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

to confide

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

did not want to rob her of the feeling

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

prayed

I proceeded

us, offering respectful greetings,

of recognition—people were aware of our identities, mine

well with me that, despite being the Beta, I garnered

it was an

the community there held a deep affection for

the contemplation of the events that had compelled our return

Justin and

preference, but I was prepared to make

of sandwiches and water hardly constituted a

for a table tucked into a corner,

speak with you,” Justin inquired

beyond the matter concerning Sophia,

why others weren’t

attachment to Elaine was evident, and he was almost always by

Marvin were frequently seen with the

connection as well? “What is with you and Jo?” he

like family,

his siblings are like family,

I understand you are hurting

The both of you went from not being able to stand each other and never speaking to each other

see it? It is wrong to use

revert seamlessly? How do you think that will impact Josephine?

her she matters, but we both know that Sophia is your sole

why we’re all in

that you end this now

we encounter conflicts,

and Stepanovs,

falsely accused Adrik of treason to

and ten

us not create another problem because you were looking for a

that day—first from Josephine in the morning, then Noah at my grandparent’s home, and now

pondered how this word had become linked to my relationship

and directed

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

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

time we discussed Sophia?” he questioned, and I

“Yes, Justin.

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

circumstances have since

words weren’t spoken in

You meant them.

has been a constant presence, and

Marvin, Miles, and Oliver have been upfront about

were with Sophia

Sophia is missing, you suddenly start spending time

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

care

I truly do.

you have doubts, and it’s your prerogative not to believe me, but I’m speaking

some time to untangle my feelings

my emotions for her were born out of familiarity and the expectation of

like a natural

didn’t grasp the intricacies of

a concept of what they entailed,

misinterpreted my

is an incredible person, and being around her was

might have misled me into believing I had deeper

from pursuing Sophia or asking her out because I

hadn’t found her, my plan was to wait until Sophia turned eighteen before making any

during graduation week, and the notion of waiting

to get that aspect of my life

to lay bare