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

was reluctant to confide

tell Josephine anything; I wanted her to find out

not want to rob

only one that does

but I prayed for

I

attention toward us, offering respectful greetings, particularly directed

were aware of our identities, mine

well with me that, despite being the Beta, I

was an

and the community

had compelled our return to this place cast

the cafeteria, Justin and

preference, but I was prepared to make

sandwiches and water hardly constituted a

for a table tucked into a

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

matter concerning Sophia, I hadn’t committed any

left me puzzled as to why others weren’t receiving similar

to Elaine was evident, and he was almost always by her side when she was

were frequently

connection as well? “What is with you and Jo?” he asked, and I

is like

his siblings are like family,

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

her head? The both of you went from not being

it? It is

when we find Sophia Li? Do you expect to revert seamlessly? How do you think that will impact Josephine? She holds affection for you; it’s

job of showing her she matters, but we both know that

why we’re

this now before

me, if we encounter conflicts, they will

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

accused Adrik of

was Lord Alexei, his siblings, Eric, and ten Stepanov families who resolved

because you were looking for a substitute,”

day—first from Josephine in the morning, then Noah

had become linked to my

head and directed my gaze

concern, but you can trust that

are sincere, and my feelings for her are authentic,” I

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

“Yes, Justin.

I responded, knowing that

circumstances have

weren’t spoken in

You meant them.

been a constant presence, and yet

and Oliver have

were with Sophia

you suddenly start

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

genuinely care

I truly do.

understand if you have doubts, and it’s your prerogative not to believe me, but I’m speaking

some time to untangle

to express those sentiments, but I believe my emotions for her were born out of

like a natural

I didn’t grasp the intricacies of

had a concept of what they entailed, but I

my infatuation

is an incredible person, and being around

misled me into believing I had deeper feelings,” I conveyed, meeting his

I refrained from pursuing Sophia or asking her out because I

her, my plan was to wait until Sophia turned eighteen before

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

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

intended to speak with her, to lay bare