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.

was inevitable since I couldn’t address the situation

to confide in Josephine

Josephine anything; I wanted her to find out

did not want to rob her of the feeling of

only one that does not know, I believe it

prayed for wisdom to get through

I

attention toward us, offering respectful greetings, particularly directed

was a consequence of recognition—people were

me that, despite being the Beta,

it was an anticipated

Grizlo was extensive, and the community there

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

cafeteria, Justin and I, purchasing some food

wasn’t exactly my preference, but I was

of sandwiches and water hardly

a corner, we settled into our

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

beyond the matter concerning Sophia, I

to why others weren’t receiving similar inquiries about

attachment to Elaine was evident, and he was

were frequently seen with

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

is like family,

his siblings are like family,

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

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

we can’t see it? It is wrong

you think 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

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

why we’re all

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

we encounter conflicts, they will extend

the Volkovs and

Adrik of

and ten Stepanov

because you were looking for a substitute,”

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

become linked to

and directed my gaze at

I understand your concern, but you can trust that Josephine’s

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

how they were sincere the last time we discussed

“Yes, Justin.

situation ever arose,” I responded, knowing that those words had indeed escaped

circumstances have since

spoken

You meant them.

a constant presence, and

have been upfront about their

with Sophia

you suddenly start

pressed, causing me to shake my head

care for Josephine,

I truly do.

and it’s your prerogative not

to untangle my feelings

I believe my emotions for her were born out of

like a

didn’t grasp

of what they entailed, but I

my infatuation

an incredible person, and being around her was

into believing I had

this time, I refrained from pursuing Sophia or asking her out because I held

her, my plan was to wait until Sophia turned

changed during graduation week, and the notion of waiting didn’t feel right

accelerate things, to get

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