Page 13 of Devour
“Mom… can I ask you something?”
“Of course, baby. Anything.”
“What do you think of Dr. Eli?”
He asks it so casually, his little voice soft and curious. I pause, caught off guard. “He… he’s nice. And he takes good care of you, baby.” Noah looks at me with those knowing eyes that are far too wise for his age.
“Why don’t you go out with him? I know you haven’t been with anyone since Dad died.”
My throat tightens. The air catches in my lungs, and for a moment, I can’t speak. He keeps going like he’s been holding this in for a while.
“I just don’t want you to be alone… when I’m gone.”
“Baby,” I whisper, gripping his hand tightly, “nothing is going to happen to you. We’re going to find a donor. You’re going to get better. I promise.” He nods slowly, but the worry doesn’t leave his face. If only he knew…
If only he knew his father was still alive. Would he still want me to be with Dr. Eli? The door eased open behind me. Dr. Eli Ward slipped inside—oh, perfect timing.
I couldn’t let Noah see me undone; it would only plant fear in him I couldn’t take back. Eli carried a clipboard in one hand, a quiet smile on his face.
He always had that look—casual, clean, like he belonged in a coffee shop more than a hospital. Rolled-up sleeves under his crisp doctor’s coat, kind eyes, and that little wrinkle in his brow he got when he was worried but trying not to show it. He walked toward Noah, his tone light.
“What do we have here? You should be resting, little man.”
Noah grinned up at him, eyes bright.
“I am in bed.”
Dr. Eli chuckled as he checked the IV line.
“Almost done,” he said, gently tapping the drip. “The nurse will be in soon to take it out.” “I just came to check on my favorite patient before I head out,” he says, his eyes flicking to me.
“Ariel… it’s getting late. Would you like a ride home?”
I shook my head, offering a small smile. “Thanks, but I’ll take the bus. I still want to stay a little longer with Noah.”
“Mom, I’m fine,” Noah says, his voice soft but firm. “And I want to sleep now.”
He gives me that knowing little smile, the same one his father used to wear when he thought he was being clever. Then, as if to drive the point home, he winks at me before turning over and squeezing his eyes shut in a dramatic display of feigned sleep.
I chuckle under my breath, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead. “Alright, baby. I’ll be back first thing in the morning.” No response.
He’s already committed to the act, breathing slow and steady like he fell asleep the second he lay down. I lean in and press a soft kiss to his cheek. Then I straighten, glancing toward Dr. Eli’s direction.
I catch a flicker of something on his face before he quickly masks it. Is Mia, right? Does he have feelings for me? I shove the thought down. It’s just a ride home. Nothing more. No reason to read too much into it.
“I guess you’re giving me a ride after all,” I murmur.
A small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth.
“Guess I am.”
“Good night, baby,” I whisper, before walking out the door with Dr. Eli.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Luca
“Your boys came into our turf without permission. Bring us their heads or suffer the war you invited.”
