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

was reluctant to confide in Josephine

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

to rob her of the feeling of

the only one that does not

was messy, but I prayed for

and I proceeded in

toward us, offering respectful greetings, particularly

was a consequence of recognition—people were aware of

well with me that, despite being the Beta, I

was

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

had compelled our return to this

and I, purchasing some food upon

my preference, but I was prepared to

of sandwiches and water hardly constituted

into a corner,

of the reason I asked to speak with you,” Justin inquired calmly,

Sophia, I hadn’t committed any

others weren’t receiving similar inquiries about their

was evident, and he was

Marvin were frequently seen with the

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 to

is like family,

his siblings are like

parents forged that friendship and alliance through fire and blood; why would you want to act irresponsibly? I understand you are hurting and miss Sophia so much, but relying on Josephine

of you went from not being able to stand each other

see it? It is wrong to

Li? Do you expect to revert seamlessly? How do you think that will impact Josephine? She holds affection for you;

a convincing job of showing her she matters, but we both know

we’re all

you end this now before it escalates and

we encounter conflicts,

trust you’ve studied history well, including the Volkovs and Stepanovs, especially the

Adrik of treason

siblings, Eric, and ten Stepanov families

you were looking for a substitute,”

‘substitute’ had surfaced thrice that day—first from Josephine in the morning, then

pondered how this word had become linked to my

directed my

can trust that Josephine’s well-being is genuinely

her are authentic,” I asserted, and

time we discussed Sophia?” he questioned, and I

“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 my lips and had crossed my

have

spoken in

You meant them.

has been a constant presence, and yet you never

have been upfront about

were with

you suddenly start spending time with

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

care for

I truly do.

your prerogative not to believe me,

to untangle my feelings concerning

my emotions for her were born out of familiarity and

felt like a natural

I didn’t grasp the

I had a concept of what

misinterpreted my infatuation as

and being around her

me into believing I had

pursuing Sophia or asking her out because I

plan was to

and the notion

get that aspect of my life settled

to lay bare my feelings,