The Dark Side Of Fate

Telling Justin ~Liam~ The hospital wait proved challenging as time seemed to drag while we remained motionless.

Josephine and I took short strolls occasionally to stretch our legs.

I permitted her to rest on the couch while I remained standing.

Despite the unspoken nature of the situation, I anticipated that questions would arise soon.

Seated on my lap, Josephine inquired, “Are we still planning to visit the food truck?” Justin observed us, prompting his interruption, “What food truck?” “It’s a little place we checked out yesterday before all of this happened,” Josephine replied, intentionally vague about the location.

“I understand.

However, you two shouldn’t go anywhere without a couple more people at least,” he remarked, his tone resembling that of a protective figure.

I almost let out a chuckle at his statement.

“Point taken, Alpha,” I replied, and he wasn’t still smiling.

Whatever he was seeing bothered him a lot, and I knew I was the bad guy in the eyes of those who did not know what was going on.

“Join me in the cafeteria, Li.

I have something to discuss with you,” Justin stated, rising from his seat.

It was clear that the conversation intended for the pack house, either in his room or office, would now transpire in the hospital cafeteria.

The restlessness and tension in Justin’s gaze were evident, and I dreaded the confrontation.

Josephine appeared to share my unease, her expression reflecting worry.

Likewise, Charlotte seemed puzzled and disapproving.

It was apparent that all of them were protective of Josephine.

But what puzzled me was the underlying assumption that I could ever purposefully cause harm to Josephine or anyone else.

I had never dated anyone before.

This was my first relationship.

I might have crushed on Sophia and believed I was in love by the time of graduation, but I never made a move on her.

Seeing my impulses a few weeks ago, I realised I might have made that move because I liked having my life in order.

I wanted the relationship part taken care of, so I could forge ahead.

Usually, when most people turn eighteen, their parents are on the lookout for their mates, if any, because it is a rare occurrence, and a lot is damaged for those who find their mates later in life after being mated.

Finding Josephine was all I needed for me to know that I was about to tow the wrong path with Sophia.

Truly, regardless of the nature of my relationship with Sophia, I am committed to investing the same level of effort in locating her.

She’s my friend, and her well-being matters to me.

However, my emotions have become distinctly clearer, and my heart beats exclusively for Josephine.

Moreover, my motivations aren’t driven by our bond.

Spending time with Josephine allowed me to realise how mistaken I was about her true personality.

She turned out to be an exceptional person.

In all honesty, even with the eyeliner, she retained her unique charm.

Josephine shifted from my lap, prompting me to rise, prepared to accompany Justin to the cafeteria.

Similar to Uncle David, Justine possessed a stern side, and I understood that this time, I would be on the receiving end of it.

As we exited, the remainder of the team seated outside regarded us with surprise.

“Facing some trouble?” Noah reached out through our link, and I found myself at a loss for words.

“What’s going on between you and Justin?” Oliver’s message popped up in our mental connection.

“Josephine,” I responded, and a hush fell over our conversation.

Considering the current trajectory, it seemed the entire team would uncover the truth before Josephine did.

couldn’t address the situation with Justin without disclosing the truth about

was reluctant to confide

to tell Josephine anything; I wanted her

to rob her

the only one

prayed for wisdom to get through

and I proceeded

turned their attention toward us, offering respectful greetings, particularly directed

a consequence of recognition—people were

well with me that, despite being the Beta,

was an

and the community

the events that had compelled our return to this place cast a

into the cafeteria, Justin and I, purchasing some food

cuisine wasn’t exactly my preference, but I

meagre offering of sandwiches and water

a corner, we settled into

the reason I asked to speak with you,” Justin inquired calmly,

concerning Sophia, I

puzzled as to why others

attachment to Elaine was evident, and he was

and Marvin were frequently seen with

Was I not allowed to form a connection as well? “What is with you and Jo?” he asked, and I did not know how to

like

Alexei and his siblings are

and alliance through fire and blood; why would you want to act irresponsibly? I understand you are hurting

going on in her head? The both of you went from not being able to stand each other

can’t see it? It is wrong

find Sophia Li? Do you expect to revert seamlessly? How do you think that will impact Josephine?

do a convincing job of showing her she matters, but we both know that Sophia is

we’re all

advice is that you end this now before it escalates and jeopardises our

encounter conflicts, they will extend to our

you’ve studied history well, including the Volkovs and Stepanovs, especially the actions of our great-great-

of treason to

Alexei, his siblings, Eric, and

another problem because you were looking for a substitute,” he warned,

term ‘substitute’ had surfaced thrice that day—first from Josephine in the morning, then Noah at my grandparent’s home, and

word had become linked to my relationship

head and directed my gaze at my

you can trust that Josephine’s well-being is genuinely important

are sincere, and my feelings for her are authentic,”

were sincere the last time we discussed Sophia?” he

“Yes, Justin.

I would reject my fated if the situation ever arose,” I responded, knowing that those

have

weren’t spoken

You meant them.

been a constant presence, and yet

and Oliver have been upfront about

with Sophia

you suddenly start spending time

people won’t notice?” he pressed, causing

genuinely care for Josephine,

I truly do.

it’s your prerogative not to believe me,

took me some time to untangle my feelings

my emotions for

like a natural

that point, I didn’t grasp the intricacies of relationships

I had a concept of what they entailed, but I was

misinterpreted my

and being around her was

me into believing I had deeper feelings,” I conveyed, meeting

Sophia or asking her out

her, my plan was to wait until

graduation week, and the notion

get that aspect of my life settled

bare my feelings, but