Chapter 29 Vodka

Light snowfall, Mark and Stella approached Helen's humble home, its front windows shattered and its facade dimly illuminated by their flashlights. As they ventured inside, the old floor groaned under their weight. Moving through the darkness, they made their way to the laundry room, where a massive six-foot-long ultraviolet sunlamp was supposed to be casting its glow upon the now-dead pot.

Mark carefully unplugged the wiry mess from the sunlamp, while Stella quickly grabbed a spare fluorescent bulb from a nearby box.

"Ready to go?" Mark asked, tucking the sunlamp and spare bulb into his storage.

"Sure, but let's make a quick pit stop at the grocery store," Stella replied. "I need to grab some essentials. We'll be in the utilidor for a while, and, well, women need some things." She motioned toward the direction of the store, and they set off together.

Mark observed Stella as she loaded her bag with feminine hygiene products in the feminine care aisle. He then moved on to the canned goods and medicine, picking out various items including vitamin tablets. Stella followed him, adding inhalers to her basket.

"You have asthma?" Mark asked curiously, noticing Stella didn't seem to have the condition herself.

"Uh, it's for Eben. He has it. Figured I'd grab it for him while we're here," Stella explained. Mark pouted dramatically. Stella, seeing his expression, leaned in and kissed him gently, causing him to break into a grin.

Walking further inside, their footsteps echoing in the store, they suddenly heard the quiet sound of a sobbing. Curious and concerned, they moved quietly, following the sound until they found a figure bent over on someone who was slumped on the ground, their features obscured from view.

Walking further inside, their footsteps echoing in the store, they suddenly heard the quiet sound of sobbing. Curious and concerned, they moved quietly, following the sound until they found a figure bent over someone who was slumped on the ground, bloodied , their features obscured from view. Stella, with a compassionate tone, asked the figure to come with them, offering help.

The figure turned and looked at them, his mouth covered in blood. Stella's eyes widened in horror as she realized the person slumped on the floor was the one sobbing, his throat bleeding profusely. Before they could react, the figure placed a taloned hand on the injured man's jaw and ripped, his eyes gleaming eerily.

Stella freaked out visibly, her hands trembling as she pointed her gun at the menacing figure. It smiled disdainfully at them, its expression twisted with malevolence. Mark, feeling a surge of annoyance, acted. They never learn. With a powerful kick, he sent the figure's head crashing into the shelves, causing it to stumble. He followed up by stomping on its chest, a howl of pain escaping the creature as it writhed beneath his foot.

With a frown, Mark retrieved his axe, ready to end the vampire once and for all. He offered Stella the opportunity, but she shook her head frantically, unable to handle the gruesome task. Without a word, Mark swung the axe down, severing the creature's head from its body. The room fell silent, the eerie screeching finally silenced.

Stella breathed deeply, trying to steady herself, her face turning pale as she fought the urge to gag. Mark gently soothed her back and without wasting any time. They hurried away from the scene, wary that the howl of the vampire might have alerted others of its kind. The absence of movements brought a momentary sense of relief, but they knew they couldn't afford to be complacent. Their steps quickened, as they left the area swiftly and quietly went to the utilidor. Each footfall was deliberate, ensuring they avoided any unnecessary noise that could draw unwanted attention from lurking vampires nearby. The shadows embraced them, concealing their escape.

Inside the utilidor, where the massive shredder loomed, Mark carefully laid down a bedding, taking a moment to comfort Stella, who was still affected by the earlier bloody scene. He gently wrapped his coat around her and held her close. They waited in silence, Stella nestled against Mark, finding her composure in his comforting embrace. With a soft sigh, she looked up at him and gently kissed his cheeks, her way of expressing gratitude.

"Thanks for being caring," she said, her voice a bit steadier now. "I'm all good now."

Mark kissed Stella goodbye, his lips lingering for a moment before he left for the storage area where the other survivors were waiting. He distributed more supplies to ensure they are well fed, planning to return to the attic to get the remaining members of their group. His unique ability to teleport only worked with females, a limitation he couldn't change. Even if he can he wouldn't want to mark some guy with a womb tattoo. Eww.

