69 Long Time No See (1/2)

They managed to capture a few Cromwell vampires in an attempt to make it inside the barrier that was no doubt nearby but they had more backbone than Ash's wishy-washy former comrade. Each one of them insisted they would rather die than give up the location of their base. So they did.

These vampires were fairly easy pickings considering how many werewolves there were but they couldn't rely on this method forever. Eventually Dorian would realize what was going on and refuse to let any of his men leave the safety of the barrier.

”We caught another one!” Reggie, one of the betas, howled with glee.

Ash went over to see if it was anyone he recognized and was surprised to see Ivan Kuznetsov, who had served as Dorian's right hand for more than half a millennium. He had been particularly brutal with his killings back in the old country to Ash's father's great dismay. His antics had been one of the main reasons the vampire hunts started.

Seeing him roaming around here was less of a shock than the fact that he had been caught. He was known for his strength, brutality, and talent with blood magic. By all means, capture should have taken more than the two werewolves holding him.

”Did the two of you catch him alone?” Ash asked in disbelief.

”Nah, it took four of us to corner him,” Reggie admitted. ”Why do you ask? Is this guy important or something?”

Important? He was the second-highest ranked member of the Cromwell coven! ”…you could say that. Hello, Ivan. Long time no see.”

It was amazing Ash was able to keep his composure at all right now because this vampire had been the one who killed Ezra and Ariadne. They may have all been wearing their signature hoods when they attacked but that bloodlust was recognizable from anywhere.

Ivan scowled. ”Ash Mayhew. Dorian said you might try something stupid but I'm more curious about where you got this much muscle behind you. Let me guess…that annoying little fairy lied about the extent of her powers and made you filthy rich.”

Ash was so furious that he even dared to mention Ruby that he practically saw red. In one swift motion, the collar of Ivan's shirt was in his hands and he was ready to rip his throat out.

It wouldn't kill him but it would definitely hurt. Vampires may be difficult to kill by other fae's standards but they could still feel pain.

”Don't you dare speak about her,” Ash growled.

Part of him was desperate to know how Ruby was doing but he wouldn't stoop to the level of begging this monster. Not when he was the one who killed a defenseless baby who had his entire life ahead of him. Ezra was barely learning how to walk when he died.