A NEW CONNECTION

**Liam Volkov POV**

I stood at the podium, looking out at the sea of students in front of me. I was there to talk about a grave issue affecting the werewolf community – a deadly virus that was causing werewolves to go berserk and eventually die. I was a renowned doctor and researcher in the werewolf community, and I had been called to the university to spread awareness about the virus and its consequences.

As I began my presentation, a young woman rushed into the room and took a seat in the front row. She wore a wide-eyed expression, her hands trembling slightly as she fumbled with a pen and notepad. A deep red flush spread across her cheeks and her gaze quickly shifted to Adam, sitting tensely in his chair. An audible gasp escaped her lips as they locked eyes, sending a hush over the room as everyone turned to look.

“Is something wrong?” I asked coldly, looking between her and Adam who tried to maintain his composure despite his obvious shock.

“N-no, sorry please continue,” she said sheepishly, averting her gaze as her cheeks burned brighter.

Despite her obvious beauty, I could not help but feel a sense of annoyance towards her. She was late, disrupting my talk, and I had seen her type before – entitled, privileged, and completely disinterested in anything serious.

But as I continued my presentation on the virus affecting the werewolf community, I was surprised to see her paying such close attention. Her eyes locked on mine intently as I described how

the virus was spread through bites, contact with contaminated objects, such as weapons or clothing, that had come into contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals. This made it even more challenging to prevent the spread of the virus, as anyone could potentially encounter the virus without even realizing it.

I explained the steps that were being taken to contain the virus and briefed them on the research for a cure.
When I finished my talk, she raised her hand and spoke with an assured voice.

“Dr. Volkov, what can be done to prevent the spread of this virus?”

I was taken aback. I had expected a shallow or flippant question, but this one was thoughtful and insightful.

“The spread of the virus could be prevented by several measures, including isolation of infected individuals, developing a vaccine, practicing proper hygiene, conducting research to understand the virus, and educating the public on how to prevent its spread,” I said, my words filled with urgency. “It is crucial that we take these measures seriously. The well-being of the werewolf community is at stake.”

“Thank you, sir,” she said, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

“I hope you understand the severity of the situation,” I continued, my voice cold and dismissive. “I expect you to take this seriously.”

She shifted uncomfortably and looked away. “Excuse me, Dr. Volkov,” she said softly. “I understand that you are an expert in your field, but you need to understand that I am a student and a member of the werewolf community. I expect to be treated with respect.”

My response was equally dismissive. “I don’t have time for students who don’t understand the severity of the situation,” I said as I turned away from her. The other students began to ask their own questions, but I couldn’t help but keep my eyes on the young woman. I was intrigued by her and couldn’t shake the feeling that I had judged her too quickly.

After the presentation ended, Adam and I walked out into the hallway where we saw the woman from earlier walking towards us with a smile on her face.
“Adam!” she exclaimed, her face brightening with recognition and surprise when she spotted him.

Adam’s face lit up in recognition as he stepped forward and embraced her.

I looked back and forth between them, amused by their warm familiarity and intrigued. But I also felt a tinge of irritation seeing him hug her “You two know each other?” I asked.

“Yes,” Adam said, his eyes twinkling as he smiled at Alivia. “This is the girl that I found unconscious in the forest. My grandfather and I helped her get back on her feet.”

“I see,” I said, my gaze softening as I looked upon Alivia with new interest. “It’s nice to finally meet you. I am Dr. Liam Volkov.”
Alivia smiled, and it lit up her entire face. “It’s nice to meet you too, Dr. Volkov. I’m Alivia, and I just wanted to thank you for your presentation today – it was really informative and eye-opening.”

“Thank you,” I said, still a bit taken aback by her change in demeanour. “I’m glad you found it useful. And thank you, Adam, for taking care of her in the forest.”

“Of course,” Adam said with a playful grin. “I wouldn’t just leave a girl stranded in a forest.” He added with a wink.

