You're mine, Anastasia.

His words replayed in her mind as she paced around the room. She was no one's property. Even if she signed that ridiculous contract, it didn't mean that he had every right to treat her like she was nothing but a mere object he could do as he pleased with, and then toss aside.

Madam instructed them to head to her room and speak in private, but he didn't follow her. Perhaps for the best. She shouldn't have come here. Her clothes were neatly folded on the bed, and she reached back to undo the zipper of the dress, failing miserably.

Not wanting to stay any longer, she grabbed her clothes. She'd return the dress to Madam tomorrow. As she opened the door and attempted to leave, the bangle on her wrist emitted a soft glow and she bumped into an invisible wall.

"What the fuck?" She tried again, and the wall pushed her back.

As she got ready to try once again, Declan stood in the doorway, resting his hands on the doorframe, looking way too relaxed. "We must speak before you leave."

"I'm tired." She yawned. "We can talk tomorrow." As he stepped into the room, her heart raced. "What are you doing? I didn't invite you in."

He paused, looking way too amused as he raised the key before her. "This key gives me full access to your bedroom."

She advanced and reached for the key, but it vanished, materializing on the necklace he wore. Her eyes settled on the other black necklace adorned with a crescent moon carved out of wood with intricate designs. She couldn't get a good look unless she got closer, and she refused to make such a foolish move.

"What exactly does that key do? It's not like I'm going to be here day and night waiting for you..." How exactly did that work? If he became thirsty, he would have to wait until she came to the club to feed. 

He moved a step closer, and she backed up three. 

"Answer my question."

"Did Madam not explain anything to you?" He moved toward the wall, seizing the key from the necklace. As it emitted a soft golden glow, he inserted it into the wall. Glowing cracks spread across the surface, forming a door with flowing sparks within.

A gasp escaped her lips at the glow from her bracelet. A portal appeared behind her, causing her to stumble forward. As she stared at it, her widened eyes met his.

"I can find you wherever you are."

Well, that answered her question.

It made sense. It would be dangerous for a vampire who had been starving for hours—days even—to feed from a blood donor. This ensured their thirst was controlled.

Lost in her thoughts, she didn't notice he stood too close until he grasped her hand, examining the bracelet. She pulled her hand free and crossed her arms. "Please refrain from touching me unless I give you permission to."

"You do remember the key you chose, correct?"

She arched an eyebrow. "Yes. I remember. Just like I remember Madam saying that the key chose vampires who know how to control themselves. I doubt it would choose some lowlife who would take me by force." Or so she hoped. "I've never been with a vampire, so forgive me if I fear you might crush me with your strength."

He laughed, that hard exterior cracking for a moment. "You have nothing to worry about. I know how to control my strength." 

He bridged the distance between them and grasped her chin, pulling her closer. When he lowered his face to her neck and grazed his fangs over her skin, she hated that she longed to feel the effects again. She had lost her mind. Although she had one-night stands before, this was different. This was a fucking vampire. If he lost control, she'd end up dead.

She stunned herself when she nodded.

He bit down, and the sensation from before consumed her. As he continued to feed, he unzipped her dress. He withdrew his fangs and met her gaze. Face flustered, she held the dress before it slid off her body. The effects still blurring her mind, her legs wobbled, and she sat on the foot of the bed, glancing up at him. He appeared in an inner struggle, his eyes a storm of sea-green and crimson.

He grabbed a fistful of her hair, his smile revealing dimples. "It is not so difficult to convince you, is it?"

"Well, you wouldn't be the first handsome man I have a one-night stand with." She rose to her feet and met his gaze head-on. "After meeting you, honestly, I have to admit I'm quite disappointed." She leaned closer, stopping when their lips were mere inches away. "I expected more after hearing so many are willing to pay ridiculous amounts of money to sleep with you."

She had expected to wipe that smirk from his lips, but this man seemed unfazed by her words.

A knock sounded at the door. "Declan, Frederick is here." It was Rose. "He requests an audience with you."

"I will be right out." He released her hair as he pushed her back onto the bed. "Who told you I accepted any of those offers?"

Technically, Maverick had stated he had received offers. He never confirmed whether Declan had accepted any of them. "No one."

He toyed with a strand of her bun that had come loose. "Change." Without another word, he exited the room, shutting the door behind him.

She could finally breathe normally once again.

After changing and recollecting herself from the lingering effects, she walked into the corridor. She wrapped her arms around herself. She needed a break. If things continued to escalate, she'd end up losing her mind.

"Anastasia." She turned, astonished to see Maverick approaching her. He seized her hand and continued walking, pulling her along.

