Chapter 33

Mark couldn't help but grin as he noticed Marlow growing more frustrated by the second. The elder vampire, appeared battered, his once immaculate frame now bloodied and his coat reduced to tatters.

Despite his sorry state, Mark is aware that the damage inflicted upon him hasn't truly taken a significant toll except for a slight decrease of his speed.

Worry etched across their faces, Iris and Zurial witnessed their leader's relentless assaults. However, each attempt ended in disappointment as Mark adeptly evaded Marlow's attacks, trapping them in a disheartening cycle.

Exchanging glances, they contemplated aiding Marlow. As they prepared to intervene, they caught Mark's grin-laden gaze. They involuntarily cowered, halting their actions in place. They snarled at him but doesn't do anything more.

Thought so. Mark scoffed at them followed by awkwardly dodging Marlow's hurled frozen soil. Marlow seized the moment, driven by hunger that grew with each healing wound, making him weaker.

Desperation for blood to sustain his strength prompted Marlow to swiftly rush and pounce on Iris. What the hell. She struggled in panic.

Despite her fervent efforts, he effortlessly pinned her down, overwhelming her with his superior strength. Iris's cries filled the air as Marlow opened his mouth wide, preparing to sink his teeth into her inviting neck.

Zurial watched the scene with indifference but remained vigilant, not wanting to draw attention as the next potential target.

His eyes widened in surprise when Mark suddenly appeared beside the struggling Iris, swinging an axe down. Marlow, still pinning Iris down with the intent to feed, was momentarily caught off guard by the unexpected intervention.

The axe struck Marlow's arm as he instinctively shielded his vulnerable neck. Wailing in pain, he quickly distanced himself from Mark, clutching his dangling arm, with black blood continuing to flow between his fingers.

Snarling, he observed Mark holding the axe, alert but unworried. Marlow knew his enemy lacked the courage to confront him directly.

As Iris crawled, attempting to make herself smaller, Mark's foot found her ass, sending her toward the startled Zurial. Chuckling, Mark took a deep breath and charged at Marlow, who snarled in anticipation.

Closing the distance, Mark whipped a blanket towards the vampire, momentarily obscuring his vision. Marlow tore through the blanket with his powerful arm. However, what awaited him wasn't an axe or a bullet but the intense glow of a UV lamp.

Marlow's screeching roar echoed, drowning the surroundings, as the harsh light gradually transformed his once-pale skin into a deep charcoal shade. In the grip of agony and panic, he wildly flailed his arms, desperately seeking his enemy in the empty air.

Slowly, his once formidable body weakened, succumbing to the relentless assault of the light until it resembled a charred form. With a final, gut-wrenching wail, Marlow collapsed onto the icy ground.

Mark lingered near Marlow's smoldering remains, a mix of relief and satisfaction formed across his face. His exhale resonated with the weight lifted off his shoulders, the dissipating mist of Marlow's demise swirling in the cold air.

He scrunched his nose, battling the uniquely unpleasant fragrance of vampire barbecue in the air. Finally, the hard part was over.

Iris and Zurial, visibly shaken by the unfolding events, swiftly darted away, hastily planning their escape, away from the dangerous town, specifically away from the dangerous guy.

A mischievous glint sparkled in Mark's eyes as he watched their hasty retreat. He leisurely stepped onto Marlow's charred neck, methodically separating the head from the lifeless body.

His boot met the remains with a deliberate stomp, blending the ashy residue into the pristine snow. A smug grin formed across Mark's face as he muttered, "Resurrect from that," while tightening his grip on the awaiting axe once again.

He disappeared on the spot. In the distance, a harsh wail echoed, almost pleading, as if suspended in fear. Abruptly, the sound ceased, leaving an eerie silence.

_*_

After ensuring Iris was safely aboard the bus with her friends, he made his way back to the grateful family he had saved earlier. Then they all headed towards the general store to pick up Eben and the rest of the group.

Eben, his gaze catching the approaching figures, exchanged a nod of acknowledgment.

As they gathered, Eben's furrowed brow betrayed a mixture of seriousness and disbelief. "You're certain the vampires are really gone?" he questioned, a hint of skepticism lingering in his voice. The unease echoed among the group members, their doubtful glances mirroring Eben's concern. Sensing the need for reassurance, Mark spoke with affirmation.

"Pretty sure they're all gone," Mark said, though not really. The vampires on the bus are his trophy, so they're not counted.

Continuing, he added, "But there could be more survivors around. You and Billy should grab a megaphone, go around town, and announce that it's safe for others hiding in their houses," he suggested.

Billy hesitated, uncertainty flickering across his face. Eben, however, wore a thoughtful expression.

"We'll confirm it later. For now, utilidor first," Eben decided. Mark nodded in agreement, content with having already fulfilled his 'heroic' deeds.

Convinced that those in hiding could manage without further intervention, the rest of the group sighed collectively in relief and made their way toward the utilidor.

On the way, the guys who were with Mark walked cautiously on the snow, their movements resembling a constant scan of their surroundings, eyes darting nervously. He shook his head in amusement and quickened his pace, leaving them trailing behind.

