"What do you mean one already has?" Her heart pounded in her ears.

"We have detectors throughout the territory. One alerted us earlier when a vampire ventured toward the house," Maverick explained. "Typically, the wizards here can shadow anyone, but clearly, your scent is too potent."

"So, what now? Am I supposed to leave the town?"

"No. Declan dealt with the vampire."

"So now I owe that vampire a favor?"

"Declan is tasked with monitoring any vampires who come into town. Once we were alerted, I contacted him and he handled the situation. He doesn't do this to gain favors, but it's part of the treaty established between the humans and the supernaturals of this area. We provide them with a place to live, and in return, they ensure our protection against any supernatural."

"Is Declan really that powerful?"

Maverick chortled, which gained him a pointed look from Frederick. "Sorry, but it still baffles me why towns and cities that ban supernaturals don't teach their residents of the events that occurred long ago." His eyes met hers. "Humanity started this war, and when things hit the fan, our leaders hid and left civilians at the mercy of the fae prince."

"And we started this by entering the portal?"

"By kidnaping a faerie."

"I've never heard of such a thing."

"Of course, they omitted details of the story that would deem them the bad guys—that's nothing new. They depict the prince as an evil bastard who wrought havoc upon our world, but he only sought to rescue the kidnapped faerie woman. Humanity got lucky. The faerie prince's younger brother did not agree with his method of resolving the conflict and rose against him. It is solely because of him that earth wasn't drained of its life force."

"And where does Declan fit into this story?"

"You should get some rest," Colton suggested, taking the items from her hands.

"Aren't you going to finish? If you want me to be well-informed of history, tell me everything you've been told by them."

Malakai glanced at Frederick, who appeared deep in thought. 

Frederick's eyes met hers, and his lips parted, but he struggled to get a word out, as though he were choking. He whirled around, a hand clutching his chest. 

"Is everything okay?" 

"Of course."

The concern on his sons' faces said otherwise.

"We'll continue this discussion in the morning." Frederick approached her. "Try to get some rest, okay?"

"To be honest, I don't think I can sleep well knowing my aroma attracts any insane vampire"

"Declan has forbidden anyone from coming this way. If they dare disobey him, they'll be signing a death sentence," Frederick said. 

"But now, he is curious himself," Malakai chimed in.

"And why would you tell her that?" Frederick sounded annoyed. 

"Because she should know."

"It's okay. I might be a little terrified of meeting a vampire, but I'd like to thank him."

A hush fell over everyone.

"The hell you will," Colton said. 

"I thought he was an ally."

"He is, but he is still a fucking vampire--"

"Colton, that's enough," Frederick warned.

"So what happens if he takes an interest in her?" 

"He won't." 

"How can you be certain?" Colton pressed, and when Frederick said nothing, he added, "Exactly. I need fresh air." Without another word, he exited the house, slamming the door shut.

Their genuine care for her well-being brought a sense of comfort and warmth to her heart. 

Frederick exited the house, probably to follow Colton. 

"Well, good night." She returned to her bedroom, and once inside, she leaned against the door. Knowing that she was a magnet for vampires made her want to return home, but that was where the issue lay. She had no home to return to, and she refused to be a burden on her friend's family.

****

The following morning, she woke up before anyone else and she set about making breakfast. As her uncle joined her, the table was already laden with a steaming, delicious meal, its aroma filling the air.

"Good morning," she said with a smile.

"You didn't need to go through the trouble," Frederick remarked as he settled at the table and took up his fork.

"I'm used to getting up really..." Her voice drifted into the distance, memories of preparing food alongside her parents flooding her mind, something they had done since she could walk. "I love to cook, so it's no trouble at all."

"I'd like to help next time."

To her astonishment, his smile enlightened her. 

The house felt strangely like home, though she had never stepped foot in it before.

"That sounds wonderful. Be up by six."

Her cousins joined them a few minutes later.

"I'd like to start searching for work."

"There's a housekeeper position available at the town's hospital if you're interested. Alison mentioned they're hiring both part-time and full-time, but I'm not sure what shift."

"Alison?"

"Alison is the woman who my father fancies," Maverick said. "You should see him when she comes over." He laughed but stopped when his father gave him stern a look.

"Alison and I are friends."

"Sure—Father, we're not fucking blind," Colton interjected, taking a mouthful of his food.

