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 Justin without

reluctant to

want to tell Josephine anything; I wanted her to find

rob her of the feeling of

she is the only one that does not know, I believe

prayed

and I proceeded

toward us, offering respectful greetings, particularly directed

a consequence of recognition—people were aware of our

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

was

history within Grizlo was extensive, and the community there held a

our return to this place cast a sombre shadow over the

cafeteria, Justin and

wasn’t exactly my preference, but I

of sandwiches and water hardly

tucked into a corner, we settled into our

to speak with you,” Justin inquired

the matter concerning Sophia, I

left me puzzled as to why others

to Elaine was evident, and he was almost always by her side when she

and Marvin were frequently

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

is like

siblings are

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

head? The both of you went from not being able to stand each

It is wrong

seamlessly? How do

job of showing her she matters, but we both know

we’re all

this now before it

conflicts, they

history well, including the Volkovs and Stepanovs, especially the

Adrik of treason to eliminate

was Lord Alexei, his siblings, Eric, and ten

looking for a substitute,” he warned, and that word ‘substitute’ echoed

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

word had become linked to my

head and directed my

your concern, but you can trust that

her are

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

“Yes, Justin.

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

circumstances have since

spoken in

You meant them.

constant presence, and yet you never

Marvin, Miles, and Oliver have been upfront

with Sophia

you suddenly start spending time with

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

care for Josephine,

I truly do.

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

some time to untangle my feelings

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

like

that point, I didn’t grasp the

thought I had a concept of

my

person, and being around

misled me into believing I had deeper feelings,” I

asking her out

hadn’t found her, my plan was

week, and the notion of waiting

had a desire to accelerate things, to get that

to speak with her, to lay bare