The Dark Side Of Fate

A rush of excitement coursed through me, and a smile tugged at Liam’s lips as he stood by the doorway.

Since there was nothing to grab in my room, I slipped on my slippers and made my way outside.

“Did your father get in touch?” Liam inquired as we descended the staircase, and I nodded.

“ Heard the Alpha of Cain is joining us,” I said.

“My father thinks his case is linked with ours,” Liam said, and I was surprised.

“Mine too,” I said.

Moving downstairs, we encountered Oliver and Justin in the foyer.

It was evident that they were engrossed in a conversation.

As our gazes met, Justin’s lips curved into a knowing smile, his eyes carrying a hint of understanding.

Had Liam confided in him about our relationship? The notion made me feel bashful, yet I reined in my emotions.

“Make sure you stay on the premises, you two,” Justin cautioned, and Liam affirmed his understanding with a nod.

With that, we stepped out through the door, and under Liam’s guidance, our journey began.

“What’s up with Justin? One moment, he seemed uncomfortable with us being close, and now he’s all smiles,” I inquired of Liam, prompting a laugh from him.

“He was just concerned because of the whole Sophia situation.

He didn’t want you to be hurt,” Liam explained, causing me to pause and regard him.

“What did you say to reassure him?” I questioned, and he smiled.

“I told him the truth.

Sophia is my friend, and you hold a greater place in my heart.

He doesn’t need to worry,” he expressed, and a warm sensation filled me, knowing that Liam had the courage to confide in his cousin about us.

“Charlotte shared similar concerns,” I divulged as we continued our stroll.

“She feared I might be hurt when Sophia is located, but I assured her that we’re together now and she doesn’t need to be concerned,” I revealed, and a brief silence fell between us.

I wasn’t sure if my words had unsettled him, but they seemed to put a halt to our conversation.

“You must have had it bad for Sophia for everyone to be worried for my safety,” I teased him, and he laughed.

“Not really.

There was always a hindrance between us, A ‘but’, a let’s-wait-and-see vibe that I couldn’t shake off.

It was a bit foggy, and I had to think through it and plan,” he said as we entered the forest.

Liam halted his steps, drawing me near.

His fingers brushed my cheek with a tender touch as his gaze locked onto mine.

I had abandoned my contacts, a secret I was yet to reveal – the reason behind their initial use.

Strangely, I felt more assured in my own skin now than ever before.

The realisation had dawned upon me that the hurtful words thrown my way held no true significance.

Perhaps I should have confronted him back then, instead of enduring two years of emotional turmoil.

Liam’s touch continued a gentle caress on my cheek.

“With you, I never needed to overthink.

It was simply meant to be,” he admitted, and a flush crept up my cheeks while Onyx circled in head, howling.

Gazing into his eyes, I sensed the sincerity in his words.

Doubts dissolved as certainty took their place.

Liam wouldn’t shatter my heart; there was no need for apprehension.

“Follow me, the stream isn’t too far from here,” he suggested.

Taking his lead, we strolled hand in hand through the wooded area.

The gentle murmur of flowing water gradually reached my ears, accompanied by the aroma of a crackling fire and the tantalizing scent of food being prepared.

Could someone be cooking by the stream? “Looks like there are people around, Liam,” I remarked, gripping his hand a bit tighter, to which he responded with a chuckle.

Stepping out of the woods, we emerged into a clearing beside the stream.

What met my eyes left me pleasantly surprised.

This outing wasn’t a spontaneous decision or a last-minute idea.

Liam had meticulously orchestrated it, and the realisation set my heart aflutter.

A picnic mat lay adorned with a cosy blanket and cushions.

Nearby, the woman from the food truck was busy cooking, adding an unexpected and delightful touch to the scene.

“Since we can’t venture out alone, I convinced Mrs Mirabel to join us,” he explained, and a surge of excitement led me to embrace him tightly.

touched me

return to

same as

encircled me with his arms, planting a gentle kiss on the nape of

shot through me, immediately evoking a response that I

someone else nearby added a layer

“Li,” I murmured softly.

a hushed tone, still

set off sparks of electricity across my skin, and my thoughts began to stray into more forbidden territories as my desires

managed to utter, and he chuckled, easing away from

vulnerability I felt was tangible; I didn’t want him to retreat, yet he seemed to respect my

picturesque

Mrs.

and food, and once she had completed her task, she

without a price – she couldn’t

her to come and prepare this delightful meal for

close to Liam, my gaze fixed on the horizon

a precious gift,” Liam voiced,

provided a broad enough expanse to grant

to do everything we can to protect the peace our parents fought so

felt like a

around us

were at war or in trouble, we wouldn’t be

a poignant reminder that something of great significance

an exceptional king

there to offer our unwavering support,” I

want you

spoke earnestly, his sincerity

momentarily at a loss

to him, his gaze penetrating

toying with your feelings; this isn’t

It’s real.

you, but understand that

My feelings won’t waver.

is the real deal for

of course, you can take all the time you need to decide what you

you,” he said, coaxing a giggle

brow furrowed, looking

managing without your contacts?” he inquired, and a twinge of

was little sense in concealing the truth about them any longer; it

I began, clearing my throat and absently tucking a

only added to my nervousness; I desperately

actually nothing wrong

contacts as a cover-up because of what I overheard you all discussing

façade had to crumble; there was no longer any justification for

you out,” I admitted, and his expression

the

relentlessly optimistic she can

off on me that day,” I added with a chuckle, reminiscing

demeanour made my nerves flutter; it seemed only fitting to

was scared, partly

normal, and I…” I stumbled over my words, the memory stoking an odd ache

day

like I couldn’t measure up,

that I should give it a shot,” I confessed, my

had a crush on you for a while, but I suppose I lacked the courage

never seemed to

was always you and

you two became friends, you started sidelining me, even

continued, and he made a move to draw me nearer, yet I stopped

imperative to express everything I had been holding

clung to hope and desperately wanted to

just fifteen, but I understood

It was crystal clear.

experienced anything like

you four

too, and it made me feel stupid and insecure,”

don’t think I’ve ever despised being a Stepanov more

eyes, my intelligence –

I thought maybe having brown eyes would make me seem more

time, when Liam reached out to draw me close, I allowed him to hold

sorry,” he apologised with genuine remorse, and while I sensed his sincerity, he needed to understand the

hold on me and locked his gaze onto

Jo,

your

is a blessing, not

of us said was thoughtless and hurtful, driven

year and some months, yet you not only caught up but surpassed us; you continue to do so,” he earnestly expressed, evoking a giggle from

it deeply, Jo, and I

time and erase

to forgive me and not let

adore every facet of

just the way you

sincerely and hugged me this time; he kissed my neck again, and a moan escaped

transitioned from my neck to

affectionate, devoid

was resolute in keeping his promise of