After they ate, Anastasia and Catalina headed to the backyard. Sneaking out of her home at seventeen was far easier than sneaking out of a home that had miles and miles of woods. If they asked for a taxi, she was certain everyone would hear it approach—unless they asked the taxi driver to wait on the main street. 

"So, what's the plan?" asked Catalina. "I'm not walking all the way to the town. It's more than an hour's walk—and I also don't want to run the chance of a vampire smelling you."

"I know." Anastasia crossed her arms. 

"Fine. You win." Catalina turned to her. "I won't go to the club."

Anastasia knew better than to believe her words. No other job would pay enough for Catalina to help her parents catch up and continue living in their apartment until they got a better job. For someone their age, getting a second job wouldn't be ideal either. 

"Alright then." Anastasia pulled out the car and was about to rip it in half, but stopped when Catalina asked her to. "Is this needed for entry to the club?"

"The man who approached me said I would need to show at the front."

"Why would you lie to me? You still plan to apply."

"That is an application for one person, Ann. It's my responsibility and mine alone to take care of them, not yours."

"I lived there for the past months—If I would have known they were struggling, I would have gone to a damn shelter."

"They were struggling before you--"

"Yes, but me living there made things worse." Anastasia power-walked toward the front of the house, no longer giving a damn if her uncle or cousins spotted her leaving the house. She was a grown ass woman, and she had every right to make whatever decisions she wanted. 

As she hurried down the road that led to her uncle's home, she pulled out her cell phone. When she attempted to dial for a cab, she cursed, having no signal. 

She still wasn't used to such poor reception.

"Ann, stop!" Catalina seized her arm and whirled her around. "Fine. I won't apply, but please--"

A howl rose in the distance. 

Catalina visibly shook. "A wolf."

"Go back to the house, Cat." She cradled her face, forcing her to look at her. "Do you really think you're capable of dealing with a vampire feeding from you? I know you. Your family and you have done so much for me. It's time I did something for y'all."

Thunder rumbled in the sky, and rain poured down. The sun hid in the distance, casting an eerie darkness upon the silent woods. 

"This doesn't feel right, Ann."

Anastasia and Catalina always loved to take night strolls throughout the city, but unlike the city, guards did not protect this town at all times of the day. And if something came at them, she doubted a taser would be of much aid to them.

"Alright, let's go back." 

When they turned, a car was stopped in the middle of the road, its blinding lights directed at them. From her distance, she could not discern whether it was her uncle or one of her cousins, but it had to be. That road led solely to their home, didn't it?

"Whose that?" asked Catalina.

Sensing eyes on her, Anastasia glanced toward the woods in time to see a raven flight onto a branch, looking directly at them. 

"Where are you two going?" asked Malakai as he approached them after getting out of the car. "I doubt my father knows you're out here."

"We're not children," Catalina said. "We have to go into town."

"And why not ask one of us to take you?"

"I thought your car wasn't working," Anastasia said.

"My brothers are great at their jobs." He gestured toward his car, his eyes for a moment drifting to the crow before it took flight. 

Catalina hopped in the backseat, while Anastasia settled in the passenger. She had expected Malakai to turn around and head back to the house, but to her surprise, he continued down the road.

"You're both correct. You're grown women, and can make your own decisions."

Anastasia narrowed her eyes at him. "We plan to apply for blood donors."

The knuckles of his hands turned paper white as he held the steering wheel. "And why would you do such a foolish thing?"

"Because we need the money, of course," Catalina said. "Not everyone is swimming in piles of cash, Malakai."

"How much do you need?"

"I'm not taking money from people I don't know."

Malakai glanced at the rearview mirror, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. "So, you agree to live in our home, but lending you money is too far?"

"You know what? I'm not going to argue with that." She laughed. "You're right. Anastasia and I are insane for agreeing to live with four men we know nothing about — y'all might be some supernatural creatures waiting for the perfect moment to feast on our flesh."

