Chapter 48: Bloodshot

Chapter 48: Bloodshot       A shudder tore through Noelle. Her entire body trembled as a wave of panic crashed over her. Before she could stop herself, her fingers twisted into the sheets, gripping them so tightly that her knuckles turned white.   "I—I can't," she rasped, shaking her head frantically. "I can't have this baby."   Valerian instantly stiffened as he looked at her in shock. "Noelle..." He said her name quietly, almost cautiously.   But she wasn't listening.   "Take it out," she choked. "I don't care how... just get rid of it. Please."   The plea fell from her lips in a frantic rush as her desperation unraveled like a thread pulled too tight. Weak as she was, she still tried to push herself up, her limbs shaking violently from the effort.   Dr. James stepped forward to stop her. "Ms. McGrath, I need you to calm down—"   But the moment he reached for her, she recoiled as if burned.   "No!" Noelle gasped and breathing almost hysterically. Her hands flew to her stomach, clutch