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 without disclosing

was reluctant to confide in

not want to tell Josephine anything; I wanted her to find out on her

to rob her of the

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

but I prayed for

and I proceeded in

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

consequence of recognition—people were

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

was an anticipated

and the community there held

compelled our return to

cafeteria, Justin and I, purchasing some food upon

but I was prepared to

of sandwiches and water hardly constituted

into a

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

matter concerning Sophia, I hadn’t committed any

puzzled as to why others weren’t receiving

he was almost always by her side when she was

frequently seen with the Corrigan

not allowed to form a connection as well? “What is with you

like

Alexei and his siblings are like family,

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,

is going on in her head? The both of you went from not being able to stand each other

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

will happen when we find Sophia Li? Do you expect to revert seamlessly? How do you think that will

of showing her she matters, but we both know that Sophia is

we’re all

end this now before it

if we encounter conflicts, they will extend to our

and Stepanovs, especially the

falsely accused Adrik of

Eric, and ten Stepanov families who resolved that

create another problem because you were looking for a substitute,”

term ‘substitute’ had surfaced thrice that day—first from Josephine in the morning, then Noah at my grandparent’s home, and now

had become linked to my

head and directed my gaze

I understand your concern, but you can trust

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

were sincere the last time we discussed

“Yes, Justin.

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

have

words weren’t spoken in

You meant them.

has been a constant presence, and yet

have been upfront

were with

you suddenly start spending time

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

genuinely care for Josephine,

I truly do.

and it’s your prerogative

took me some time to untangle my

believe my emotions for her were born out of familiarity and the

like

that point, I didn’t grasp the intricacies

a concept of what

my infatuation as

incredible person, and

believing I had deeper feelings,” I conveyed, meeting his

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

still hadn’t found her, my plan

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

get that aspect of my life

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