"See y'all later." Malakai rose from his seat, loaded the dishwasher, and exited the house.

Colton checked his watch and ate way too fast. It was surprising he didn't choke. As he stood, so did Maverick. Both left in a hurry.

"I'm guessing they have work?"

"Malakai attends college. Maverick and Colton work at the auto shop in the town."

"How do I apply for this job?"

"May I see your phone? The application is online."

"Sure." She handed it to him, and after he pulled up the application, he returned it to her. She completed it within twenty minutes. All she had left to do now was wait for a call, which her uncle said could take about eight days. 

Her uncle headed to the bank he worked at, informing her he would be home by five. 

With time to spare, she did some yoga in her bedroom and tidied up the first floor, careful to return each item to its original spot. These men had a clear system for organizing everything. They reminded her a lot of her father. Anytime she moved anything, somehow, her father would notice and place it back. Even the batteries had their specific drawer.

Wanting to get some fresh air, she headed into the backyard, appreciating the solitude that came with having no neighbors, a stark contrast to the city. After spotting a hammock, she lay down on it and closed her eyes, savoring the tranquil melodies of the woods and the warmth of the sun on her skin. 

Memories of her darting across the playground, like a child high on a sugar rush, with her mother in pursuit, flooded into her mind. Her chest tightened, and she took a deep breath to steady her emotions. As she opened her eyes, the leaves from the branches above her fluttered to the ground, despite there being no breeze.

She sat up, catching one and examining it before it disintegrated in her hands. 

The ring of her cell phone nearly made her heart jump out of her chest. "Hey."

"Hey!" Catalina's voice was as cheerful as always. "So, how's your day going?"

Anastasia smiled. "Boring."

"Where are your cousins and uncle?" Catalina inquired.

"I'm not sure. Frederick said he'd be here by five, but it's going to be seven soon."

"Maybe something came up."

At the snap of a twig, Anastasia rose to her feet, her eyes sweeping through the woods. 

"I have bad news. I no longer have a job—Anastasia? Is everything alright?"

"Yeah. Sure—I mean... What?" They both chuckled. "Sorry. I got distracted."

"I just said I no longer have a job."

"Why? You're the best--"

"He let me go after I refused to sleep with him."

That stunned Anastasia.

"I know. It's shocking; you wouldn't have expected him to do that, but he did."

"So, what's your plan now?"

"I'm not sure yet."

At another sound, her attention shifted to the trees bordering the yard. A fleeting shadow sent her pivoting around and hurrying into the house, heart hammering against her ribcage. She stood in front of the backdoor, scanning for any sign of movement, but the night draped the woods in shadows, obscuring her vision. 

"Ann?"

"I thought I saw something."

"In the house?"

"No--"

An animalistic sound reverberated through the woods. 

"What the hell was that?" Catalina's voice confirmed it wasn't Anastasia's fear of darkness playing tricks on her. "Ann? Could that have been a wolf?"

"I don't know. But whatever it is, it's outside."

"I hate wolves," Catalina said. "They're terrifying."

Catalina once encountered a wolf during a camping trip. She had been trembling when her mother found her, but thankfully, the wolf hadn't attacked her. 

Anastasia flinched at the thunder rumbling in the night sky. "For fuck's sake."

"Relax."

"What if it's some supernatural out there?"

"It's against the law for any supernatural being to harm us."

"I doubt all of them abide by the law." She scurried to turn on the lights, but to her dismay, nothing happened. "The power is out—I'm about to have a heart attack."

A searing pain exploded in her hand, and she let out a scream, dropping her cell phone. As the pain surged up her arm, she staggered, her back slamming against the wall. Ignoring the burning sensation, she picked up the cell phone. "Catalina?" Silence. "Fuck." 

Her heart sank at the sound of what she could only describe as a man in anguish. With trembling hands, she attempted to call anyone, but the cell phone had no signal. Her eyes widened as the doorbell resonated through the house. Without thinking, she headed into the kitchen to retrieve a knife. 

She trembled, standing a few feet from the door, gripping the knife. "Who's there?"

"Anastasia? Let me in. I can't find my keys."

She reached out to open, but paused, her quivering fingers grazing the cold handle. The scent of ashes filled her nose, and she backed up, screaming when she bumped into something. She whirled around and swung the knife.

