A SENSE OF BELONGING

**Alivia POV**

I lay on the bed waiting for Dr Volkov to return questions running through my mind. How was I able to transform into my wolf when I have no connection to her? Will I be able to speak to her again? Excitement begins to bubble inside of me at the thought of being able to feel that connection between me and my wolf again.

Just then Dr Volkov returns into the room “Your room is ready,” he says with a smile.

We stood there, in silence for a moment longer before he cleared his throat breaking the moment “We should probably get going,” he said, gesturing towards the door.

I nodded, a small smile playing at the corners of my lips “Lead the way, Dr Volkov,” I said, my voice teasing.

A small grin plays on his lips “Gladly,” he replies, opening the door for me and gesturing for me to go first. “Alivia...” he says stopping me.
“Hmm?” I hum.

I must warn you on advance “My pack...” he says pausing.

“What about it?” I ask my brows crease together.

“It’s different from other packs so keep an open mind, ok?” he says rubbing the pack of his head and I simply nod in response.
As we walked through the halls of the facility, I could not shake off the feeling of unease. What was so different about this pack, and why was Dr. Volkov hesitant to explain it? The unknown filled me with fear, but I trusted Dr. Volkov and tried to keep an open mind. When we stepped outside, the beauty of the forest took my breath away, and I gaped at the sight of it all. It was like nothing I had ever seen before, and I felt like I was in a different world.
Dr. Volkov guided me towards the packhouse, and my eyes were immediately drawn to the vibrant colours of the surrounding forest. The trees seemed to sparkle in the moonlight, and the air was alive with the sweet scent of wildflowers. As we approached the packhouse, the sound of laughter and chatter grew louder, filling me with a sense of anticipation and excitement.

With each step, my heart pounded with awe and wonder. The packhouse loomed before us, and as we stepped inside, my eyes widened in amazement.
The room was filled with a myriad of creatures, each more stunning than the last. Witches with flowing robes and sparkling jewels mingled with wolves. Faes flitted about the room, their wings shimmering with iridescent hues.

The air was thick with the hum of conversation and the occasional burst of laughter. My heart raced with both excitement and apprehension, as I tried to take in the incredible sight before me.

As I looked around the room, I turn to Dr Volkov with curiosity evident in my eyes “these are some of the people I have helped over the years and didn’t have anywhere to go, so they stayed here and pledged their loyalty to me” he says.

I nodded, taking in the information with a sense of curiosity. “So, they all have nowhere else to go?” I asked, my eyes scanning the room once more. “And they pledged their loyalty to you? Why?” my curiosity was piqued, and I couldn’t help but wonder what had led these creatures to pledge their loyalty to Dr. Volkov.

Dr. Volkov smiled me, “Yes, they all have their own stories of why they ended up here. Some were cast out by their own kind, others had nowhere else to go. But they found a home here and a family in each other.”

I nodded, taking it all in. “And what about you? Why do they pledge their loyalty to you?”

Dr. Volkov’s smile faltered slightly, and his expression grew serious. “I have dedicated my life to helping those in need, to protect and guide those who have nowhere else to turn. And in return, they have pledged their loyalty to me.”

I could sense the weight of his words, and I could not help but feel a sense of respect for Dr. Volkov. I could see that he truly cared for these creatures, and they, in turn, respected and trusted him.

Dr. Volkov cleared his throat, and the room grew quiet. All eyes turned to him as he stepped forward, a smile on his lips. “Everyone, I would like to introduce you to Alivia. She will be staying with us for a while,” he said, his voice carrying through the room.

A murmur of excitement and curiosity filled the air as the pack members in the room turned their attention to me. I felt a flush of warmth spread through my cheeks as I looked around, feeling both nervous and exhilarated.

Dr. Volkov steps forward and places a hand on my shoulder. “She is one of us, and we will treat her with respect and kindness,” he says in a firm but gentle tone.

The room erupts into cheers and applause, and I can’t help but feel overwhelmed by the warm welcome I receive. I look up at Dr. Volkov, my eyes shining with gratitude. “Thank you,” I whisper, feeling a sense of belonging that I have never felt before.

