60 I Have To Go (2/2)

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.”