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.

address the situation with Justin without

to

to tell Josephine anything; I wanted her

want to rob her of the

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

prayed for wisdom

I proceeded

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

a consequence of recognition—people were aware of our identities,

that, despite being the Beta, I

it was

Grizlo was extensive, and the

that had compelled our return to this place cast a sombre

into the cafeteria, Justin and I,

but I

offering of sandwiches and water hardly

a corner, we

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

matter concerning Sophia, I hadn’t committed any

puzzled as to why others

was almost always by her side when

frequently seen with

form a connection as well? “What is

is like

siblings are like family,

through fire and blood; why would you want to act irresponsibly? I understand you are hurting and

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

it? It is

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

showing her she matters, but we both know that

we’re all

this now

encounter conflicts, they will extend to

well, including the Volkovs and Stepanovs, especially the

of

and ten Stepanov families who resolved

problem because you were looking for a substitute,” he

Josephine in the morning, then Noah at my grandparent’s home, and

how this word had become linked to my

head and directed my gaze at my

can trust that Josephine’s well-being

her are authentic,” I asserted,

they were sincere the last time we

“Yes, Justin.

I would reject my fated if the situation ever arose,” I responded, knowing that those words had indeed escaped my lips and had crossed my

have

spoken in

You meant them.

has been a constant presence, and yet you

have been

with Sophia

you suddenly start spending time

pressed,

genuinely care

I truly do.

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

time to untangle my feelings

never had the opportunity to express those sentiments, but I believe my emotions for her were born out of familiarity and the expectation of the

like

I didn’t grasp

had a concept of what

my infatuation as

is an incredible person, and being around

I had deeper feelings,” I conveyed, meeting his

or asking her out because I held out

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

the notion

a desire to accelerate things, to get that aspect of

speak with her, to lay bare my