I definitely mapped it out, so many nights i spent pacing around and putting together the big picture of the story. It comes more into play in the books that follow, but this one definitely sets the stage.
I don't want to give too much away, but let's just say i don't develop a character as well as i did Austin for no reason. It may be awhile, but you will see him again, and he may even have a bigger part to play ;)
I like how your mind works, immediately thinking of that connection between vampires and faerians, however...you will see lol ;)