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.

address the situation with Justin

was reluctant to confide

did not want to tell Josephine anything; I wanted her to find out

did not want to rob her of the feeling

on this team knows, and she is the only one

but I prayed for wisdom

and I proceeded

us, offering respectful greetings, particularly directed

of recognition—people were aware of

me that, despite being the Beta, I garnered

was

within Grizlo was extensive, and the community there held a deep affection

the events that had compelled our return

the cafeteria, Justin and I, purchasing

preference, but I was

of sandwiches and water hardly

a corner, we

speak with you,” Justin inquired

concerning Sophia, I

to why others weren’t receiving similar

and he was almost always by her side when she

frequently seen with the Corrigan

treated differently? Was I not allowed to form a connection as well?

like

Alexei and his siblings are

and blood; why would you want to act irresponsibly? I understand you are hurting and miss Sophia so much, but relying on Josephine for emotional support and bandage

The both of you went from not being able to stand each other and

we can’t see it? It is wrong to

you think will happen when we find Sophia Li? Do you expect to revert seamlessly? How

her she matters, but we both know

why we’re all

advice is that you end this now before it

if we encounter conflicts, they will extend

history well, including the Volkovs and Stepanovs, especially

falsely accused Adrik of

siblings, Eric, and ten Stepanov families who resolved

you were looking for a substitute,”

in the morning, then Noah at my grandparent’s home, and

word had become linked to my relationship

directed my

but you can trust

and my feelings for her are authentic,” I asserted, and he let out

were sincere the last time we discussed Sophia?” he questioned, and I averted my

“Yes, Justin.

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

have since

weren’t spoken

You meant them.

constant presence,

Miles, and Oliver have been upfront

were with

that Sophia is missing, you suddenly start spending time with

notice?” he pressed, causing me to shake my

care for

I truly do.

have doubts, and it’s your prerogative not to believe

time to untangle my

opportunity to express those sentiments, but I believe my emotions for her were born out of familiarity and the

felt like

point, I didn’t grasp

concept of

my infatuation

incredible person, and

into believing I had deeper feelings,” I conveyed,

refrained from pursuing Sophia or asking her out because I held out hope of meeting my

hadn’t found her, my plan

during graduation week, and the notion of waiting didn’t feel right

get that aspect of my life settled and move

bare my feelings, but the universe had its own