"Yes," he says bluntly. "It would have been. That was a closed event. The only humans permitted inside would be the ones who were brought by their master, or who agreed to all conditions upon entering. By invitation only, I might add."

Another sigh, longer and with real frustration laced through it. "The things you suspect about that situation are true. A great many vampires, the oldest especially, view themselves above humanity. In their eyes, to do otherwise would be admitting weakness. Lady de Rolo, I am the youngest Elder that has ever established his own territory. I couldn't afford to look weak."