Malakai's smile broadened. "What sort of crazy stories you've been told?"

"Are they really just some crazy stories? I think most contain some truths in them."

"My father won't be happy to know I'm taking you to Declan."

"And your father needs to understand he has no say in what Anastasia does. She is twenty, not fifteen."

"If being a blood donor is so dangerous, then why doesn't the government forbid it?" 

"Some might argue that plenty of jobs are inherently dangerous and put workers at risk. Should we ban them all?"

"How many blood donors have died at the hands of their vampire?" asked Catalina.

"None so far."

"Oh, I thought at least a hundred and something." 

He pulled up at the curb. Anastasia hadn't noticed they had arrived in town. Malakai opened the doors for them, and they hopped out. The enormous building before them, just like the rest of the town, seemed antique, giving the appearance of stepping into the past. Even the buildings on either side, where many people chatted or admired the view, seemed museum-worthy. 

The woman at the entrance greeted them with a smile that flaunted her perfect teeth. She wore a stunning crimson and black Victorian-style dress with intricate lace details. 

"Welcome to Aether Club. How may I assist you?"

"We'd like to apply to be blood donors," Catalina said.

"My apologies, but there aren't any spots available at the moment."

"If that's true, then why did a man hand this to my friend?" Anastasia pulled out the card from her pocket.

The woman's smile vanished as she took it. "Your friend is?"

"Gina, what's going on?" A tall woman stood before Gina. Her crimson curls fell to her knees, and her deep green eyes stood out against her deep brown complexion. She donned a dress similar to Gina's in golden and black. 

"Madam, these women are requesting to become blood donors."

The woman stared at Anastasia for far too long before her gaze lingered on the card in her hands. "Does Frederick know of this, Malakai?"

"You know my uncle?" asked Anastasia.

"This town is small. We all know each other." The woman held her hands together just below her chest and Anastasia caught sight of the opulent ring on her finger, which emitted a soft glow. "I doubt Frederick would be pleased for his niece to become one of my girls."

"I thought Declan owned this club."

The woman's smile broadened, flaunting two sharp incisors. "Is he who you truly seek? You could have said so--"

"No," Malakai said. 

"Let the woman answer, Malakai. Stop being so overprotective." The woman moved closer to Anastasia. "Declan owns the club, but I am the Madam and choose who becomes a blood donor or not." She glanced toward Catalina. "Are you also interested?"

"No--"

"Yes," Catalina interjected Anastasia.

"Come in," the woman said, stepping aside for them. 

When Malakai moved to follow, Madam blocked his path. "Forgive me, Malakai, but only my girls are allowed into my domain. Unless, of course, you wish to accept my offer."

"We'll be fine." Or so she hoped.

Malakai hesitated, and moved closer to the woman, his eyes glaring at her. "If anything happens to either of them--"

"They're safe here, Malakai."

Once inside, the receptionist greeted them. She, like the other women, wore a Victorian dress and was equally gorgeous. All these women were model material, making Anastasia question why her uncle and cousins feared Declan becoming drawn to her. Her beauty couldn't compare to that of all these women, who moved with an elegance she lacked. 

As they followed Madam down a hall lined with doors, Anastasia admired the beautiful paintings on either side. Three women headed in their direction, laughing. The black-haired one stared at Anastasia in a way she didn't like. Perhaps some of these women didn't like new blood donors. 

Was it a competition between them to get the best-paying vampires?

Madam opened a door and gestured for them to enter. Anastasia stood beside the bookshelf and scanned the spines to see no titles. Catalina settled on the armchair in front of a desk. Madam sat on the other side, her eyes watching Anastasia.

"Are you nervous?" she asked.

"Of course." What would be the point of lying? "Why wouldn't I be? I'm about to become a blood donor to a vampire."

"That's if one of those available chooses you." She opened a folder and handed a paper to Catalina. "Please take your time reading this. This is your contract." She glanced at Anastasia. "Please take a seat."

