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.

was inevitable since I couldn’t address the situation with Justin

reluctant to confide

I wanted her to

not want to rob

the only one that does not know, I believe it

but I prayed for wisdom to get

I proceeded in

turned their attention toward us, offering respectful greetings, particularly directed at

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

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

was

history within Grizlo was extensive, and the community there held

compelled our return to this place cast a sombre shadow over the

into the cafeteria, Justin and I, purchasing some food

cuisine wasn’t exactly my preference, but I was prepared to

meagre offering of sandwiches and water

table tucked into a corner, we settled into

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

the matter concerning Sophia, I hadn’t committed

left me puzzled as to why others weren’t

and he was

and Marvin were frequently seen with the Corrigan

my situation treated differently? Was I not allowed to form a connection as well? “What is with you and Jo?” he asked, and I did not know how

like

and his siblings are like

you want to act irresponsibly? I understand you are hurting and

of you went from not being able to stand

think we can’t see it? It is wrong to use

when we find Sophia Li? Do you expect to revert seamlessly? How do you think that will impact Josephine? She holds

showing her she matters, but we both know that Sophia

we’re all in

advice is that you end this now before it escalates

we encounter conflicts,

the Volkovs and Stepanovs, especially the actions of our great-great-

Adrik of

siblings, Eric, and ten

not create another problem because you were looking for a substitute,” he warned, and that word ‘substitute’ echoed once

Josephine in the morning, then Noah at my grandparent’s

pondered how this word had become linked

head and directed

understand your concern, but you can trust that

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

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 had indeed escaped

have

words weren’t spoken

You meant them.

constant presence, and yet you

and Oliver have been upfront about their

with Sophia

you suddenly start

he pressed, causing me to shake my head

genuinely care for Josephine,

I truly do.

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

to untangle

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

like a natural

I didn’t grasp the

had a concept of what they entailed,

my infatuation as

incredible person, and being

have misled me into believing I

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

my plan was to wait until Sophia turned eighteen before making any

changed during graduation week, and the notion of

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

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