Page 105 of Hospital for Immortal Creatures

The nurse waited for Mikhail’s reaction, as did Amelia.

Earlier today, before heading for the ORs, Mikhail had already told her about the large intestine carcinoma they had recently discovered in what he called a ‘New Generation’ vampire, but despite that, she burned with curiosity to find out if there had been any developments.

“Yes, we heard. Unfortunately, I know as much about it as you do,” Mikhail said in a neutral tone. He turned to Amelia. “What type of surgery do you want to work with?”

Disappointed by his lack of response, she answered, “I’ve always wanted to work in emergency surgery.”

“Everything we do here is emergency surgery. However, for us, emergency is a slightly different term. In the human world, this trauma”—he pointed to the patient on the table—“would have been operated on immediately, in the emergency room. But the immortal bodies are stronger. They can last hours or even days longer than mortals, which gives us enough time for transport and preparation before surgery.”

“Trauma, then. I’ve always wanted to work with trauma.” Amelia’s answer was definitive. She urged herself to watch what she said when there were other creatures around.

“Now we have to close the other structures.” Mikhail went back to work. “Give me two mounted ligatures, three over zero prolen.” Amelia nodded, although he wasn’t watching her. “Release slowly as I ligate the vessel.”

She did as she was told. Mikhail slowly connected the two blood vessels and moved on to stitching the bronchus.

“You’re doing well.” Mikhail dug into the body once more. “We found one bullet, the other has gone through, and now we need the third one…”

Amelia caught herself staring at him.

“There it is. Missed the aorta by a hair and lodged into the spine. Removing it…”

They finished the operation in silence, punctuated by Mikhail’s occasional guidance. He showed her how to do the stitches, even allowing her to attempt a few on her own – an achievement that filled her with pride.

When they left the OR, adrenaline still coursed through her veins. She stole a glance at Mikhail as he removed his mask and cap, revealing his strong jawline. It dawned on her – he had believed in her abilities, trusting her to assist him without needing backup. His faith in her skills had allowed her to focus and learn without fear of failure, something she’d never had before in all her med school rotations.

“Are you okay?” he asked her.

“Yes.”

“For someone who has never taken part in a surgery, you did good.”

Satisfaction blossomed in her chest anew at his words. “Thank you.”

“Will you have dinner with me?”

Mikhail’s out-of-the-blue question caused her breath to hitch. “I… I thought you don’t eat…”

His lips curled. “There are a lot of things you don’t know. Tonight. In my room. You were there while I was gone, so I assume you know where to go.”

34

Amelia had no watch, but the darkness outside suggested it was time for her dinner with Mikhail. She crossed the five steps to his room. Before she could knock, he opened the door.

He had swapped his usual dark clothes for blue jeans and a white shirt. In the middle of the room, a small table was set up with two sets of utensils, plates, and a bottle of red wine. He pulled a chair, inviting her to sit down with a quiet gesture, and got seated opposite her.

“You look different,” she noted, since she could think of nothing else to say and the silence was making her uncomfortable.

“Better?” He filled their glasses with wine.

Perfect.

She winced, scorning herself for her treacherous thoughts. Was she losing her mind, having such strong reactions for the man she was making plans to escape from? Yes, he was an exquisite surgeon and attractive as a god, but that didn’t change the fact that he was a creature – a being she shouldn’t trust.

Then why the butterflies in my stomach?

“Just different,” she replied, desperate to change the subject. “You drink alcohol?”

Mikhail wrapped his fingers around the stem of his glass. “I can. I can eat anything, as well, I just don’t need to.”

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