Animal Whisperer: Take Back My Life and Love Chapter 80: Combat Medic Precision

The surgical cap was pulled low, leaving only his eyes exposed. Their corners tilted upward slightly, lending him a sharp, lethal intensity that surpassed even his usual coldness in a tailored suit.

Nancy had already changed into her scrubs. The oversized garment made her look even more delicate, leaving only her focused, doe-like eyes visible above her mask.

The moment her gaze met Barry’s, no words were needed. They moved in perfect synchronization.

Without a word, they approached opposite sides of the snow leopard and knelt. Their positioning was so natural it felt like a practiced routine, despite this being their first time working together.

Barry’s fingers probed the snow leopard’s abdomen, his brow furrowing. "Malpresentation. We need to correct the position immediately." He looked up at Nancy, his gaze intense but controlled. "I'm not familiar with the musculature of large felines. I need you to guide my entry points and depth."

Nancy understood instantly. Her slender fingers pressed firmly onto several key points on Silver Blade’s belly. "Cut in here. Avoid this muscle group." Her fingertips traced an invisible anatomical map across the leopard’s fur. "A leopard's uterine wall is a third thinner than a human's. You have to be gentler."

Barry was a quick study; Nancy never had to repeat a direction. He held the scalpel steady. "Doing this without anesthesia will be excruciating. I need you to keep her calm so she cooperates."

Nancy nodded. She began skillfully massaging specific pressure points to dull the leopard's pain while whispering reassurances. "Silver Blade, be brave. We’re going to use the smallest incision possible to get your baby out. It’s going to hurt, but you have to hang on."

The snow leopard panted in agony. "I… I trust you…"

The surgery began. The scalpel seemed to come alive in Barry’s hand, moving with terrifying precision. He didn't flinch as blood stained his gloves; the coldness in his eyes had transitioned into a focus that bordered on tenderness.

His movements bore the hallmarks of a combat medic—fast, accurate, and ruthless—yet he adjusted instantly whenever Nancy whispered for him to ease the pressure. When they encountered abnormal bleeding, Nancy reacted immediately. "Apply pressure here. That’s a hemostatic point unique to leopards."

As the leopard whimpered, the edges of their white gowns occasionally brushed against each other in the mist of the disinfectant before drifting apart. What could have been a fatal tragedy for both mother and cub turned into a seamless operation.

Half an hour later.

By the time Barry carefully lifted out a wet, tiny cub, Nancy was already waiting with the warming blankets and emergency equipment. She expertly cleared the newborn's airway.

Noticing the beads of sweat rolling down Nancy’s forehead, Barry said in a low voice, "I’ll handle the suturing."

"Use the absorbable thread," Nancy added, her breath hitching. "Follow the grain of the muscle this way..."

Barry’s movements were fluid as he threaded the needle. Nancy slumped against the wall, gasping for air. She looked up to see Barry continuing the delicate work with tireless energy. She couldn't help but wonder if his stamina was even human.

His surgical gown was soaked through with blood and fluid, and his expensive trousers were ruined from kneeling on the dirty floor. Those clothes probably cost as much as a small car, yet Barry didn't so much as blink. He was entirely focused on the animal.

Those hands, which had treated countless traumas on the battlefield, were now sewing the leopard's wound with the precision of a master craftsman. Nancy had expected a man of his stature—someone so dominant and prideful—to be offended by being dragged in to deliver an animal. But the man before her hadn't uttered a single complaint. He was a doctor, and he was saving a patient.

"It's done. You can call the keepers to take over now."

Barry stood up and tossed his gloves into the medical waste bin. He glanced at Nancy’s sweat-soaked hair. "Go shower and change. You’ll catch a cold otherwise."

Nancy tried to stand but immediately collapsed back down with a pained, embarrassed wince. "My legs are numb..."

Barry shot her a sidelong glance. "Is this all the stamina you have? And yet you had enough energy to be surrounded by the swim team today?"

"Try to exercise some restraint," he added coldly. "I'd hate for you to drop dead from overwork before you've finished treating my dog."

Nancy looked up, completely bewildered. "What? Who was surrounded by whom?"

Without waiting for an answer, Barry reached down and hauled Nancy off the floor. His arm strength was incredible; he practically carried her to the lounge next to the birthing room and sat her down.

Star had already been brought into the lounge by the driver. Seeing the two of them emerge, he immediately began wagging his tail. The wolfdog was holding a clean towel in his mouth. With a flick of his long fingers, Barry snatched the towel and draped it over Nancy’s wet hair.

Nancy froze, looking up at him in surprise. This man was usually so distant and arrogant—since when did he do things like "taking care" of people?

"Where did this towel come from?" she asked suspiciously.

Barry looked down at her, the corner of his mouth twitching in a nearly imperceptible smirk. Instead of answering, he intentionally used the towel to ruffle her hair, turning it into a complete mess.