Ada leans on the kitchen counter as she outlines your agreement, her voice amiable. You bandage your bleeding finger with a Band-Aid she gave you, still in utter disbelief that an ad on Craigslist led you to this. You should have known...in this city, bargains come with strings attached.

All right, roomie,

Ada says.

Let me explain the rules. First, when I ask for blood, you give it. Second, don't escape, otherwise I'll kill you. Simple.

Ada snickers, showing uncomfortably sharp fangs. Then, she claps her hands.

Now, no offense, but your blood's a bit thin for my palate. Let's fix that. You hungry?