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"How could I refuse an invitation from such an influential man?" responded Veronika, drawing her chin up. She smiled but did not seem to flatter. Alexander Drake's invitation had piqued her curiosity. Her aim was to dig up information akin to the stories she had heard. A hunt for a particular witch; one that had eluded his grasp.

A waiter dressed in neatly-pressed uniform and highly polished shoes approached their table with a menu in one hand, but Veronika made no attempts to look at it. "A bottle of 2006 Dom Pérignon Brut Rosé Champagne," she told the waiter simply, maintaining eye-contact with Alexander as she carefully examined his face. "Bold, powerful, and elegant taste. It will suit your palate." Veronika gave him a look that could have been interpreted as amusement, but her face was a picture of calm. It was hard to read.

"Excellent choice. What about some pan-seared filet mignon to pair?" The waiter smiled. He spoke in a calm and refined manner, setting the right ambiance for the meal to come. He'd been well trained - as expected of a five-star restaurant. Steak was best-paired with champagne.

"I will leave the gentleman to decide."

Alexander liked this woman for sure. Why did she have to be one of the bitten?

"Thanks, dear." His eyes kept on hers. "We will definitely take your suggestion. Filet mignon it is... Rare, please. That is all." Alexander ordered coldly.

"Dom Pérignon Brut Rosé Champagne, and pan-seared filet mignon." The waiter repeated as Alexander slightly turned to give him a smile in agreement. When his eyes met Veronika's again and once the waiter had walked off, Alexander spoke.

"Gentleman? Is that truly what you think of me or are you just being pleasant? Your servant's sneer gave me the impression that I may not be well-liked among your clan. It would not surprise me if that were the case. The measures I take differ vastly from yours. Yet we seek the same thing."

"Perhaps. And as for what I truly think of you, it does not matter in the grand scheme of things," came Veronika's vague response. She clearly had felt no need to satiate the man's curiosity, nor did she feel the need to humor him by answering such questions that bore no relevance on the matter at hand.

There was a short pause as the waiter came back with the bottle of champagne, popping it open and filling their glasses. He set the bottle down on the table and left quietly, sensing their need for privacy.

"So enlighten me, Alexander. What do you seek?" Veronika mused, inclining her head slightly.

"I seek independence from... them. You and I both know what happens if things continue as they are. We lose. Whether or not our kind seeks to lord over or simply live amongst them as equals, we need to create a way for our people to live without the need for the crimson nectar flowing through their veins... My clan is close to developing something to curb the need for it. We just need more time and resources, and unfortunately, that requires my clan to conduct their operations... without interference. And possibly even with your support. All we need is blood." Alexander grabbed his glass, not toasting just yet. He wanted her answer.

'Oh?' Veronika slightly raised her brow to signal interest.

Alexander's words had confirmed her suspicions. The differences in their views were far too great; an alliance was out of the question. This man had a plan, and it was not one she could simply ignore. If the time comes that vampires would no longer have a need for human blood, who's to say that Alexander - and others like him - would not seek to exterminate humans altogether? Nature had a way of keeping things balanced, and this independence he had spoken of would only only tip the scales and allow him to have even more power. Once Alexander's plan is realized, there would be no stopping him.

Veronika needed to know more, particularly about what was going on behind the scenes. Perhaps she'd be able to learn more from that witch he so desperately wanted to find. Shay Knight, was it? She would find her before Alexander did.

For now, giving him the answer he wanted to hear would allow her to keep a closer eye on him. Veronika reached for her own glass and smiled, reaching a conclusion. The corner of her mouth curled up in a smirk, showing a sharp fang. "Should you require my assistance, Alexander, you know where to find me." She raised her glass for a toast.