Mike Carden has a destiny he must fulfill - he is the protector of the city.
Ever since The Dandies rioted, years and years ago, the Cardens have been cursed. Mike's ancestor was stripped of his vampiric powers, all save one. The Cardens, to a certain extent, are immortal. But only if someone tries to kill them unnaturally. Heart attacks, cancer, tuberculosis... Mike could be felled by all of these.
He's kept this destiny a secret, but it's slowly running free, and he knows he's going to have to recruit people to keep this.
To protect the city.