Chapter 665

Evelyn reached for the mosquito repellent.

Seeing her determination to apply it herself, Alexander reluctantly released her wrist.

Her fingertips had just brushed the bottle when rapid footsteps echoed outside.

Lotus Waters appeared in the doorway, his small frame nearly swallowed by the thick quilt in his arms. "Mom said it gets cold at night. She sent me with extra blankets."

The bedding Lily had brought earlier still sat neatly folded in the corner. This family's thoughtfulness knew no bounds.

Alexander quickly lifted the mosquito netting to accept the offering.

"Thank you," Evelyn said warmly.

Before Lotus could respond, his pupils suddenly constricted. "Freeze!"

Both adults went rigid.

Lotus whispered urgently, "Dr. Carter, there's a centipede by your foot."

Evelyn's face drained of color.

"Is it venomous?"

"Can't tell from here."

Without antivenom at the rural clinic, a bite could be catastrophic.

Evelyn remained perfectly still. From her angle, the creature's position was impossible to see. Sudden movement might provoke an attack.

As Alexander moved to set down the quilt, Lotus sprang forward. The nine-year-old slid his arms beneath Evelyn's knees and back, lifting her clear off the ground with astonishing strength.

A child hoisting a grown woman—Evelyn's breath caught in her throat.

"Mr. Hamilton."

Understanding instantly, Alexander transferred Evelyn into his own arms, cradling her securely against his chest.

Lotus squinted at the intruder and gasped. "Poisonous variety!"

The arms around Evelyn's waist tightened reflexively.

She forced calm into her voice. "Try the repellent, Lotus—"

"Shh!"

The boy pressed a finger to his lips before bending with precision to pinch the centipede's second head segment. The glossy black creature writhed violently between his fingers, its countless legs twitching in grotesque waves.

"Drop it!" Evelyn's voice trembled.

Lotus remained unperturbed. "Uncle taught me—gripped here, it can't bite."

The centipede's struggles proved futile against his hold.

Alexander nodded approvingly. "Professional technique."

"You know this method?"

"Standard for arthropods. Never handled centipedes, but mantis shrimp? Plenty."

Evelyn wrinkled her nose and instinctively burrowed closer against him.

Alexander shifted to shield her more completely.

"Lotus!" Lily Waters burst in clutching an earthenware jar. "Get that thing out of here!"

Only then did the boy realize his impropriety. He dashed outside, still holding the captive creature at arm's length.

Evelyn exhaled shakily, loosening her death grip on Alexander's sleeve.

"You two look just like my dad carrying mom away from rats," Lily giggled, swinging the jar playfully.

Evelyn's ears burned as she squirmed to be set down.

Her toes had barely touched the sleeping mat when distant engine roars shattered the night.

Blinding headlights speared through the darkness, flooding the small house with harsh illumination.