Mark crouched down slowly, bending his knees until he was squatting in front of the trapped vampire.
From that position, he could see her better — every detail of her face, every expression that crossed her features.
Her red eyes looked at him with a mix of defiance and barely contained fear.
And her fangs, still stained with his blood, gleamed faintly.
Mark watched her in silence for a few moments, letting the tension build.
Until he finally spoke.
"You know," he began in a casual, almost conversational tone, "I really did enjoy having sex with you."
The vampire blinked, caught off guard by his words.
Clearly, that wasn't what she'd expected him to say first.
"So," Mark continued, his smile widening slightly, "I'll give you a chance to talk before whatever has to happen… happens."
He tilted his head slightly as he looked at her.
"Go ahead… Convince me why I shouldn't kill you."
His voice was soft, almost friendly, but there was a dangerous edge underneath.
