Chapter 400: Chapter 400

VALERIE One day away from the hospital and we’ve had a lot of cases of the mysterious iliness that there is still no answer to. They are calling it ARK1.

“It’s spreading from the north of the country. So far there’s been cases mentioned in several bigger cities, but surprisingly it’s not really been covered by the news,” Cassian explains, pointing at the screen where recorded numbers of the patients with this illness were submitted.

“These are all from the same trust though, we have no idea about the real numbers from other hospital trusts, do we?” I ask, slipping my hands into my pockets, watching as he scrolls down the page, and I look at the blood results.

‘Correct. And the government is busier with the entire shifter rubbish. No offence.” He frowns.

“None taken. I’d rather they leave us be and focus on what is more important, but our opinions really don’t matter. How have journalists not picked this up?”

“Well, I’m not sure, but we are ordered to downplay it so as not to cause fear until we have more-

answers as to what this is.”

Cause fear… half the things they showed on the news instilled fear, like the things about us werewolves…

“Can I do some research? I know that is not the field that I’ve applied for here, but I’ve worked with and seen a lot of mysterious poisons and illnesses. Maybe I can help find an antidote.”

Cassian looks at me, tilting his head slightly. “Alright. I’ll have a word with the board. I’m sure they’ll be ok for us to work on this together.” He smirks slightly and my eyes widen.

“Oh.” I didn’t realise he was the one doing research…

“Oh? That doesn’t sound like a very happy ‘Oh‘. Are you ok doctor Valerie?” There’s a flirtatious hint in his voice and that needs to stop.

“I am ok, I just didn’t realise you were taking the lead on research, umm. I’m fine with working with you, Doctor Owen.” I reply formally.

He raises an eyebrow before the smirk grows a little. “I’m looking forward to it.”

“Oh yeah, before I forget about the charity ball-”

“Doctor Owen, you’re needed in the ICU, now.” A nurse calls, a little breathlessly, from the doorway.

“I’ll see you later,” Cassian says, patting my arm before he hurries from the room. I’m left alone, and I slowly look back at the screen, skimming through the file he was showing me and sit down in his seat as I read through it carefully.

A mutation of the white cells… the body begins shutting down one organ at a time high blood pressure… cardiac arrest… there is no pattern to the patients… of all ages and from different ethnic backgrounds…

The more I read, the more something feels off. Why is this not something that anyone is talking about?

We are facing a virus of some kind that is killing people.

I take a few photos on my mini tablet, observing the results.

This is-

“Doctor Scott.”

My head snaps up when I realise I have become completely caught up and look around, it takes a second for me to remember exactly where I am.

“Yes?” I ask, looking at Nancy.

Annoying. She’s the one from the takeout…

“There’s a patient in room 7 who refuses to see a male doctor. Can you tend to her?”

“Of course,” I say, standing up. She looks at the seat I was sitting in but says nothing, even though her judgy eyes say otherwise. But I’m not here to entertain her. “What is she admitted with?”

“She’s suffering from severe tummy aches but is refusing to let Doctor Malcolm examine her. We have been unable to take any stats since she wants to be seen by a female doctor.”

“I see.”

We walk down the hall together and she keeps giving me those side eyes, but I ignore her and I’m relieved when she is called and goes her own way and I enter room 7 smiling at the woman who seems to have been crying.

© +15 BONUS