Deliberating

~Liam~

As I stared down at my plate, I made an effort to soothe Alex’s agitation. Falling sick was a rare occurrence for me, so I doubted if that was the cause of my unease. I glanced over at Justin, who seemed engrossed in conversation with his wolf. Much to my dismay, Josephine occupied the seat across from me next to Justin. Without hesitation, Elaine settled beside Oliver, and their mutual gaze revealed a connection between them.

I could only hope that when the ladies reached the age of eighteen, they wouldn’t face heartbreak upon realising they were not destined for one another but rather for someone else entirely.

Lost in my thoughts, I suddenly heard Josephine calling my name. I looked at her, my mouth dry and my heart racing. I couldn’t comprehend why Alex was behaving this way. Clenching my napkin tightly on the table, I fought against an overwhelming wave of emotions that threatened to overwhelm me. Only I understood the intensity of what I was feeling in that moment.

“Congratulations,” Josephine exclaimed, and I furrowed my brow, puzzled as to why she was congratulating me. My mind was muddled, struggling to think clearly.

“You graduated?” she clarified, and I nodded, feeling foolish for not realising sooner. Why hadn’t I put the pieces together? Why was Alex acting strangely? I attempted to compose myself.

“Thank you,” I managed to reply, but as she turned her attention to Justin, I sensed a fit of jealousy that made me wish she wouldn’t. I fought back a growl, desperate to maintain control. The situation felt unbearable, and the urge to leave welled up within me. However, drawing unnecessary attention to myself was not a viable option.

I fought the urge to let out a growl as I observed Josephine gently touching Justin’s hand. Why was Alex losing control? I had no idea what was triggering his behaviour. Josephine’s brother, Luis, took a seat beside me, where Marvin should have been, but he was too busy getting cosy with Layla.

“What’s up?” Luis asked me with a smile, and I nodded, though my eyes remained fixated on Josephine for reasons unknown to me.

“When did you guys arrive?” I finally managed to ask Luis, forcing myself to look at him, anything to divert my attention from Josephine.

“About forty-three minutes ago. My father was held up in a meeting regarding something related to your girlfriend’s father. So we couldn’t leave Gad on time,” he explained, instantly piquing my interest.

“Why were they discussing Mike Maguire in Gad?” I inquired, and Luis shrugged.

“I don’t know, but my father intends to assign one of us to work closely with Justin to investigate the incident in Grizlo. Your father requested it, mentioning something about keeping it within our circle. They’ll discuss it with you. Anyway, I’m excited. The three of us scored exceptionally well in that department and are eager to put our skills to good use. Hopefully, they choose me,” he said, and I nodded, feeling inadequate.

It was disheartening when juniors caught up with you, but that was the Stepanovs for you—they were prodigies who had earned double promotions as a result. I had completely forgotten that they had graduated a few months before us. Suddenly, I felt selfish for my own shortcomings.

“Congratulations, by the way,” Luis said to me, and I nodded in acknowledgement.

I replied, returning the sentiment, and a smile crossed his face, indicating that my words meant

my attention to Josephine, I realised that I hadn’t yet congratulated

said, catching her gaze with

I offered, and she responded with

summing up our brief exchange before

jokes elicited laughter from everyone, particularly Josephine, who seemed captivated by his presence. Not once did she spare me a glance, and that bothered me. Moreover, I couldn’t shake off the scent of dill that seemed to surround her. I contemplated asking her if

living room to continue the festivities and spend time together. Our parents were likely gathered in the lounge,

I couldn’t help but

she greeted me, and I

about Sophia; sorry to hear that. I know you two were close,” she said, and I

taken aback by my response. I hadn’t meant to sound curt, but the truth was, I was on edge, and

didn’t mean it that way. Of course, I know you are close,” she quickly clarified, and I

and she smiled at me as

in my mind. He was attempting to communicate with Josephine and not me, and I was grateful that

us will be assisting Justin with the investigation. We’ll do everything we can to ensure she is found,” she said, patting me on the shoulder and preparing

spot while the others continued ahead. I didn’t want to let go. Touching her hand felt inexplicably right, and suddenly, I found myself questioning what was happening to me.

on me. It felt as if I were in a trance, unable to

like dill?” I blurted out,

her voice. And with that simple question, I knew exactly what had

haste. I dared not answer or

I had to

to us now,” I whispered to my wolf,

it has,” my wolf responded, his

be Josephine; she’s practically family,” I protested, desperately searching for any reason to deny the reality of the situation.

be close, and she may come from the second ruling line, but she isn’t related to us by blood, Li,” he

year and a few months separating us. Why had

mistake, Li. This is a rare opportunity, and I believe we should embrace it,” Alex insisted, his voice filled with conviction, but I shook my

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