Malakai caught her wrist, the knife mere inches from his face. "What the hell is going on?"

She dropped the knife and embraced him. "Someone was at the door. Please, never leave me alone again."

"It's okay." He tightened his hold around her. "I got you."

As she pulled away, she noted he didn't have a shirt on. Perhaps he had arrived while she was in the backyard and was in his bedroom all this time, but she never heard the motor of his car. "When did you return home?"

"I just walked into the house. The damn car left me stranded, so I had to walk the rest of the way here. We leave keys at the back, under a rock. When I tried the backdoor, it was open, so I came in. Then you bumped into me."

She arched an eyebrow. "And why are you shirtless?"

He chuckled. "Because I used my white shirt to let the cops know my car broke down."

"Makes sense I guess." She wrapped her arms around herself. "Who was that out there? He sounded like Frederick."

Fury flashed across his face. "Not sure, but I'm going to have to report it to Declan. If this is the same vampire, he just guaranteed his demise." He pulled out his cell phone. "No signal."

"How did he mimic Frederick's voice? I didn't know they could do that."

"He got in your head and made you hear my father's voice. That's one of many vampire tricks that lead to a human unknowingly inviting them in. Once they are, they can enter our homes whenever they desire."

"Where is everyone else?"

"My father is with Alison. He'll be here at around nine. Colton is at the bar with Maverick."

"Isn't Colton nineteen?"

"In this town, you can have drinks at eighteen." She followed him into the living room. 

"So what now?"

"We wait until the power returns."

The pain in her hand amplified. She groaned, holding her other hand against the spot. Malakai approached her and took her hand in his. "I don't know what's going on, but it hurts."

"Since when?"

"Since I arrived."

His eyes met hers, but before he could say anything, Maverick stormed into the house, Colton a few feet behind. Her eyes widened as a tall man entered the house, blood splattered over his face and some of his suit. His bright emerald eyes stood out against his deep rich skin, and as their gazes met, they flickered crimson.

Her heart raced, and she could barely breathe. 

Then the world spun, and the lights went out.

As she regained consciousness, the sound of various voices reached her ears.

"You should have informed me she never met a vampire before."

"Forgive me, Lewis, but it slipped my mind. A sensor went off. My focus was to ensure she was alright."

"She could have had a heart attack, Frederick." A pause. "Her fragrance is strong."

"What can you do to help her?"

"She needs to speak with Declan."

"No."

"He will not hurt her."

A long silence followed.

"It does not matter where she lives. Eventually, that blood of hers would have drawn a vampire to her. I have never met a human with such a potent fragrance. Who is she to you?"

"My niece."

"Your niece?" It sounded like Lewis found it difficult to believe.

Her eyes fluttered open, and she sat up, the world spinning for a moment. "What happened?" Lewis approached, stopping when Frederick barricaded his path. 

"Even after everything, you still do not trust Declan." He inched closer to Frederick, eyes crimson. "He sensed her the moment she got out of that plane. If he wanted her, he would have had her already."

"Forcing a human to be a blood bag is against the law," Frederick said, not a sign of fear on his face. 

"I am well aware of that, Frederick." Lewis walked around the living room, as though he searched for something. "I find it quite odd that all these years, you never mentioned having a niece." He faced them, hands at his back. "I ask again, who is she to you, Frederick?"

Maverick glanced at his father before glaring at Lewis. "He already told you who she is. Whether you believe us or not, we don't fucking care."

"My sister didn't want to raise her around the supernaturals, so she left the town when she was just a year old and never returned."

Lewis was silent, his expression morphing from utter astonishment to anger. 

"Lewis," Frederick began. "She needs the aid of a coven to hide her fragrance."

Lewis snapped out of his thoughts, his eyes locked upon her, the anger vanishing. "A coven will be of no aid."

"Then what the fuck are we supposed to do? There are other rogues vampires--"

"None will dare head this way again."

"How can you guarantee--"

"It is Declan's responsibility to ensure all humans are safe. He has declared your home off-limits for everyone." His cell phone rang, and he pulled it out of the pockets of his jeans. "It has been taken care of. Yes. I understand." Then he hung up. "I must go, but please, reconsider your decision. Declan is the only one who can help her."

He exited the house, and finally, she could breathe again. "What happened?"

Maverick raked a hand through his hair. "The sensors went off. Declan sent Lewis, and he took care of the vampire, who apparently didn't believe they would tear him apart if he got too close again."

