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.

situation with Justin without disclosing the truth

reluctant to confide in Josephine

tell Josephine anything; I wanted her

not want to rob

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

but I prayed for wisdom to get through

and I proceeded in

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

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

being the Beta, I garnered

was an

within Grizlo was extensive, and the community there

the contemplation of the events that had compelled our return to

cafeteria, Justin and I, purchasing some food

my preference, but I was prepared to make

of sandwiches and water hardly constituted a

for a table tucked into a corner, we settled

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

Sophia,

to why others weren’t receiving similar inquiries

attachment to Elaine was evident, and he was almost always by her side when she was

frequently seen with the

why was my situation treated differently? Was I not allowed to form a connection as well? “What is with you and Jo?” he asked, and

is like family,

Alexei and his siblings are like

forged that friendship and alliance through fire and blood; why would you want to act irresponsibly? I understand you

The both of you went from not

see it? It is wrong to use people like

happen when we find Sophia Li? Do you expect to revert seamlessly? How do you

a convincing job of showing her she matters, but we both know

we’re all in

is that you end this now before it

we encounter conflicts, they

and Stepanovs, especially the

Adrik of

Eric, and ten

for a substitute,” he warned, and

that day—first from Josephine in the morning,

pondered how this word had become linked to

directed

understand your concern, but you can trust that

intentions are sincere, and my feelings for her are

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

“Yes, Justin.

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

have

words weren’t spoken

You meant them.

has been a constant presence, and yet you never pursued

have been upfront about

were with Sophia

missing, you suddenly start spending time with

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

genuinely care

I truly do.

your prerogative not to believe me, but I’m

to untangle my feelings

the opportunity to express those sentiments, but I believe my emotions for her were born out of familiarity and the expectation

felt like a natural

I didn’t grasp the

thought I had a concept of what they entailed, but I was

misinterpreted my infatuation

an incredible person, and being around her

believing I had deeper feelings,” I conveyed,

pursuing Sophia or asking her out because I held out hope

my plan was

during graduation week, and the

had a desire to accelerate things, to get that aspect of my life settled

to lay bare my feelings,