"Madam allowed you in here? I thought she only allowed the blood donors--"

"I know the fucking rules."

"Is everything alright?"

"Malakai shouldn't have brought you here."

She jerked her hand out of his hold. "Stop. It makes me happy that y'all care about me this much, but I make my own decisions. This job will help Catalina and her parents."

"If it was money you needed, you could have simply asked."

"I barely know y'all. Why the fuck would I randomly ask for money? Besides, if Catalina and I want to be approved for an apartment, we need a better-paying job—or does the job at the hospital pay well?" He remained silent. "Exactly. I don't want to be dependent on your father forever. Please. Besides, Declan is not as terrifying as you claimed."

He scuffed. "Of course he would be kind to you."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" He didn't answer and grasped her forearm, forcing her to follow him down the corridor. Soon, they stood at the entrance, where the receptionist spoke with Colton and Catalina.

"Please calm down."

"What's going on?" asked Anastasia.

"Father is furious and Malakai is trying to calm him down—and they won't let us in."

A gasp escaped Anastasia when lightning flowed through the doors behind the receptionist, making her recoil before recollecting herself and smiling. "What a night has today been, right?"

"I'm sorry," Catalina began. "This is all my fault."

"Why can't you let us in?" asked Anastasia.

"It's a private conversation. If anyone in there requests your presence as they requested Malakai's, then I'll happily open the doors for you. For now, wait in silence, or leave."

"You two should have considered all the consequences of becoming someone's blood donor," Maverick said, pacing in the entrance as he ran a hand through his hair.

"Oh, come on. You're all overreacting," Catalina said. "The vampire who selected me didn't seem like the stories we've been told."

Colton observed Catalina before sneaking a glance at Maverick. He said nothing the entire time they waited for Frederick and Malakai.

"You're both lucky Madam has perfected her fucking magic. If not, those keys would be useless. Any vampire could have claimed you."

"Maverick, please," the receptionist said. "Our clients aren't some low vampires. They can control their blood thirst." The woman smiled at Catalina and Anastasia. "Here is your pay for tonight. Whenever you're summoned, I will contact you."

"Wait, we don't have to come every night?" Catalina inquired.

"The vampires who chose both of you can handle a couple of days—sometimes weeks, even—before needing to feed again." She handed them both their checks. "In order for you both to receive the amounts agreed upon, you must do what you agreed to." Her eyes met Anastasia's. "Sorry, but until you fulfill the entire agreement, your pay is just like any other silver-rank blood donor.

"That's fine, Ann. This is still enough to help my parents pay some of the backed-up bills," Catalina said. 

"How long until the next feeding?" Anastasia asked.

The woman stared at the paper in her hands. "Declan feeds once a month."

"This isn't enough then."

"Forgive me, but I've never met a blood donor who wishes to meet more frequently with their vampire. Feeding for pleasure is possible, but Declan isn't--"

"Well, the offer is on the table."

Maverick seized her hand and whirled her around, their eyes meeting. "What the fuck are you doing?"

"Let me go, Maverick."

"Feeding for pleasure can lead to the vampire making a blood bond. Have you lost your fucking mind?" 

"Please relax," the receptionist said, a hint of a smile on her lips. "Declan will not accept the offer."

"Then he should return my key to me. Two thousand and five hundred dollars a month can't afford an apartment and the necessities to live."

Madam emerged from the corridor. "Anastasia, please. If vampires fed daily from my girls, they would die. You all need time to recover between feedings."

"Fine. Then, when is the next time I can feed him?"

"Three days, but I doubt Declan would agree to this."

"I'll be here in three days, then."

Madam approached them with a pair of masks. "Do you wish to hide your identity?"

"Of course." Catalina accepted hers without hesitation. "Aren't you taking yours?"

"No... I don't care what anyone thinks of me being a blood donor."

Colton watched in silence before staring into the distance. Maverick approached him and said something too low for her to hear. Colton nodded and left through the front doors.

Madam glanced at Maverick. "Is he good?"

Maverick nodded. "When will my father be done?"

The doors behind her opened and out came Frederick and Malakai. Frederick looked far from pleased as he approached Anastasia and Catalina. His eyes lingered on their bracelets, and sadness flashed across his face. "Let's go home."

Frederick had them join him in his car and didn't speak one word as they headed back to the house. When they arrived there, he simply told them goodnight and entered the house. His sons stood around Malakai's parked car in silence.

"Don't you think you're all overreacting?" asked Catalina.

"We're just concerned."

"And we understand that, but Madam said--"

"I don't care what the fuck that woman said," Colton snapped. "Soon, you'll understand why we didn't want either of you in that club." He turned away from them, his body visibly shaking.

