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.

situation with Justin without disclosing the truth

reluctant to confide in Josephine

want to tell Josephine anything; I wanted her to find

not want to rob

only one that does not know, I believe

was messy, but I prayed

I proceeded

toward us, offering respectful greetings, particularly directed at

were aware of our identities,

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

it was an anticipated

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

our return to this place cast a

and I, purchasing some food upon

wasn’t exactly my preference, but I was prepared

meagre offering of sandwiches and

for a table tucked into a corner, we

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

Sophia,

why others weren’t receiving similar inquiries about their

he was almost always by her side when she

frequently seen with the Corrigan

connection as well? “What is with you

is like family,

and his siblings are

want to act irresponsibly? I understand you are hurting and miss Sophia so much, but relying on Josephine for emotional support and

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

can’t see it? It is wrong

seamlessly? How do you think that will impact Josephine? She holds affection

job of showing her she matters, but we both

we’re

now before

me, if we encounter conflicts, they will extend to our

trust you’ve studied history well, including the Volkovs and Stepanovs, especially the actions of our great-great- grandfather,

Adrik of treason to eliminate

his siblings, Eric, and ten Stepanov families who resolved that

problem because you were looking for a substitute,”

that day—first from Josephine in the morning, then Noah

how this word had become

head and directed my

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

are authentic,” I asserted, and he let out a

sincere the last time we discussed Sophia?” he questioned,

“Yes, Justin.

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

circumstances have

spoken in

You meant them.

been a constant presence, and yet you never pursued

have been

with Sophia

you

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

genuinely care for Josephine,

I truly do.

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

time to untangle

never had the opportunity to express those sentiments, but I believe my emotions for

felt like a natural

grasp the

of what they entailed,

misinterpreted my infatuation as

an incredible person, and

misled me into believing I had deeper feelings,” I

asking her out because I held

and still hadn’t found her, my plan was to wait

graduation week, and the notion of waiting didn’t feel right

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

intended to speak with her, to lay bare my feelings, but the universe