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

reluctant to confide in

I wanted

rob her of

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

prayed for wisdom

and I

offering respectful

recognition—people were aware

despite being the Beta, I garnered more reverence

it was

the community there

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

into the cafeteria, Justin and I, purchasing some

cuisine wasn’t exactly my preference, but I

sandwiches and water hardly constituted a satisfying

for a table tucked into a corner, we settled into

aware of the reason I asked to speak with you,” Justin

matter concerning Sophia, I

to why others weren’t receiving similar

he was almost always by

Marvin were frequently seen

form a connection as well?

is like

and his siblings are

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

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

think we can’t see it? It is wrong to

Li? Do you expect to revert seamlessly? How do you think

her she matters,

why we’re all

you end this now before it escalates

if we encounter conflicts, they

and Stepanovs, especially the actions of

accused Adrik of treason

Eric, and ten Stepanov families who resolved

problem because you were looking for a substitute,” he warned, and

had surfaced thrice that day—first from Josephine in the morning, then Noah at my

how this word had become linked to my

and directed my gaze

concern, but you can trust that

my feelings for her are authentic,” I

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

“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

have since

spoken in haste,

You meant them.

has been a constant presence, and yet you never

Marvin, Miles, and Oliver have been upfront about their

were with Sophia

Sophia is missing, you suddenly start spending time with

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

genuinely care for Josephine,

I truly do.

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

took me some time to untangle

believe my emotions for

like a

grasp

had a concept of what

my infatuation

and being

I

her out

my plan was to wait until

the notion of waiting didn’t

accelerate things, to get

with her, to lay bare my feelings, but the universe