She recalled the blood splatters coating Lewis's face... his clothes. "Rumors aren't so false. Vampires are quite terrifying... I need to call my friend."

"In these woods, it's difficult to get a signal," Malakai said. "The house landline has been tampered with, so you'll have to wait until it's fixed."

"Whatever—I'm going to get some rest." She wrapped her arms around herself, pausing midway up the grand stairs. "You're not going out, right?"

"Of course not," Frederick assured her.

"Okay."

*****

Unfortunately, she spent the night tossing and turning, startled by any sound. At the melody of the doorbell, her heart raced. After preparing herself, she got up and made her way downstairs. As she descended the stairs, Colton approached the door.

"Where's everyone else?" she asked.

"They went out to pick up a few things, but they'll be back soon--" He halted mid-sentence as he opened the door. Catalina stood there and nearly shoved him aside when she spotted Anastasia.

She embraced her. "You're okay—I was worried something happened to you."

"Sorry. Signal here sucks."

Catalina turned to Colton, who regarded her with interest. "Sorry for barging in here, but you have to understand this girl screamed into the phone before the line went dead. I had to check she was safe."

"It's fine. If you're Anastasia's friend, then you're welcome here."

"Why did we just see a taxi drive off?" Frederick entered, pausing upon spotting Catalina. "And who might this be?"

"She's my friend, Catalina." 

Malakai entered, bags in hand, and stopped. "What's going on?"

"She's a friend of Anastasia's."

As Maverick entered the house, Catalina gazed at him, clearly smitten. It was no surprise. He embodied everything she sought in a man. 

Catalina leaned in and whispered, "Ese hombre es real?"

That faint grin on Maverick suggested he understood Spanish. "Pues claro."

Malakai proceeded to the kitchen, amused. 

"Where are you staying?" Frederick asked.

"I'm currently staying at the Starlight Hotel, but I'm planning to look for a job and hope to be approved for an apartment soon."

"What do you mean?" Anastasia grasped her forearm. "You can't move here."

"Why not? If it's safe enough for you, it should be safe for me, too. Unless you're suggesting otherwise? We can hop on a plane tonight if that's what you're implying."

"There is a spare bedroom upstairs you can use."

Anastasia and Catalina stared at him for a moment. 

"Oh, I don't want to be a bother."

"Nonsense. A friend of Anastasia's is welcome here anytime."

"Alright. Thank you. I'll have to go get my stuff."

"I'll head into town with her," Anastasia said.

"Maverick will take y'all."

Catalina grasped Anastasia's hand and tugged her out of the house after thanking her uncle once again. Outside, apparently she could no longer hold it in anymore. "Pero Dios mío. ¿Cuántos años tiene tu tío? Está guapísimo".

"No sé. Creo que tiene cuarenta y pico."

"Parece que no tiene más de veinticinco." She laughed. "¿Le gustarán las mujeres más jóvenes que él?"

Anastasia hit her shoulder playfully. "Catalina, compórtate."

"No te preocupes. El que me interesa es el hijo Maverick, que está guapísimo. Para uno comérselo."

"Usted esta guapa tambien."

Catalina's face turned crimson. " Eso me pasa por asumir que no entendías español."

He laughed. "Come on. We have to return before nightfall."

Catalina followed him to the car. "Why?"

Maverick paused and glanced at Anastasia. She hoped her expression conveyed that she wished to keep Catalina in the dark about the recent events, at least for now. She planned to tell everything to Catalina once they were back at the house. Hopefully, she wouldn't freak out and attempt to drag her to the airport and board the first plane out of this town.

Lewis, the vampire, had said her blood would attract vampires no matter where she went.

It would be safer for her to stay in a town that was well-informed and equipped to handle rogue vampires, rather than a city that kept their residents ignorant of everything. 

As Maverick held the door open for Catalina, she exchanged a glance with Anastasia, which conveyed a message as transparent as crystal water. It was almost as though she could hear her friend's voice in her head exclaiming, "A gentleman too. I'm in love." Anastasia suppressed the urge to laugh. 

The ride to downtown took roughly an hour. Had she been the one stranded instead of Malakai, she would have remained in the car until help arrived. Her feet wouldn't endure an hour-long walk. In the city, her maximum walking time was fifteen minutes. Maybe that was an advantage of residing in a densely populated area—everything was just a short walk away.

