TEMPTATION

**Dr Volkov Pov**

As I sat in my workshop studying the blood samples I had taken from Alivia, my thoughts kept drifting to her. The way she looked at me earlier stirred something deep within me, the way her long brown hair fell in soft waves around her face. I saw the way her body reacted to my soft whisper against her ear, her breath quickening as she leaned in closer to me, I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to have her in my arms, to feel her soft lips against my own. My wolf is restless. What is it about her that’s making me feel this way?

"No Liam, stop" I growl to myself I knew I couldn't act on my desires, not when she was under my care and not when there were bigger things at stake. She placed her trust in me as her doctor and I don’t want to betray that trust, yes that’s how it has to be I am a doctor she is my patient, and I must maintain a professional boundary. But it was hard to resist the temptation that Alivia presented. She was like a forbidden fruit, tantalizing and alluring, yet dangerous to taste.

As I wrestled with my desires for Alivia, Shadow spoke up, his voice low and rumbling in my mind. "You're a fool to resist your urges, Liam.”

I shook my head, trying to push the thought out of my mind. "I can't risk it, Shadow. She’s, my patient."

Shadow persisted. "How long have we been waiting for our mate, and she’s never come. Can you really turn your back on that kind of connection? As a wolf, an Alpha, you are born to mate. It’s in your blood”.

I sighed, feeling torn. "I don't know, Shadow. It's a risk I can't take lightly."

"You can't deny the pull between you two," Shadow argued. "It's there, plain as day. You owe it to yourself, to us, to at least explore the possibility."

"I know, but I can't risk losing everything I've worked for, it’s unethical" I said.

"Fine," Shadow grumbled. "But don't come crying to me if you let your chance at happiness slip away."

I bristled at Shadow's words, but deep down, I knew he was right. The connection I felt with Alivia was undeniable, and it was becoming harder and harder to ignore. But I mustn't let my desires take over. I know what happens when doctors cross the line with their patients.

The thought of losing everything I have worked for, and my reputation is daunting, but it's not just that. As an alpha, I have a responsibility to my pack, and getting involved with someone that is not my mate could bring unnecessary attention and danger to us all.

I continue to work, and my thoughts keep drifting towards the fallout of doctors getting too close to their patients. The risks are high, and the consequences are severe. I can't afford to let my desires get the best of me, not when so much is at stake. I must keep reminding myself of the importance of maintaining a professional distance, no matter how difficult it may be

As I sort out the conflict in my heart and mind there is a knock at the door, and I quickly compose myself, pushing my thoughts and desires to the back of my mind.

"Come in" I yell, and Council member Magnus enters. " What can I do for you Magnus?"

"I'm here to go over the security details" he says, his eyes scanning the room.

As Magnus continues speaking, I try to focus on the security details, but my mind keeps drifting back to Alivia. The temptation to give in to my desires is strong, but I know the risks are too great. I can't afford to let my pack down, nor can I risk losing everything I have worked for.

"The pack members also seem on edge about our arrival" Magnus says and I snap back to reality

"what if we hold a bonfire to help take the edge off and get the pack members to relax a bit it will also serve as a welcome party for the council members before they begin their investigation" I suggest.

"That's not a bad idea, Alpha Volkov. A bonfire could be just what the pack needs to ease their nerves and warm up to our presence." Magnus considers my suggestion for a moment before nodding in agreement. “"Alright, let's make it happen. Alpha Volkov, if you could organize the bonfire, and I'll make sure the security is in place.”

“Understood,” I reply, feeling a renewed sense of purpose. With the bonfire planned, I feel like we’re making progress in easing the tension in the pack.

As the meeting comes to a close, I thank Magnus for his time and watch as he leaves the room. Alone once again, I take a deep breath and try to clear my mind of any distracting thoughts. The bonfire may be a good distraction for the pack.

I look up in surprise as Vasil enters the room with an easel and paints. "Where did you find that?" I ask, curious about the unexpected discovery.
"I was out in the woods, taking a walk, and stumbled upon it," Vasil explains, setting up the easel in a corner of the room.

My mind wanders back to the memory of Alivia painting in the woods. I remember when Alivia went berserk, she was out there painting, in a hurry to bring her back to the pack house to treat her I left everything there.

Shaking my head to clear my thoughts, I turn my attention back to Vasil. "Well, it looks like it's in good condition. You can give it back to her”.
Vasil nods in agreement. "Sure thing, Alpha. I'll make sure to return it to her."

I'm glad that Vasil found the easel and paints, but my mind can't help but return to thoughts of Alivia. I know I still need to find a way to deal with my own desires. As I sit at my desk, I begin to make a plan. I'll focus on my work and try to keep my mind occupied with tasks that need my attention. Maybe if I keep busy enough, I can push my desires to the back of my mind.

I begin preparing for the bonfire, delegating tasks to trusted members of the pack and making sure everything is in order. It's a good distraction, and I find myself getting lost in the planning and preparations.