I gave him a side look before turning back to Alivia “If there’s anything I can do to help, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

Alivia nodded, her eyes shining with gratitude. “Thank you, Dr. Volkov. That means a lot to me,” she said before taking a deep breath and adding, “Actually I do have a few questions if you don’t mind.”

My eyes widened in surprise that she had questions ready so soon after meeting me “sure fire away” I said.

“Uhm, if you can excuse me, I have something I need to attend to” Adam says and both Alivia and I nod in understanding before he ambles away.

“What treatment options are available for those infected with the virus?” she asks with a serious expression on her face.

“Of course, Alivia, was it?” I ask and she nods in response eager for my response, I gesture for her to take a seat on one of the chairs lined against the wall. “The treatment options for those infected with the virus depend on the severity of their condition. In some cases, antiviral medications can help control the symptoms, but for more severe cases, supportive care and oxygen therapy may be necessary.

Additionally, there’s ongoing research for the development of other treatments that could be used to prevent or cure the virus.” To emphasize my point, I opened a file in my hand and showed Alivia my research.

Alivia listened intently to my explanation, her face serious and focused as she read through the file. Every so often, she nods along in agreement or her gaze shifts to the side as she makes an internal connection. “Thank you for explaining that to me and sharing your work with me, Dr. Volkov,” she says. “I appreciate your willingness to answer my questions.” She says, her voice sincere.

“It’s my pleasure,” I reply. “I want to help however I can. Is that all you want to know?”

She takes a moment to consider before asking her next question. “Yes, that is all for now. But if I have any other questions, is it okay if I contact you in the future?”

I smile, nodding encouragingly. “Of course,” I say, my voice strong and steady. “I would be more than happy to help with any other questions you may have. You can reach me at the Crimson Moon Pack.”

Alivia shifts in her seat, her eyebrows knit together.

“The Crimson Moon Pack?” She is searching my face, trying to make sense of my words.

I nod, a small smile playing on my lips. “Yes, I am their Alpha,” I reply with a note of pride that can’t be hidden.

Alivia looks taken aback for a moment, but then her expression changes to one of admiration. “Oh, I didn’t know you were an Alpha,” she says. “That’s impressive.”

I feel a swell of pride hearing her words and cannot help but smile wider. “Thank you,” I say humbly. “It’s not easy, but I take it as a great responsibility to lead and protect my pack.”

Alivia nods understandingly. “I can imagine,” she says with a gentle voice and kind eyes. “It’s admirable that you have such a strong sense of duty.”

I offer her a grateful smile, feeling touched by her understanding. “Thank you,” I reply, my voice full of appreciation. “It’s important to me to make a difference, to help those in need.”

A warm smile spreads across Alivia’s face and she nods her head in agreement. “I completely agree,” she says passionately. “That is why I’m working as a nurse. I want to make a difference and help people too.”

My heart swells with admiration for her dedication. “That’s wonderful,” I say sincerely. “You’re going to make an excellent nurse.”
Alivia gives me an appreciative smile, her cheeks flushing with pleasure at my compliment. “Thank you,” she says shyly. “I hope so. But I still have a lot to learn.”

I give her a warm smile and nod my head confidently. “Don’t worry,” I say, with a reassuring tone. “I am sure you’ll do just fine. If you need any help or advice, don’t hesitate to reach out.”

“Thank you so much, Dr. Volkov,” she replies gratefully, her eyes brightening with appreciation. “I really appreciate your time and expertise.”

With that, she says goodbye and walked away. I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. There was something about her that I couldn't quite put my finger on. I watch as she takes purposeful strides, her back rigid and her head held high. Was it the way she held herself with such confidence and determination? Or maybe it was the way her eyes seemed to glint with a hidden strength?

Alivia stops and turns to look at me, staring at me as her eyes meet mine I felt a shiver run down my spine and I turn away, unsure of what to make of her sudden gaze.

I caught a glimpse of her as she turned and continued walking, without a word, her strides quickening. I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to her than what met the eye. There was also a strange feeling of familiarity and I that I couldn’t shake off; had I met this woman before? I shook my head and tried to push the thoughts away. I had more important things to worry about than a nurse who had caught my attention.