It was understandable—they had all tasted the viciousness of the vampires. As nothing happened and no sudden attack followed, those in the back visibly relaxed, keeping up with Mark's fast pace as they continued their journey.

Mark's grin widened as Stella, Denise, and Kirsten dashed toward him. Laughter filled the air as they hugged him and planted a flurry of kisses, their happiness vivid after hearing the news about the town's newfound safety.

"Hey there, beautiful ladies. What do you think? Ready to find a new spot to crash for the night?" Mark playfully wiggled his eyebrows. The girls exchanged knowing glances with a smile.

"I don't really have a place to stay in town." Stella shifted awkwardly.

Kirsten added with a teasing grin, "My place is busted. You destroyed the wall the first time I saw you. My dad will definitely beat you." Mark chuckled, recalling Marlow's powerful backhand.

Denise, her eyes sparkling with hope, suggested, "Then, let's head to my place. Hopefully, it hasn't been wrecked by those bloodsuckers."

Before leaving, Mark and the girls bid farewell to the others inside the utilidor. As they approached the refugees Mark had saved, a heartfelt scene unfolded.

Women and children, once huddled in fear, now expressed their gratitude with genuine thanks. They approached Mark with warmth, giving hugs and kisses, and sharing their appreciation with big smiles on their faces. Mark grinned back, expressing that he was happy to help. It felt very nice.

The big guys in the group patted him on the shoulder, a silent acknowledgment of respect. The refugees' eyes revealed a mix of relief and appreciation, and the room was filled with whispered words of gratitude.

"Let's capture this moment!" Mark exclaimed. He casually placed his phone on a wall for support, although it wasn't necessary. He waited for the group to gather. This photo would be an addition to his collection, alongside the group photo with the characters from the dawn of the dead world.

The group gathered for a quick photo, freezing a moment of happiness. Mark stood in the middle, his big grin stealing the spotlight. On his left, Denise playfully winked with a mischievous sparkle. To the right, Kirsten flashed a sweet smile. In the front, Stella leaned on Mark, pure joy on her face as he hugged her waist. All around them were the grateful faces of the group, each striking their own happy poses.

_*_

In Denise's house, they noticed her door and front windows were broken. Mark left them there to fetch some materials from the hardware store to try and fix it, while the girls took on the task of cleaning up.

After placing a generator, covering plywood and heating pads on the windows, and repairing the door, Mark leaned back and relaxed, the sense of accomplishment evident on his face.

The girls, having transformed Denise's house into a more comfortable place, took charge in the kitchen. The aroma of cooking filled the air as they prepared a meal to express their gratitude for Mark's handy work.

Soon enough, the table was set, and the girls presented a delicious spread of homemade dishes. Mark, appreciative of their efforts, eagerly took a seat, ready to enjoy the meal they had prepared together.

Eating while having light conversation, they finished the homemade meal, and the talk smoothly transitioned to their plans.

Stella shared, "Once the polar night ends, I'll need to get back to work." A sigh escaped her, leaving her slightly deflated.

Mark, jokingly teased, "You'll leave me here?" He pouted, hugging Kirsten for mock comfort. Kirsten giggled as Mark embraced him. While Stella snorts in amusement.

Denise chimed in, her tone carrying a tinge of sadness, "I might have to wait until new co-workers replace those who didn't make it through the first night." The group offered her comforting pats on the back, and Mark playfully kissed her nose.

Kirsten, with a sense of frustration, added, "I'm gonna get all caught up, the taxes, January's orders." Laughter rippled through the group.

"We've got over 20 days until the polar night ends. If Eben and the others can fix the communication lines, they can report what happened here to the authorities. Although," Mark said with a hint of skepticism, "I doubt those guys will believe that vampires attacked the town."

A simple nod from the girls conveyed their agreement.

They cleaned the table together before indulging in a shared bath. Later, the group gathered on the bed, continuing their intimate moment in Denise's room.

*Warning, skip this senseless shit. Not important*

Mark positioned himself before Stella, his lips and tongue trailed hot, wet kisses along the inside of her legs. The sweet scent of her arousal was intoxicating, pulling him closer to the forbidden fruit that lay before him. Stella bit her lower lip in anticipation, waiting for more of his touch.

Denise and Kirsten, on either side, watched in silence as he moved himself between Stella's spread legs. Their eyes were filled with desire, their breathing heavy as they witnessed the intimate moment unfolding before them.

Mark admired Stella's hairless pussy as his hands gently parted her pink folds, revealing her glistening core. His fingers dipped inside, teasing and prodding at her sensitive flesh. Her hands finding their way to his hair, pulling him closer.

Smirking, he leaned in and kissed her womb tattoo, then he started to taste her slowly, making her gasped.

Denise and Kirsten couldn't help but lean closer as well, their eyes locked on the erotic display taking place before them. They could feel their hearts racing, their bodies aching for the same sensation that Stella was currently experiencing.

To be continued – not.