Page 1 of Just One Bite

Olivia

There has to be an explanation.

Why else would I let some masked stranger touch me? The mask would probably be scary if the memory of him playfully waving at me in the hallway wasn’t replaying in my mind. The night sky is blanketed by hundreds of stars, and I am backed against a tree with nowhere to go.

I’ve been touched by a man before, but it never felt like this. His eyes are hidden beneath the sinister mask, but his touch is tender.

His lips graze my ear, and he draws in a long, heavy breath, while my chest heaves in response. The slow caress of his fingers slides under my sweater and below my navel.

What is this visceral urge keeping me fastened here, pressed up against him like the stars might come crashing down if I leave?

He isn’t human, that much I can tell. Humans don’t look at other humans that way, with ferocity and necessity—like he is seconds away from sinking his canines into my flesh.

Desire lingers in my sigh and expands between us, and when my eyes threaten to flutter shut, I land on the description of the feeling.

Home . His touch reminds me of what I’d abandoned the hope of long ago. Safety. Wholeness. Comfort. That must be why I want to wrap my arms around him and bury my face into his chest .

The fear of that realization hits me as my sister’s scream rings through the air, and I snap from my daze, press two hands to his chest, and push.

I run away, dodging the trees, not bothering to turn around to see if he follows.

With each step, I force him from my brain. All while hoping I never have to see him again.