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.

the situation with Justin without

was reluctant to confide in

to tell Josephine anything; I wanted her to find out on her

did not want to rob her of

only one that does not know, I

but I prayed

I proceeded in

toward us, offering respectful greetings, particularly directed at

were aware of our identities, mine in

sit well with me that, despite being the Beta, I garnered more reverence than

it was an anticipated

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

the contemplation of the events that had compelled our return to this place cast a sombre shadow over

cafeteria, Justin and

preference, but I was prepared

offering of sandwiches and

tucked into a corner, we settled into

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

beyond the matter concerning Sophia, I hadn’t committed any

puzzled as to why others weren’t

was almost

and Marvin were frequently seen with the

form a connection as well? “What is with you and Jo?” he asked, and I did not know how

is like

and his siblings

want to act irresponsibly? I understand you are

is going on in her head? The both of you went from not being

can’t see it? It is wrong to use people like

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

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

we’re

advice is that you end this now before it escalates and jeopardises

encounter conflicts,

history well, including the Volkovs and Stepanovs, especially the

Adrik of treason to eliminate

and ten

not create another problem because you were looking for a substitute,” he warned, and

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

word had become

head and directed my gaze at

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

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

were sincere the last time we discussed Sophia?” he questioned, and I averted

“Yes, Justin.

I responded, knowing

circumstances have since

spoken in haste,

You meant them.

constant presence, and yet

Oliver have been

with Sophia

that Sophia is missing, you suddenly start spending time

won’t notice?” he pressed,

genuinely care for

I truly do.

your prerogative not to believe me,

to

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

like a

point, I didn’t grasp

a concept of

misinterpreted my

person, and being around

I had deeper feelings,” I

her out because I held out hope of

and still hadn’t found her, my plan was

and the notion of waiting

accelerate things, to get

to lay bare my feelings, but the universe had