When We Were Still Human by Vaughn Foster (best ereader for textbooks .txt) 📕

said with a wide smile. Before Jason could reply, she quickly kissed him and entered the apartment. She’d only just gotten past the threshold before she was weak in the knees from the magical aroma emanating from the kitchen. The sizzling of meat on the stovetop filled the entire space. For someone who had just moved out of his mother’s house, his culinary skills were incredibly refined.

Taking a deep gulp, she sat down at one of the counter stools and spun to face him. If they were to enjoy the night without incident, she had to play it cool.

“So, mate, how was the land down under?” she asked in her best Australian accent.

“It was incredible. Got the contract signed and our graphics branch will start the ad campaign next month!”

“Congratulations!”

“I know,  right?! But it’s funny, I almost forgot to show up to all my meetings. I met these outdoorsy people at one of the bars who took me exploring. The hiking was nothing like I’d ever seen before. Literally every landscape was more beautiful than the last one.”

“And the women?” she asked with a smirk.

“So hot.” Pulling her into his arms, he placed a long kiss on her lips and brushed her hair aside. “But not as hot as American girls.”

“Good to hear.” Laughing, she pushed off and deeply inhaled the nearest pot on the stove. “But the question that us American girls are really wondering…” Val teased, raising her arms over the stove for dramatic effect, “is what has the Amazing Jason prepared for this evening!?” She prayed he couldn’t see her shaking.

“Well, m’lady,” he answered in a forced British accent. “We have roasted duck, a vegetable stir fry, garlic bread, water, and wine: red or white. Oh, and Kool-Aid.”

“What color Kool-Aid?” She seductively batted her eyes and placed her chin in her hands.

Laughing as he continued the menu, Val couldn’t believe it as the hunger started to fade. It was the sound of him talking, or maybe it was his laugh. Whatever it was, his voice grounded her in a way that nothing else could. Drowning her pain was a form of peace that she couldn’t quite place.

The conversation moved from the current masterpiece of Jason’s culinary skills, to their latest Netflix binge, and then work. Even after they had cleaned up and sprawled themselves across the couch, they could barely sit upright from the laughter.

“I’m not even kidding, the patient tried to run out of his room while still attached to his IV!” Val exclaimed.

“Oh my god, that’s crazy,” said Jason, shaking his head. “How do you do it?”

“I like helping people.” Val beamed. “But I swear, my final exam will probably look like: take blood, put in stitches, then tackle delirious old men when they try to escape my love and healing.”

“They won’t stand a chance. Hey, that reminds me…” Jason’s smile flattened and his brow creased. “Where’d you get bit anyways?”

Val paled, then shrugged, trying to play it cool. “It was just on the shoulder, but really, I’m fine. There’s nothing to worry about.”

“Lemme see.” Before she could protest, he was right next to her. He pulled down the corner of her shirt and looked at her shoulder. “Wow, not even a scratch. What kind of dog was it?”

The creature flashed in Val’s mind again, squealing in triumph as it dropped on top of her. Shaking off the memory, she smiled and laid her head on his shoulder.

“I told you, it wasn’t a big deal. Plus, that’s not what I wanna talk about.”

“Well, what do you wanna talk about? I think the Steelers game is still on.” He smirked and motioned to the TV.

“I was thinking of something a little more…physical.” With that, she pushed him down onto the cushions and kissed him. In one swift movement, Jason had spun her around so that she was pinned beneath. Kissing him deeply, she breathed him in: the sweat, the cologne, the lingering scent of wine still on his breath.

His hands started to explore her body and she dug her nails into his back. At that moment, Jason was the only thing that mattered. She needed him.; not just the sex, but to become truly one with the man she loved.

She closed her eyes and allowed the heat of the moment to carry her away. It was the soft rock and sway of a ship. Farther and farther, she was swept out to sea. His hand found her belt and she fought with his t-shirt. The waters swelled, and pulsed, and—

The ship crashed.

Debris splinted through air and ocean as Val collided against the shore. Warmth fled her body. In the confusion, a deep cry of pain and the shattering of glass reached her ears.

Val opened her eyes and found herself on top of Jason. They had fallen through the glass coffee table in the center of the room. Blood and broken glass now covered the floor. But it was worse than that. Her teeth were buried into his shoulder.

Jason writhed in pain beneath her, thrashing his arms in an attempt to pry her off. But the more he pulled and pushed, the deeper her teeth dug in.

Though terrified at her actions, Val couldn’t find the strength to let go. She shivered at the feeling of warm liquid spilling down her chin. The taste was orgasmic in itself and plunged her into an insatiable hunger worse than that afternoon. At that moment, all she needed was him. She needed him with her. She needed him inside of her.

He screamed out in pain as her jaws clamped tighter. She glanced to her peripheral and could clearly see his face. She remembered the beautiful man from a few hours ago, the man she was in love with. His perfect white smile had been replaced with a pain-stricken grimace, and his