to summon a few more sacks of precious stones to make pricey jewelry with. At least then Ash would be able to hire himself some more physically capable allies.

Fairies were not fighters. Their wings were far too vulnerable for that; a downed fairy was a dead fairy.

”I can take care of that for you,” she said firmly. ”Give me a little more time and I'll make you rich enough to beat anyone.”

Ash tilted his head, an unfathomable expression on his face. ”Why would you do that for me?”

He seemed so lost and sad that Ruby instinctively reached out to grasp his hands. ”Because you're my friend, Ash. And friends don't let friends do stupid things alone. I won't be able to go with you but I can make sure there are stronger people to take my place.”

He suddenly stood and startled her by wrapping his arms around her back, being mindful of her wings. She could feel his fangs pressed up against her shoulder as he buried his face in it.

”Thank you,” Ash said quietly. ”For the record, I think of you as a friend too.”

Her heart thudded in her chest. A friend. It was the first time someone told her they considered her that way. She might not be able to be herself around him but she knew he cared based on how carefully he treated her. That would have to be enough.

Part of Ruby wished that the moment could last forever but the other part of her was so embarrassed by being hugged that she wanted it over with immediately. The only other person who has hugged her in decades was Flora.

She pulled away first, unable to meet his eyes. ”We should get going. The elf I talked to earlier today is expecting us so we shouldn't make him wait.”

Ash nodded and silently followed her out the door.