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

to tell Josephine anything; I wanted her to find

not want to rob her of

team knows, and she is the only one that does not know, I believe

but I prayed for wisdom to get through

I proceeded

toward us, offering respectful

of recognition—people were aware of our identities, mine in

with me that, despite being the

was

and the community there held a deep affection

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

stepped into the cafeteria, Justin and

my preference, but I

of sandwiches and

into a corner, we

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

matter concerning Sophia, I

puzzled as to why others

to Elaine was evident, and he was

and Marvin were frequently seen

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

like

and his siblings are

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, but relying on Josephine for

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

It is

will happen 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 evident

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

we’re all

end this now before it escalates and jeopardises

we encounter conflicts, they will

and Stepanovs, especially the actions of our great-great- grandfather,

of treason to eliminate

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

for a

day—first from Josephine in the morning, then

this word had become linked to

shook my head and directed my

trust that Josephine’s

are authentic,” I asserted, and he

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

“Yes, Justin.

situation ever arose,” I responded, knowing that those words

circumstances have since

weren’t spoken in haste,

You meant them.

constant presence, and

Oliver have been upfront about

were with Sophia

is missing, you suddenly start spending

pressed, causing me to shake my head

genuinely care

I truly do.

prerogative not to believe me,

me some time to untangle my

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

like

grasp the

of what they entailed, but I

my infatuation as

is an incredible person, and being around her

might have misled me into believing I had

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

still hadn’t found her, my plan was to wait until Sophia turned eighteen

something changed during graduation week, and the

to get that aspect of my life settled and move

lay bare my feelings, but the universe had its own