"Are you alright?"

Maverick stopped her when she attempted to get close to Colton. "Let him relax."

Catalina stared at them, eyes narrowed. "I'm going to bed. It's been a long night." She headed inside.

Anastasia propped her hands on her hips. "I feel as though you're all hiding something from me."

Neither said a word.

"Fine. Keep your secrets." She turned on her heel and entered the house.

Whatever their secret was, she was going to uncover it.

As she headed to her bedroom, she stopped at Catalina's door and knocked. Catalina opened and let her in. 

"How are you feeling?" Anastasia asked.

"At first, I got to be honest. I was scared, but he didn't seem as terrifying as I've been told. And he didn't suck me dry either." She laughed, taking a seat on her bed. "It went better than I expected. This amount would have taken an entire month at the bar. Might not seem like a lot to some, but compared to dealing with assholes at the bar, I'm pretty sure I can handle this. and you?"

"What can I say? I'm weak for hot men." Their laughter filled the air. 

"You didn't get your full pay, so what exactly happened?"

"I tried to resist and the bastard bit me, and it went to my head. But before anything could happen, we were interrupted."

"In the city, they spoke of them as--"

"Don't put your guard down. These vampires might not match those in the stories we've heard, but I'm sure there are plenty out there who do."

"I know."

"Well, I'm gonna go get some sleep." She kissed Catalina's cheek and headed to her bedroom.

As she sat on her bed, she studied the bracelet coiled in her wrist, noting how the roses around the lock glimmered sapphire under the light. She attempted to remove it, but it wouldn't budge. At a knock on the door, she rose to her feet and opened.

Frederick gave her a faint smile. "Forgive me for overreacting. Your mother asked me long ago that if anything ever happened to her... She begged me to promise her I would take you in and love you like one of my children. After everything that happened between us, I don't want to let her down again." 

Tears glistened in his eyes, and she embraced him. As he pulled away, he seized her hand and placed something cold in her palm. 

She stared at the bronze key pendant adorned with a ruby. "What is this?"

"It's not like the keys created by the woman in charge of Declan's club. This key belonged to your mother." As he placed it around her neck, she resisted the urge to cry. 

"Please don't tell me we're some sort of witches," she said, half crying and laughing.

He chuckled. "Of course not. Come with me."

She followed him down the hall to a door that he opened to reveal stairs that led to an attic. She stood in the center, glancing at all the furniture that was covered in white sheets coated with dust. "What is all this?"

He uncovered a mirror, and she admired the carvings on the frame. Whoever had done the details had taken their sweet time perfecting the swirls and flowers. "This mirror was your mother's."

Anastasia stared at her reflection, narrowing her eyes when she noticed a keyhole. Frederick watched her as she removed the necklace and inserted the key into it, turning it. She pulled it open and smiled at the jewelry stored within. "This was all hers?"

"Yes."

Anastasia took a necklace in her hands, struggling to hold back tears. "Thank you." She hugged it to her chest. 

"You can come up here whenever you wish. All of this stuff belongs to you."

The next morning, she woke up as early as usual, and so did Catalina. They prepared food for everyone. The men seemed in a better mood as they greeted them and joined them for breakfast, something that became the norm.

Unfortunately for Anastasia, the position at the hospital was filled, and this town didn't seem any easier to get a job. Despite choosing to become a blood donor, she hoped to work somewhere else during the mornings. Catalina didn't seem to have better luck, either. 

On the third day, she headed to the club, but to her dismay, Declan didn't show up.

Catalina started to make more money than she was. Every two days, the vampire who selected her summoned her. 

Today, they chose not to head to the club and spent the entire day and night cleaning the furniture in the attic. Anastasia stared at the carved flowers and moons on the dresser that had been hidden beneath the dusty sheets. 

"Look what I found," Catalina said, moving to her side and showing her small carved birds. Whoever had created them had taken their time, intricately detailing their wings. "Did your mom enjoy carving things?"

"Maybe it was her hobby while she lived here." 

At a sudden sound, they both jumped, staring at the opened window. A crow stood there, watching them. It couldn't be the same crow from last time, could it? When it flew into the room, Catalina scampered away. Anastasia watched as it perched on her mother's mirror and, as an act of magic, a soft glow emitted from it.

"Ann, what the hell is going on?"

"I don't know, but I'm about to find out."

She inched closer to the mirror and stared wide-eyed at her reflection. Staring back at her was a man that, if she didn't know she was an only child, she could have assumed was her twin. She reached her hand out, but before her fingers could touch the glass, a door slammed shut, and she recoiled away, the bird taking flight through the window.

