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

to confide in

to tell Josephine anything; I wanted her

want to rob her of the feeling

team knows, and she is the only one that does not know,

messy, but I prayed for

and I

attention toward us, offering

were aware of our

sit well with me that, despite being the

was an anticipated

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

events that had compelled our return

Justin and I, purchasing some

but I

of sandwiches and water hardly constituted

table tucked into a corner, we settled

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

concerning Sophia, I hadn’t

to why others weren’t

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

Marvin were frequently seen with the Corrigan

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

is like

his siblings are like

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

both of you went from not being able to stand each

we can’t see it? It

find Sophia Li? Do you expect to revert seamlessly? How do you think that will impact

do a convincing job of showing her she matters, but we both know that Sophia is your

we’re

this now before it escalates

me, if we encounter conflicts, they will extend

including the Volkovs and Stepanovs, especially the actions of

Adrik of treason

and ten Stepanov families who resolved

because you were looking for a substitute,” he

in the morning, then Noah

how this word had become linked to my relationship with

directed my gaze at

I understand your concern, but you can trust that Josephine’s

her are authentic,” I asserted,

like how they were sincere the last time we discussed Sophia?” he

“Yes, Justin.

my fated if the situation ever arose,” I responded, knowing that those words had indeed escaped my lips

circumstances have

words weren’t spoken in

You meant them.

constant presence, and

have been upfront about their

with Sophia

that Sophia is missing, you suddenly start spending time with

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

care

I truly do.

if you have doubts, and it’s your prerogative not to

to untangle my feelings concerning

I believe my emotions for

felt like a

I didn’t grasp the intricacies

concept of what they entailed, but I was

misinterpreted my

an incredible person, and being

me into believing I had deeper feelings,”

from pursuing Sophia or asking her out because

my plan was to wait

and the notion of waiting didn’t

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

lay bare my feelings, but