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.

I couldn’t address the situation with

reluctant to confide in

want to tell Josephine anything; I wanted her to

want to rob

only one that does not know, I believe

I prayed for wisdom

I proceeded

their attention toward us, offering

was a consequence of recognition—people were aware of our identities, mine

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

was

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

return to this place

stepped into the cafeteria, Justin and I, purchasing some food

exactly my preference, but I was prepared

and

for a table tucked into a corner, we settled

aware of the reason I asked to speak with you,” Justin inquired calmly, and I feigned a lack of

beyond the matter concerning Sophia, I hadn’t committed

to why others

he was almost always by her side

were frequently seen

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

like family,

and his siblings are like

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

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

it? It is wrong to use people like

when we find Sophia Li? Do you expect to revert seamlessly? How do you think that will impact Josephine? She holds affection for you; it’s evident in her

matters, but we both

why we’re all in

you end this now before it escalates and jeopardises our

encounter conflicts, they will extend

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

of treason

Alexei, his siblings, Eric, and ten Stepanov families who resolved that

you were looking for a substitute,”

that day—first from Josephine in the

had become linked to my

shook my head and directed my gaze

your concern, but you can trust that Josephine’s well-being is

for her are authentic,”

like how they were sincere the last time we

“Yes, Justin.

say I would reject my fated if the situation ever arose,” I

have

weren’t spoken

You meant them.

presence, and yet you never pursued

Miles, and Oliver have been upfront about

with Sophia

missing, you suddenly start

he pressed, causing me to shake my head

genuinely care

I truly do.

you have doubts, and it’s your prerogative

time to untangle my feelings

those sentiments, but I believe my emotions for her were born out of

like

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

had a concept of

my infatuation

incredible person, and being around her

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

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

reached eighteen and still hadn’t found her, my plan was to wait until

the notion of

get that aspect of my life

lay bare my feelings, but the universe had