Denise and Kirsten gripped Mark's hand tightly, sandwiching him between them. Both their faces were etched with worry as they prepared to leave their refuge. The fear of encountering vampires was written all over them, making the prospect of going outside a nerve-wracking experience. Mark, understanding their anxiety, gave them a reassuring grin.

In a moment, both of them suddenly found themselves inside the utilidor. Stella greeted them with a wave and a smile. They were utterly surprised; one moment they were standing on the snowy ground, and the next, they were already inside. Denise couldn't help but ask Mark curiously, her brow furrowed with confusion, while Kirsten pricked her ears, waiting for an explanation. Mark gestured towards Stella, letting her take the lead and explain the situation to them.

Realizing his blunder, Mark scratched his head in frustration. He couldn't teleport back to the attic without someone trustworthy. Feeling embarrassed, he admitted his predicament to the group. Stella stepped forward and volunteered to help. Mark briefly considered teleporting with her to the bus where his vampire minions were located, but decided against it, knowing it would require a different explanation altogether.

Instead, Mark and Stella opted for the old-fashioned way, making their way back together. Mark left Stella inside a relatively sturdy room where she can wait for him when transferring back, leaving her his phone where she can watch their intimate videos.

He moved back and forth between the attic and utilidor, always finding excuses to blindfold them, ensuring they didn't witness the 'gruesome' scenes on the road. He led them for a small walk each time, carefully guiding them, and then transferred them to the girls. All their would be confusion will be attributed with them being very nervous. Mark made sure to take his time in between transfers, allowing for a pause so the guys in the attic wouldn't get suspicious.

As Mark readied to escort the last female member of the attic refuge, Doug spoke up confidently.

"Why don't I come with you? It seems safe enough. You got the others to the utilidor without any issues," Doug said shamelessly.

"Hmm, it's your choice. But just a heads-up, if things go south, I won't be sticking around to save you. Missy and I will be making a run for it. And trust me, I'm a pretty fast runner," Mark replied, his grin hinting at both amusement and a touch of warning.

"Don't add to his burden," Eben glared at Doug before turning to Mark with gratitude. "Thanks for escorting the others safely."

Mark then inquired about their plans, asking Eben and his group what they intended to do. Eben explained that they planned to wait out the blizzard inside the refuge. They had everything they needed, especially after Mark gave Eben his inhalers.

He nodded at them, emphasizing the importance of staying in contact via walkie-talkies if any issues arose. With that, he guided his escort to where Stella was stationed before swiftly teleporting to Denise and Kirsten.

After settling the last refugees with the others in the storage area, Mark returned to the girls. He snuggled with Stella, playfully tossing his shoes aside and shamelessly placing them on Denise's lap. She jokingly told him they stank, but he knew they didn't. He noticed that ever since gaining the irresistible charm, he no longer emitted any foul smell.

Tickling his feet, Denise suggested, "Why don't we have a drink?" Her voice filled with eagerness. It was the first time she had felt so relaxed since the start of their ordeal.

"Do you have alcohol?" Kirsten asked softly. Denise pouted, disappointed at the lack of supplies.

Stella looked at Mark, knowing he had everything in his storage space. Mark grinned at them and retrieved various types of alcoholic beverages. They settled for vodka, raising their glasses in a silent toast to the much-needed relaxation they all craved.

Denise playfully pulled Mark up, her movements becoming increasingly seductive as she danced in front of him.

The girls cheered in excitement. Denise pulled Kirsten into the dance, matching her moves with enthusiasm. At the same time, Mark pulled Stella close, hugging her tightly and twirling her around as they danced together.

They consumed bottles of vodka until the girls got drunk and started getting handsy with Mark. He laughed along with them, not feeling intoxicated at all thanks to his physique. The jovial atmosphere continued, despite the alcohol-induced antics.

'I love my life.' he thought, his response mirroring their enthusiasm pinching here and there.