Anastasia listened and read through the contents of the blood donor contract after Madam handed it to her. She had to fill in her name and age only. Most of its contents didn't surprise her. She was to provide whoever chose her with blood whenever requested. 

"How long have you both been friends?"

"Almost two years," Catalina answered. "We met during a snowstorm. This girl here slipped on ice and when I went to help her, I fell too." Catalina laughed. "We've been friends since."

"Why do you ask?" Anastasia inquired.

"I like to get to know my girls." She took both documents, a smile on her lips. "I will have Sofia prepare you for your first night."

"Wait—right now?" Catalina stuttered.

Madam rose to her feet. "Don't worry. Tonight will be your introduction, and if you're chosen, then you'll come here every night. You will meet with your vampire in your designed room."

"Wait--"

"Are you having second thoughts? I can return your applications if you wish."

Catalina glanced at Anastasia. "We should have asked questions."

"Did you not do your research before coming here?" The woman seemed surprised. "Most humans know everything about being a blood donor before they stand in front of my domain."

"What exactly happens during our introduction?" asked Anastasia.

"You are introduced to the vampires, and if one fancies you, they will approach and take the key from your neck after, of course, they get a little taste of your blood." Madam waved her hand, and two skeleton keys materialized in it. One silver, the other gold. "Choose your key."

"Is there a difference between them?" asked Catalina. 

"Silver means you allow biting only. Gold goes all the way."

Anastasia's eyes widened. "But there is only one silver key."

"These are the conditions when I introduce two girls. One must take a golden key--"

"Fine." Anastasia reached for it before Catalina could and stared at the golden key. Catalina attempted to take it from her, but she seized her wrist. "I'll take the golden one. You take the silver."

"I'm the one who wanted to come here, not you."

"Let her take it."

With hesitation, Anastasia opened her hand. Catalina seized the key from her, but it vanished, returning to Madam's possession. Catalina attempted to claim the key again, but once more, it materialized in Madam's hand.

"What does that mean?" asked Anastasia.

"Do you believe I would permit any woman to take a golden key? I require girls who are sincere when they claim they are willing to go all the way. I cannot afford to have you withdraw at the last moment. Otherwise, I would have an irate vampire to contend with." She handed Anastasia the golden key, and it didn't vanish this time. "You, my dear, are genuinely willing to do anything for your friend." As she handed the silver one to Catalina, she continued, "What brought you to my door?"

"I need the money to help my parents," Catalina admitted.

"Well, if you are selected, a silver-rank blood donor still provides sufficient funds for you to achieve your goal. Let us prepare for your introductions."

Madam led them down the corridor to large double doors that opened as they approached. It led to a spacious lobby where women moved about, chatting and laughing, all wearing masks that hid their faces. As they walked by, the women all greeted Madam with a courteous bow. 

Past the lobby, a corridor opened onto further doors. More women emerged from those doors, all appearing happier than Anastasia had honestly expected. Blood donors were depicted as unhappy individuals tricked into signing contracts that bound them to the supernatural until their last breath. However, all these women seemed quite the contrary. 

Although appearances could be deceiving. 

Madam opened a door and gestured for Anastasia to enter. "This will be your room." Inside, two women greeted Anastasia with smiles. "They will help you prepare for your introduction." With that, Madam closed the door. 

"Don't worry," the blond-haired woman said with a giggle. "We'll make sure you look your best."

They helped her get undressed, and the blond-haired woman placed her hands on her shoulder. Right before her eyes, a soft glow emanated over her skin and she became clothed in a beautiful nude colored dress. "If a vampire chooses you, your dress will change to blue and black." She picked up a necklace from the vanity and put it on her. "Lock your key on it."

"How?"

She seized her wrist and raised her hand. It was as though the key became connected to the chains around her neck as an act of magic. "There."

"Emma, do her hair."

Emma moved behind Anastasia and started working on her hair, putting it in a high, delicate bun. "Sofia, did you hear about what Natalia did to Jessica last night?"

