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.

since I couldn’t address the situation with Justin without disclosing

reluctant to confide

Josephine anything; I wanted

rob her of the feeling of

is the only one that does not know, I believe

I prayed for

and I proceeded

attention toward us, offering respectful

a consequence of recognition—people were aware of our

despite being the Beta, I

was an anticipated

Grizlo was extensive, and the community there held a deep

the contemplation of the events that had compelled our return to this place cast

Justin and I,

my preference, but I was prepared to make

of sandwiches and water hardly constituted

a table tucked into a corner,

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

Sophia,

as to why others

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

Marvin were frequently seen

to form a connection as well? “What is with you and Jo?” he asked,

is like family,

and his siblings are

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

in her head? The both of you went from not being able to stand each other and never speaking to each other to

think we can’t see it? It is wrong

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

she matters, but we both know that Sophia is your

why we’re all in

now before it escalates

we encounter conflicts, they will extend to our

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

accused Adrik of treason to

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

for a substitute,” he warned, and that word

that day—first from Josephine in the morning, then Noah at my grandparent’s home, and

become

shook my head and directed my gaze at my

can trust that Josephine’s well-being

sincere, and my feelings for her are authentic,” I asserted, and he let out a

we discussed Sophia?” he

“Yes, Justin.

arose,” I responded, knowing

circumstances have since

words weren’t spoken

You meant them.

constant presence, and yet you

and Oliver have

with Sophia

you suddenly start spending time with

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

genuinely care

I truly do.

it’s your prerogative not to believe

to untangle my feelings concerning

for her were born out of familiarity and the expectation of the

like a

didn’t grasp the

concept of what they entailed, but I was

misinterpreted my infatuation as

is an incredible person, and being

into believing I had deeper

or asking her out because I held out hope of meeting my

my plan was to wait until Sophia turned eighteen before

the notion of waiting didn’t feel

had a desire to accelerate things, to get that aspect of my

lay bare my feelings, but the universe had