Page 37 of Maxim

The doctor raises a brow at that statement but nods. “It’ll take me some time. I need you to sit here and stay still. I will do what I can to save her.”

“Understood.”

He pulls out a needle, pushing it into Olena’s arm. Then he does the same to me. He hooks some equipment up before I see the blood start flowing from my veins into a bag, then into hers.

Then he gets to work.

He wasn’t kidding. It wasn’t a quick fix. He explained what he was doing every step of the way. From cleaning up the cut to stitching up her wounds. Then taking her vitals and monitoring her blood transfusion.

When he finally finishes, he unhooks me from Olena. I do feel a little woozy, but I don’t care.

The doctor hands me a glass of orange juice and some crackers.

“Now only time will tell if she awakes. Stay by her side as long as you need. I will be back in a little bit to check on her. I need to source more blood for her just in case.”

I want to tell him no. Only to use my blood, but it’s illogical. I can only give so much.

I would give it all to her, though. I owe it to her.

After he leaves, I grab Olena’s hand. “Olena, ???????, please hold on. Come back to me.” I kiss her hand between my two. “If you do, I will devote my life to you. I will care for you and do anything I can to help you. I’ll get your siblings back for you. I’ll love you. I will follow you to the ends of the earth. Don’t leave me to this darkness alone.”

Tears fill my eyes as I stare at her lifeless body.

I could have lost her, and I haven’t even had her yet. She still thinks I’m a monster. The boogeyman in the night.

If she survives this, it will be different. No more chains. No more threats.

I’ll treat her the way she deserves to be treated, my cover be damned.

I’ll be the man she needs because, Lord knows, I failed her already once.

I won’t be doing it a second time.

My head hurts.

That’s the first thought that I can grasp as I slowly blink away.

I feel like I went ten rounds with a boxer. Why do I feel so bad?

I try to piece together the last thing I can remember, but my brain is fuzzy. Am I at home? If I am, what is wrong with me?

“Daryna,” I call out, my eyes trying to blink open.

The light is so bright. I can’t focus on anything. I feel like I might throw up.

Oh god, I’m dying.

I try to focus on the ceiling, but I can’t.

My eyes fall back closed.

“Daryna. Alek,” I mumble, losing the little bit of energy I had.

“Shh. You’re okay. You need to rest. I’ll be right here. I’ll protect you. I promise.”

The voice seems familiar, but I can’t place it. I’m too sleepy to even try.

Instead, I let the feeling of safety his words provide wash over me. Slowly, I let myself drift off into the unknown.

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