Chapter 38

• Samantha's Pov
• The sharp, sterile smell of antiseptic seemed to cling to every corner of the hospital room, lingering in the air. The steady beeping of machines broke the silence, occasionally interrupted by the low, even tones of the doctor as he explained the procedure. My thoughts were a chaotic mess, but my body felt strangely disconnected, as if I were observing someone else preparing to give blood. Mr. Smith's life depended on this, and there was no way I was going to let him die if I could help it.
• I had just begun rolling up my sleeve when Jack moved closer, his presence radiating heat and quiet worry beside me. His hand brushed against my arm, grounding me, though there was a hesitancy in his touch.