Dr. Volkov gives me a small smile before turning to the pack members. “Let’s eat and celebrate,” he announces, leading me towards the food table.
As I fill my plate with delicious-smelling food, I can’t help but feel grateful for the kindness shown to me. I feel like I have found a home among them, and for the first time in a long time, I feel a sense of peace.

I can’t believe how lucky I am to have found this pack. It’s as if they have accepted me as one of their own, and I am so grateful for their hospitality. As I take my first bite of the savoury food, I feel a sense of contentment wash over me. This is where I belong.


After meeting Dr. Volkov’s pack I felt exhausted, and my feet drag along the floor as I follow Dr. Volkov down the hallway. He walks beside me, leading me towards my room. My mind is still reeling from the events of the evening, and I cannot seem to shake off the feeling of being overwhelmed.

I glance over at Dr. Volkov, who seems to sense my unease. “Are you okay?” he asks me, his voice soft and gentle.

I nod, but I’m not sure if I’m convincing him. “I’m just a little tired,” I say, hoping to downplay my emotions.

Dr. Volkov stops walking and turns to face me, his eyes searching mine. “It’s okay to feel overwhelmed, Alivia. You’ve been through a lot,” he says, placing a hand on my shoulder.

The touch is warm and grounding, and I feel a numbing sensation where he touched me making my eyebrows crease together.

Together, we reach my room, and I turn to face him. “Thank you, Dr. Volkov,” I say, feeling grateful for his presence.

He smiles at me, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “Sleep well, Alivia. And remember, I am here if you need anything,” he says before turning and walking down the hallway.

I enter my room, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. I crawl into bed, and I feel myself drift off to sleep. However, my mind has other plans as soon as I close my eyes.

The nightmares start almost immediately, they are vivid and terrifying, like a twisted horror movie playing out in my mind. I’m trapped, unable to move or scream as my stepmother injects me with strange substances. The fear grips me tightly, and I feel as though I’m drowning in it. I try to shake off the dream, but it continues to play out relentlessly. The sense of helplessness overwhelms me, and I can feel my heart pounding in my chest.
Suddenly, I feel someone shaking me awake. I bolt upright, gasping for breath. I am drenched in sweat, and my heart is racing. It takes me a moment to realize that it was only a nightmare, but the fear and anxiety are still palpable.

“Alivia, are you okay?” Dr. Volkov’s voice cuts through the darkness, filled with concern.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “I had a nightmare,” I say, my voice shaking.

Dr. Volkov nods understandingly. “Do you want to talk about it?” he asks, his eyes locked onto mine.

I shake my head, unable to find the words to describe the horror that had just unfolded in my mind.

“That’s okay,” Dr. Volkov says reassuringly. “Sometimes it’s enough just to know that you’re not alone.”

“Thank you,” I whisper, feeling a sense of comfort in his presence.

Dr. Volkov sits beside me on the bed, offering me a glass of water. “Try to relax,” he says. “I’ll stay with you for a little while, if that’s okay.”

I nod, feeling grateful for his presence. As I sip on the water, I feel a sense of calm wash over me. I know that I am not alone, and that brings me a sense of comfort. He places his hand on mine and we sit in silence for a while, the only sounds in the room being the soft rustling of the sheets and the sound of our breathing. Gradually, I feel my eyes growing heavy, and I realize that I’m starting to drift off to sleep once again.

Dr. Volkov’s hand slips from mine as he rises from the bed, ready to leave me to my restless night. Panic seizes me and I grab his hand, desperate for him to stay.

“Please don’t go yet,” I beg, my voice barely above a whisper. I cannot bear the thought of being alone with my thoughts and fears.
Dr. Volkov’s eyes soften with understanding, and he sits back down beside me. “I’ll stay with you for as long as you need me,” he says, offering me a small smile.

I feel a sense of relief as I sink back into my pillows. With Dr. Volkov by my side, I feel safe and protected. His scent envelopes me, soothing me as I try to push away the memories of my past and the nightmares that haunt me.