Standing there was Dr. Harris—the surgeon assigned to perform Ethan’s operation. Max barked furiously, his voice echoing against the sterile walls. He lunged forward, snapping at the air, his growl deep and threatening.

Dr. Harris stumbled back, his face pale.

“Get this animal away from me!” he shouted, panic rising in his tone.

Nurses rushed to restrain Max. Ethan’s mother gasped, pulling her son close, while his father froze in shock. Yet Max’s eyes never wavered from the surgeon. His growl was low and steady, a shield of protection for his fragile boy.

The Unmistakable Truth

Then one doctor frowned, his nose twitching. He sniffed again, sharper this time, and his face shifted with sudden realization.

He turned to Dr. Harris.

That smell—harsh, acrid, completely out of place in a hospital. The unmistakable scent of alcohol.