Although the hotel wasn't as enormous as those found in the city, its beauty was breathtaking. Cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and aged buildings endowed the town with an old-world feel, yet everything appeared untouched by time.

Maverick parked at the curb and held the door open for Catalina and Anastasia. A group of women greeted them as they strolled past them, all dressed in outfits that seemed too modern for the town. Although the town itself hadn't morphed with time, clearly its people had. 

"I can see why many people would visit this town," Anastasia remarked. "It's gorgeous."

The hotel's interior, with its antique furniture and elegant light fixtures, really gave the room its character. 

Anastasia hoisted the luggage, and while Catalina spoke with the receptionist, she trailed Maverick to the car. "Where is Declan's club?"

Maverick's eyes snapped to her after he loaded the luggage into the trunk. "Why do you ask?"

"I want to thank him--"

"No."

"Why not?"

Maverick moved closer, perhaps too close. "Anastasia, you're a gorgeous woman, and that scent of yours will draw him to you. If he wants to offer his help, that's great, but he doesn't need to see you himself. He has helped many without ever needing to meet them in person."

Anastasia stepped back, her brows furrowing at the burning in her hand. She clutched the spot, resisting the scream rising in her throat. Her gaze scanned the street, settling on a petite woman with burgundy curly hair and crimson eyes. 

"Fuck." Maverick shielded Anastasia with his body. 

The woman's round eyes widened like she had seen a ghost. "Connor."

The pain amplified. "Maverick, it hurts."

It was as though she hadn't spoken a word.

Anastasia lurched forward, the pain intensifying, and collided with the car. She gaped at the roses at her feet. She knelt and picked one in her quivering hands, watching it disintegrate right before her eyes. "Maverick... I think I'm losing my mind."

When she turned, Catalina embraced her. "Calm down. I've got you." 

Anastasia relaxed in her friend's embrace, the pain vanishing. "I owe you so much. Without you, I'd lost my mind."

"Don't mention it. You're like a sister to me." Catalina let out a small chuckle tinged with a worried cry. "I love you."

"Love you too."

 Maverick seized Anastasia's hand, drawing her attention to a mild cut on her palm. "Forgive me. I got distracted."

Anastasia glanced toward the woman, whose bright blue eyes glimmered with tears. "Who is she?"

"Declan's sister."

"And why did she call you Connor?"

"Pay her no mind." 

"Maverick."

Appearing annoyed, he faced the woman. "Yes, Rose?"

"What have you done? This is madness." The woman lost her footing for a moment, but before she collapsed, Lewis appeared out of thin air and caught her.

"Calm down, Rose."

A wave of sadness swept over the woman's perfect face as she recoiled away from Lewis and approached Maverick. She glanced up at him. "Such deceit will end in chaos. Why do you do this?" She wiped away the tears from her cheeks. "Declan was correct. I was foolish to think your love for me was genuine."

"Rose, we should go."

Rose stepped back, gaze lowered. "You played the part well."

Without uttering another word, she turned and headed down the street alongside Lewis. 

Catalina eyed Maverick. "You dated a supernatural?"

He remained silent, lost in thought. Anastasia grasped his hand, and he snapped out of it. When their gazes met, his eyes gave away his inner pain. "You still love her? Then why did you break it off?"

"Fate had other plans for both of us." He pulled away from her grasp and strode to the driver's side after slamming the trunk shut. "Get in."

Anastasia settled into the passenger seat, and Catalina took her place in the back. "Are you okay?"

Maverick simply nodded. 

She didn't press for details. They had only met two days prior. It was apparent Rose had deep feelings for him, and he for her. Perhaps it was the fact they were different races that drew them apart. Most supernaturals stopped aging at twenty-five. While Rose remained young for eternity, Maverick would grow old and eventually die.

Once they arrived at the house, Maverick handed Catalina the luggage and they headed to the second bedroom on the third level, which would be Catalina's. 

Catalina flopped onto the bed, gazing upward. "I always set my eyes on the wrong men."

Anastasia peered out the window, observing the men conversing in the front yard. Frederick entered her line of sight, seizing Maverick's arm. Maverick pushed him away, hopped in his car, and sped off.

Catalina seized Anastasia's hand and pulled her to take a seat with her on the bed. "So, what happened that night?" 

