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

reluctant to confide

anything; I wanted her to find

did not want to rob her of

only one that does not know, I believe it would be

messy, but I prayed for wisdom to

and I proceeded

turned their attention toward us, offering

of recognition—people were

didn’t sit well with me that, despite being the Beta, I

it was an

Grizlo was extensive, and the community there

our return

the cafeteria, Justin and I, purchasing

exactly my preference, but I was prepared to

offering of sandwiches and water hardly constituted a satisfying

tucked into a corner, we settled into

asked to speak with you,” Justin inquired calmly, and I feigned a lack

the matter concerning Sophia, I hadn’t committed any

why others weren’t

Elaine was evident, and he was almost always by her side

frequently

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

is like

Alexei and his siblings are like

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

went from not being able to stand each other

see it? It is wrong to use people like

you expect to revert seamlessly? How do you

job of showing her she matters,

we’re all

that you end this now before it

we encounter conflicts, they will extend

history well, including the Volkovs and Stepanovs, especially

Adrik of

his siblings, Eric, and ten Stepanov families

create another problem because you were looking for

in the morning, then Noah at

become linked

and directed my gaze at my

can trust that

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

we discussed Sophia?” he

“Yes, Justin.

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

circumstances have

weren’t spoken in haste,

You meant them.

constant presence, and yet you never pursued

have been upfront

were with

missing, you suddenly

truly believe people won’t notice?” he pressed, causing me to shake my

care for Josephine,

I truly do.

your prerogative not to believe

time to untangle my

never had the opportunity to express those sentiments, but I believe my emotions for her were born out of familiarity and the

like a natural

didn’t grasp the intricacies

of what they entailed, but

misinterpreted my infatuation as

and being

I had deeper feelings,” I conveyed, meeting his

this time, I refrained from pursuing Sophia or asking her out because

still hadn’t found her, my plan

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

a desire to accelerate things, to get that aspect of my life settled

intended to speak with her, to lay bare my feelings, but the universe had its