MY SUGAR MUMMY IS A BEAUTIFUL VAMPIRE

But as she waited, nothing came so she decided to break the silence. "Oh, Blake. You don't have to thank me. I'm just doing what anyone would do."

Blake shook his head, his expression earnest. "No, seriously. You've been there for me since the beginning, and I want you to know how much I appreciate it. You've helped me stay grounded, reminded me of who I am. And for that, I'm truly grateful."

A warm smile spread across Nana's face as she reached out to squeeze Blake's hand. "Thank you, Blake. That means a lot to me."

As they stood together in the kitchen, Blake couldn't shake the weight of Kabib's demise, the memory still fresh in his mind...

"I know it's been tough, Nana. Losing Kabib... it's something I can't even begin to imagine," Blake began, his voice tinged with sorrow. "But just like me, you have a chance for a new beginning. A chance to start afresh, to find your own path."

Nana's eyes flickered with a mix of emotions as she listened to Blake's words. "I appreciate that, Blake. But right now, love is the last thing on my mind," she admitted quietly. "I need to focus on getting back on my feet, learning to survive in this new world."

Blake nodded understandingly, his gaze unwavering. "I get it, Nana. And I'm here to help however I can. But don't think for a second that you're a burden. We carried you off that island because we couldn't bear to leave you behind, especially after everything you've been through."

Nana's expression softened at Blake's words, a hint of gratitude shining in her eyes. "I know, Blake. And I hate being the dead weight," she confessed. "I want to learn how to stand on my own two feet, to be self-sufficient and not hold you or Reggie back from your goals."

Blake reached out to gently place a hand on Nana's shoulder, offering her a reassuring smile. "You're not a burden, Nana. We're in this together, and we'll figure it out as we go. Just take it one step at a time, and know that we've got your back every step of the way."

As much as Blake's words were reassuring, it didn't change much for Nana. She stirred the pot absentmindedly, her thoughts swirling with doubt and uncertainty. She couldn't shake the feeling that she would only be a hindrance to Blake and Reggie's mission, no matter how much they reassured her otherwise.

"Why are you referring to it as 'your' mission, as if you're not a part of it?" Blake's voice interrupted her train of thought, causing her to turn around in surprise.

Nana let out a heavy sigh, meeting Blake's gaze with a conflicted expression. "I just... I don't want to get in the way, Blake," she admitted, her voice tinged with resignation. "I've seen what Elena is capable of, what she's done to my people. But I've also learned that life is short and precious. This is my second chance, and I don't want to waste it on a revenge mission."

Blake listened quietly, his expression thoughtful. "I understand, Nana," he said finally, his tone gentle yet firm. "Everyone has their own path to follow, their own way of dealing with things. Just know that whatever you choose, we'll support you every step of the way."

With a nod of his head, Blake excused himself, mentioning that he needed some fresh air. As he walked away, Nana couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in the pit of her stomach.

Watching Blake's retreating figure, she couldn't help but wonder what had happened to the man she had met on the island. The one who struggled to climb a small ledge, who showed vulnerability and hesitation. It seemed that man was gone, replaced by someone filled with ruthless aggression and determination.

Shaking her head, Nana turned back to the pot on the stove, her mind filled with swirling thoughts and unanswered questions.

Blake stood by the balcony, his gaze fixed on the bustling streets below. The city seemed to pulse with life, unaware of the turmoil brewing within him.

As he reflected on Nana's words, a mixture of frustration and determination simmered beneath the surface. He understood her desire to carve out her own path, to find her own purpose in this chaotic world. But at the same time, he couldn't shake the feeling of isolation that crept into his thoughts.

Was he entirely pleased with their diverging perspectives? No, not entirely. After all, he thought they all shared a common vision, a shared goal to bring Elena to justice. But it was becoming increasingly clear that not everyone was as fixated on that goal as he was.

With a bitter twist of his lips, Blake couldn't help but replay the events that had led him to this point. None of them had faced the same trials and tribulations that he had endured. None of them had been someone try to burn them alive, imprisoned, or manipulated by Elena's twisted machinations. None of them had experienced death and resurrection, emerging as an entirely new being.

So how could they possibly understand the burning need that gnawed at him, the relentless drive to put an end to the chapter of his life that continued to haunt him? The pages of his past kept flipping open, revealing painful memories and unanswered questions, and he was tired of being tossed about by forces beyond his control.

With a resolute shake of his head, Blake turned away from the balcony, steeling himself for the challenges that lay ahead. He may be alone in his convictions, but he was determined to see this through to the end, no matter the cost.

As Blake turned to head back inside, a sudden shift in the air caught his attention. A faint scent, carried on the breeze, teased his senses with its alluring and primal allure.

His ears pricked up at the distant sound of a scream, barely audible yet unmistakable. It echoed through the streets, a cry for help lost amidst the bustling city noise.

But to Blake, it was as clear as day. A primal instinct stirred within him, awakening a hunger that pulsed through his veins with an insatiable intensity.

"Blood," he muttered under his breath, his voice tinged with a primal urgency.

Without a moment's hesitation, Blake leaped off the balcony, the wind whipping past him as he plummeted through the air. His eyes burned with a fierce red glow, the hunger driving him forward with a savage determination.