Sofia ensured her dress had no wrinkles. "Some of these humans are getting too attached to their vampires—What they fail to realize is they have nothing binding them together. If her vampire returned her key, she needs to accept it."

"I mean, he is a handsome vampire—Done." They moved Anastasia to stand in the full-length mirror and inspect her hair. "Do you like it?"

"Yes."

"Great!" 

"What did Madam do to her?" asked Sofia.

"What could she do? There's no evidence it was Natalia, but we all know it was. The moment that vampire took Jessica's key, and Jessica accepted him, Natalia saw it as a betrayal."

A knock came at the door, and they guided Anastasia to stand in front of it. It creaked open, and as she stepped into the corridor, she met Catalina's eyes. Anastasia moved closer as many other women came out of their rooms. 

"How are you feeling?"

"Nervous," Catalina answered. "You shouldn't have taken that key."

"It's not the first time I'll have sex with a stranger." She laughed, but Catalina remained silent. "Hey. I'll be fine."

A faint smile appeared across her lips. "Okay."

They followed everyone else into an enormous room where many people gathered. Catalina held Anastasia's hand as they stood near the furthest wall. Everyone present wore a mask, even those walking around, handing out drinks. 

The black-haired woman from earlier approached them, drink in hand. "So, you're the new blood donors. No one is going to choose you if you just stand here like a frightened bird." 

She seized Catalina's hand, and as she tugged her toward a large group of men, Anastasia followed, not wanting to let go of her friend. "Let me go." Catalina jerked out of the woman's hold and glared at her. "Do that again, and I'll rearrange your face."

"You're feisty. I bet they'll love that."

"Enough, Jane. Stop being a bitch." A petite woman approached them in a blood red gown. 

"Seline, I was only trying to help them. You know I'm right. Standing there, looking all frightened, will deter any vampire from choosing them as their blood donor. No one wants to deal with a human who fears them." 

"Why are you two not wearing masks? I thought all blood donors were required to wear them?" inquired Anastasia.

Seline smirked. "Some of us don't give a damn about what everyone out there thinks about our job."

Jane sipped her drink. "Madam will offer you a mask. It's your choice to take it or not."

"Where is Madam? I thought she was going to introduce them." Seline glanced around the room. 

"Well, from what I heard, her little crush is at the entrance, and he refuses to leave."

Could that be Malakai? "Can you take me to the entrance?"

"No. You can't leave this room," Seline said. 

They moved away as Madam strolled toward them. All the men present greeted her with a courteous bow. She paused before them; her smile broadening. "Malakai is more stubborn than I remember. He refuses to leave until you two are finished. So, let's get this over with." 

She took their hands and headed to the center of the room, beneath the enormous chandelier. As Anastasia scanned the room, she noticed some of the other blood donors beside their vampires. Few were alone.

As Madam introduced them both, Anastasia stared into the distance, part of her wanting to run away and not look back. She pushed the fear rising within her away, not wanting to leave her friend alone. Catalina's parents were kind to her, and she saw them as parental figures. She, just like Catalina, would do everything within her grasp to ensure they didn't end up homeless on the streets of the city.

"Catalina."

Madam released Catalina's hand and moved back one step, forcing Anastasia to do the same. 

"If anyone is interested, then come forth."

Rose emerged from the crowd, looking far from pleased. "These humans shouldn't be here."

"Forgive me, Rose, but they came here with an invitation."

"Well, I revoke that invitation. It was a mistake."

"You can't revoke it. They have signed the contracts. For one year, they're blood donors."

A man moved forward, a mask covering his face, which probably meant his features were an illusion to keep his identity safe, like that of a blood donor. Rose seized his hand, but he jerked out of her hold and approached Catalina. 

He stopped inches from her and grasped her key. As he moved the hair out of her neck, Anastasia wanted to intervene, but she forced herself to remain still. He bit her neck, and a few minutes later, he stepped back, his eyes glinting crimson. The key disconnected from the chain as it shattered to pieces. The pieces hovered around them before coiling around Catalina's wrist, forming a bracelet with a lock.  

