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

reluctant to confide in

did not want to tell Josephine anything; I

to rob her of the

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

prayed

and I proceeded

their attention toward us, offering respectful

recognition—people were

well with me that, despite being the Beta, I garnered

it was an

and the community there held a deep affection for

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

cafeteria, Justin and I, purchasing

but I was prepared to

of sandwiches and water hardly

for a table tucked into a corner,

to speak with you,”

the matter concerning Sophia, I

as to why others weren’t receiving similar

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

and Marvin were frequently seen with the

as well?

like

siblings are like family,

to act irresponsibly? I understand you are hurting and miss Sophia so much, but relying on Josephine for emotional support and bandage

head? The both of you went from not being able to stand each other and never speaking to each other to

can’t see it? It

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

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

why we’re

this now before

me, if we encounter conflicts, they will extend to our

history well, including the Volkovs and Stepanovs, especially

accused Adrik of treason

siblings, Eric, and ten Stepanov families who resolved that

for a substitute,” he warned, and

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

word had become

shook my head and directed my

understand your concern, but you can trust that

for her are authentic,” I asserted, and he

like how they were sincere the last time we discussed

“Yes, Justin.

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

circumstances have

spoken in haste,

You meant them.

been a constant presence, and yet

have been upfront about

with Sophia

you suddenly start spending time with

you truly believe people won’t notice?” he pressed, causing

care for

I truly do.

have doubts, and it’s your prerogative not to believe me, but I’m speaking

took me some time to untangle my feelings

never had the opportunity to express those sentiments, but I believe my emotions for

felt like a

grasp the

of

misinterpreted my infatuation

and being around her

have misled me into believing I had deeper feelings,” I conveyed, meeting his

I refrained from pursuing Sophia or asking her out

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

and the notion of waiting didn’t feel right

get that aspect of my

bare my feelings,