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 without disclosing the

reluctant to confide in Josephine

Josephine anything; I wanted her to find out on

want to rob

only one that does not know, I

was messy, but I prayed for wisdom to

and I proceeded

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

a consequence of recognition—people were

despite being the Beta, I garnered

was an

within Grizlo was extensive, and the community there

had compelled our return to this place cast

into the cafeteria, Justin and I,

cuisine wasn’t exactly my preference, but I was prepared to make

meagre offering of sandwiches and water hardly constituted a

into a corner,

with you,” Justin inquired calmly, and I feigned a lack of

matter concerning Sophia, I hadn’t committed

me puzzled as to why others weren’t receiving

was evident, and he was

frequently seen with the Corrigan

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

is like

his siblings are like family,

alliance through fire and blood; why would you want to act irresponsibly? I understand you are hurting and miss Sophia so much,

went from not being able to stand each other and never speaking to

think we can’t see it? It

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

do a convincing job of showing her she matters,

why we’re all in

advice is that you end this now before it escalates

me, if we encounter conflicts,

well, including the Volkovs and Stepanovs, especially the actions

of

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

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

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

this word had become linked to

head and directed my gaze at my

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

for her are authentic,” I asserted, and he let

time we discussed Sophia?” he questioned, and I averted

“Yes, Justin.

I did say I would reject my fated if the situation ever arose,” I responded, knowing

circumstances have since

spoken

You meant them.

has been a constant presence, and

have been upfront

were with

you

won’t notice?” he pressed, causing me to

genuinely care

I truly do.

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

time to

believe my emotions for her were born out of familiarity

felt like a

grasp

had a concept of what they entailed, but

my infatuation

is an incredible person, and being around her

me into believing I had deeper feelings,”

asking her out because I

I reached eighteen and still hadn’t found her, my plan was

during graduation week, and the

to get that aspect of my life settled and move

bare my feelings, but the universe had