"Did your parents agree for you to come here? I have my doubts."

"Yes. They understand I must learn to live on my own. They won't be here forever—and don't change the subject."

"Guilty." Their laughter filled the room, warming her heart. "Some vampire apparently caught my fragrance and came too close to the house. Lewis killed him."

"Who the hell is Lewis?"

"He's the vampire with Maverick's ex in town. He works for the clan leader, Declan. I hate being in debt to anyone. I wanted to thank him personally, but Frederick and my cousins said it wouldn't be a good idea. Maverick thinks my beauty and scent could attract him to me."

"And I agree. You've certainly leveraged your looks to score complimentary drinks in the past."

"Just as you have." They shared another laugh. "I find it hard to believe a vampire such as Declan hasn't encountered people more beautiful than me over the years." Her brows furrowed. "There must be another reason."

"They also mentioned your fragrance." She held Anastasia's hand tight in her grasp. "I'm sure the men have already thanked him for sending someone to take care of the situation. There are rumors of vampires demanding blood as payment for their services. I beg you, please don't seek him out."

"Okay. Why do you think they dislike him?"

Catalina shrugged, standing up and beginning to stow her clothes from the suitcase on the bed. "There must be a valid reason," she mused. "Whatever it is, it drove a wedge between Maverick and Rose... She mentioned Declan had cautioned her about Maverick... Perhaps they despise humans and view us as inferior."

"Maybe... So, what's your plan?"

"I'm going to head out early tomorrow and hopefully, I can find a job in a bar."

"And if you don't?"

"I'll apply for as many jobs as possible, even to clean dishes. I don't care."

"There's a vampire club located in this town." Catalina didn't seem surprised at all. "You knew?"

"My parents lied, Ann."

"What do you mean?"

"Their hours have been reduced. They're behind on rent, and I refuse to let them end up in a shelter. They're overwhelmed, and there's no guarantee my parents would have a place to sleep..."

Anastasia stood and hugged her. "We'll find something and help them catch up."

"If we don't, you don't have to follow me into that club--"

She cradled her face. "If you go in there, so do I."

"No. Promise me you'll look elsewhere."

"I can't." 

Catalina pulled away. "Why won't you ever listen to me? I don't want you to become a blood donor."

"You lied—this is why you came, wasn't it?"

"I came for you, but as soon as I arrived at the airport, a man approached me," she said, pulling a paper from her luggage and handing it over. "He gave me this. I'm not sure if they can tell who would be desperate enough to accept, but they were correct to target me." Their eyes met, and the pain in her friend's gaze pierced her heart. "I don't want to do this, but to protect my parents, I'd sell my soul to the devil himself."

Anastasia examined the card in her hand, embossed with the name 'Aether Club' and a silver sheen that danced with each movement. Lifting it towards the light, a deep blood-red crescent materialized. 

 The address appeared beneath it as if guided by an invisible hand, the strokes of a red ink pen flowing across the card. 

Anastasia whirled around, ignoring her friend's plea to stop. As she flung open the door, she bumped into Malakai, and to her surprise, they didn't go tumbling to the floor. 

"Where are you rushing off to?"

She slipped the card into her jeans pocket and offered an innocent smile. "We were going outside to relax for a bit." 

He rested his hands on the doorframe, his smile hinting that he didn't fall for her lie. "Food is ready."

"Okay. Give us a minute and we'll be right down." She nudged him back to shut the door. Once closed, she met Catalina's gaze. "Before we step into that club, I need to talk to Declan, even if it means sneaking out like we used to."

Catalina chuckled. "Your parents were far from thrilled when we snuck out to that boy's party—what was his name? Oliver?"

"Owen," she corrected with a laugh. "They had every reason to be upset. I went to meet a boy who, once he got what he wanted, dumped me." She struggled to hold back tears. 

Catalina embraced her.

Her parents, on the verge of eviction, meant Catalina would do anything to gain the most money in the fastest way possible, even if it meant doing more than just offering her neck to a vampire. 

She held Catalina tighter in her embrace, holding back the tears that threatened to rise to the surface. 

What Catalina failed to realize was that she would leap into danger before she did without a second thought. From Lewis' words, Anastasia's blood allured many vampires, so that would mean they would pay an exorbitant amount to get a taste, or so she hoped.