Maverick stood at the stairs of the attic, concern etched on his face. "Everything alright up here?"

"A fucking crow just flew in here and almost gave me a heart attack," Catalina said. "I need a drink." Without another word, she left.

"Malakai." His eyes met hers. "We're not vampires or werewolves, are we?"

"Of course not."

"Witches?"

"No. What's going on?"

She wrapped her arms around herself. "Your father said this belonged to my mother..." She clutched the key resting just below her collarbone. "I think I'm losing my mind."

He moved closer and rested his hands on her shoulders. "What makes you think such a thing?"

Fear of everyone thinking she was insane, she said, "Nothing. I'm fine." She moved closer to the mirror and this time, her own eyes stared back at her. "It's nothing."

The rest of the night, Catalina and she spent it painting their nails while they watched their favorite romance flick in the living room. Anastasia bundled herself in the blankets, thinking of a way to force Declan to accept her offer. For the past few weeks, he had not summoned her. Madam had said it would be once a month, but that proved to be a lie.

"Is everything okay?" asked Catalina as she tied her hair up in a messy bun. 

"I hate that I haven't made much money since becoming a blood donor."

"That's okay. I talked to my parents about helping them out. As expected, they declined my money, so I called and made the payments myself. They need to stop being so prideful. I'm their child—I can't just stand back and let them end up in the streets."

"We're supposed to prove that we both have long-term jobs to be approved for an apartment. If Declan refuses to summon me, they won't give us a two-bedroom apartment. They'll approve you, not me."

"I heard that if you're unhappy with the vampire, you can try to have someone else buy the key from Declan."

"Where did you hear that?"

"Jane said it was possible."

"And you believe that woman?"

"I mean, you don't lose anything by trying, but remember what that golden key implies."

The next time they entered the club, Anastasia waited for three hours for Declan, but once again, he didn't show up. She did her makeup and put on one of her most revealing outfits. She was going to get someone else to buy the key from Declan at any cost.

When she exited the room, the other blood donors moving about stared at her in surprise. Seline headed toward her and seized her forearm. "What the hell are you wearing?"

The dress's plunged neckline and exposed back displayed a lot, but she wasn't one to feel ashamed to show off her body. She jerked her hand out of Seline's grasp. "I can't continue waiting for Declan, so I'm going in there to look for someone else."

"Seline, relax. Every blood donor has the option to seek another vampire when the one who selects them doesn't adhere to the contract. Declan was supposed to summon her already. It's been a month. Everyone here knows exactly the position she's in." She moved closer to Seline. "You've heard the rumors. The fragrance of her blood is leaving many craving for a taste. Declan is depriving her of making a good income here. If he doesn't want her, let someone else take her."

Seline met her gaze. "I'm not sure why Declan chose you, but from what I heard, he isn't into women."

Jane's eyes widened. "What?"

"Then why the hell would he take my key?" Why did the key even accept him?"

"Is that why he never chose a blood donor here?" Inquired Jane. 

"They're rumors. I can't confirm if it's true or not—But look at our friend here. She's gorgeous and her blood apparently highly sought after. Yet, Declan hasn't come at all, despite her having chosen a golden key. We all know if it were another vampire, he would have her by his side every night. They have endless stamina. Something doesn't add up."

A laughter caused all the others listening to continue down the hall to meet with their vampires. Madam approached, amusement etched on her face. "You girls really love to gossip."

"Forgive us." Seline lowered her gaze. "But we're just concerned for our friend here."

Her eyes scanned Anastasia's dress before they met hers. "You look lovely. I'm certain you will attract the eyes of many in there." Anastasia moved to follow Seline and Jane, but Madam seized her wrist where the bracelet was. "Only Declan can unlock this."

"I know."

"Are you really willing to have someone claim you? If they do, you have to do whatever it is they ask of you, including during sex." 

"I'm fine with that." She pulled her hand free and followed the others down the hall into the room, where some chatted and sipped alcoholic beverages while others danced to the rhythm of the music. 

Seline moved closer to her and offered her a mask. "Just for tonight. Wear this." She listened. "I think you'll have higher chances if no one knows who you belong to."

Anastasia nodded and put on the mask, and as an act of magic, her hair turned ash blond and fell to her knees in a braid. She danced with Seline for a few minutes before she excused herself, and Anastasia watched her greet the vampire she assumed was the one who selected her. 

"Here." She turned and Jane handed her a drink. "Not having much luck?"