Rose stared at them in disbelief before storming out of the room. 

"Who is that?" Anastasia asked Madam.

"The vampires' identities are kept a secret, even from you."

Something didn't add up. If these vampires kept their identities a secret from everyone, including their blood donors, how could the conversation she heard make sense? How could someone find a vampire handsome without seeing their face?

"The second blood donor is Anastasia. She has chosen a golden key."

That caught way too many vampires' attention. The one who had chosen Catalina approached Madam, and grasped her hand, jerking toward him with a force that if it had been Anastasia, he would have broken a couple of her bones. 

"Why the fuck would you offer them a golden key?"

Madam smiled. "Oh, relax. You know how this works, sweetheart." She wrenched her arm free and held her chin high. "We all know if she didn't mean it, the key would not be around her neck." Madam addressed the crowd. "Now, who is interested? Remember. A golden key blood donor is worth five thousand... a night."

With such an amount of money, she could help her friend's parents and get an apartment. She'd be able to live more than comfortably... but she'd have to have sex with the vampire that chooses her whenever he desired. 

The vampires moved aside as a tall, dark-haired man approached, a crimson drink in hand. "Five thousand? I recall it being one thousand a night. Seems the boss doesn't want this one to be claimed." His gaze made her feel the urge to shield herself. "Makes her more alluring. That fragrance of hers makes it difficult to contain my thirst."

"Try to take the key, then."

Anastasia stepped back, but he still reached for the key. He attempted to jerk it free, but it refused to budge.

"Sorry, but my magic deems you unworthy of the human." Madam smiled at her. "Only vampires with self-control can claim any of you."

The vampire tried one last time, almost propelling her forward, before disappearing into the crowd with a hiss. 

"What if I'm not chosen?"

"Oh, I'm certain someone will. He just seems hesitant to come."

"Who?"

"Oh, I'm not going to spoil the surprise." She addressed Catalina and her vampire. "Take him to your room so you can talk in private." 

Anastasia watched them, concern rising within.

"Don't worry about your friend. The vampire who chose her is kind. He will not hurt her."

The doors opened again, and in walked a tall man. His mask hid most of his features just like the others, leaving nothing but his lips visible. He strolled closer to her and glanced at Madam. Those behind him bowed, and that made her heart race. 

"Is the mask necessary?" Anastasia asked. "I doubt vampires would bow to anyone other than their leader."

Madam seemed to be holding a laugh. "To the second in command as well, girl."

His hazel eyes met hers, and they flickered crimson. When he reached for her key, she seized his wrist, and the searing pain returned with a vengeance. She staggered back, the pain amplifying. 

The man chuckled. "For fuck's sake. And here I thought I'd come and help my brother."

Madam stared at her, astonished. 

Anastasia clutched the spot as the pain dissipated. "I'm done." She turned on her heel but halted as the doors opened. Those present dropped to one knee, head bowed. Her heart raced as a tall man with sea-green eyes and deep brown skin approached her, each step exuding arrogance. 

He reached for her key, but she seized his hand. "I've changed my mind." Despite her quivering visibly, she put on her best brave facade, hoping to fool him. "Move out of my way."

"Anastasia, you signed the contract, darling," Madam said from behind her. 

The necklace around her neck emitted a mild warmth. He inched closer and dipped his head to her neck, biting down. She had expected pain. Instead, a foreign sensation surged through her veins. Despite the effects of the bite consuming her, blurring her mind, she still held onto his hand.

As he pulled back and met her eyes, the warmth enhanced. When she forced his hand out of the way so he couldn't catch the key, the bastard caught it with the other. The chains of the necklace hovered for a few seconds before they coiled around her wrist and formed a golden bangle with a lock adorned with roses and crescent moons. 

A hint of a smile crept to his full-even lips, revealing dimples. "You're mine, Anastasia."