Anastasia took a sip of the drink, loving its sweet taste. "Unfortunately, no." She continued to dance, laughing. "Where is Cat?"

"She's with her vampire." Anastasia took another sip of her drink, narrowing her eyes when the world seemed to spin, and she stumbled. The music rang in her ear as she struggled to maintain her footing. When she fell forward, strong hands caught her. 

Her surroundings blurred, making it difficult to distinguish anything. The one holding her guided her somewhere. She struggled against them to no avail, all energy leaving her body. When she opened her mouth to demand they let her go, she couldn't get any words out. 

She lost consciousness for a moment, or so she thought. Someone shoved her, and she fell onto a soft surface. Although she attempted to focus, she couldn't. When someone kissed her, she resisted, but the more she did, the more the world spun and her vision blurred. Hands started to roam her body, and she swung her fists, but the one above her restrained her. A searing pain shot up from her hand and finally, her vision cleared.

"Get off me!" She swung her closed fist, striking the vampire that had attempted to claim her key on his jaw. Fury flashed across his face and he struck her right back. To her surprise, the blow didn't shatter her face. She attempted to push him off her to no success. 

What was the point of fighting?

He was not only a man, but a fucking vampire.

The searing pain in her hand amplified, and she screamed at the top of her lungs. The vampire was no longer over her, an invisible force sending him airborne. As he slammed against the wall, she scurried out of the bed. The pain surged up her arm and shot across her chest. She screamed for help as she stormed out of the room.

In the hall, there was no soul in sight. 

Even if the other blood donors couldn't hear her, she was certain the vampires could. She stumbled a few steps before she was grabbed by the hair and slapped across her face, sending her tumbling to the ground.

"You fucking bitch." He leaned closer and grasped the key her uncle gifted her. "What Fae gave you this?"

"Fuck you!" She spat on his face, which gained her another slap.

"Declan, wait!"

Her eyes grew wide as Declan pulled the vampire off her and grabbed him by the neck, dragging him down the hall.

Madam rushed to her side and aided her to her feet. 

Anastasia couldn't hold it anymore and wept. "I'm fine."

"No, you're not." She draped her hand over her shoulder and headed to her room. 

"No. Take me to the club."

"You don't want to watch this, darling."

"Please."

"Okay." She touched her shoulder and, as an act of magic, she became clothed in a simple dress. 

As they entered the club, Anastasia watched the man who had just attacked her on his knees, begging for mercy. Everyone else was on their knees, head bowed.

"Who helped you?" Declan demanded, his voice laced with poison. 

When the vampire didn't answer, Declan grasped him by the neck and forced him to his feet. Her eyes grew wide when he shoved his hand into the vampire's chest and wrenched out his heart. No one reacted, not even the blood donors. Were they used to such things that they became numb to it?

Declan walked into the crowd and seized Jane and Seline. Two vampires rose to their feet, confusion twisting their features. 

"Declan, they had nothing to do with this," the blond-haired one said. "James had his eye on your blood donor since the moment she arrived here."

Seline and Jane were visibly shaking as Declan released them, his eyes darkening, almost appearing black. 

"We did nothing wrong," Jane said. 

Seline stared at her. "Shut up."

"Your blood donor wanted to find someone else to claim her key, and James was interested."

Declan moved and seized Jane by the neck. The other vampire moved but halted when Declan glanced in his direction. Declan spoke in a language Anastasia didn't understand. The vampire's eyes grew wide and glanced at her before shifting his attention to Declan. "Forgive her, please my king."

"They are just as guilty as James. Remove their bracelets now."

The vampire hesitated before approaching Jane, removed the key from his necklace, and unlocked her bracelet. The key disintegrated into nothingness, along with the bracelet. A red-haired man emerged from the crowd and did the same with Seline, despite her begging him not to do it. 

"You are forbidden from seeing them anymore."

Both vampires bowed to him.

"Humans willing to hurt another of their kin are not someone we should have near." Without another word, he approached Anastasia and guided her out of the room, the music starting once again. She noticed that once the doors closed behind them, the music stopped.

"Where are you taking me?"

He paused and removed the necklace with the key. Her gaze lingered on the other necklace with the pendant carved out of wood. Part of her wanted to ask questions, but she feared what the answer could be. 

He took her hand, but before he could insert the key, she stopped him. "What are you doing?"

"Is this not what you wanted?" His eyes narrowed, and he seized the key of her mother. A blend of emotions flashed across his face. From anger to anguish. 

She seized his hand, and their eyes met. "What is this to you?" She stared at the necklace on his neck. "Who gifted you that?" 

He released the key, his unfathomable expression returning. "It belonged to my beloved."