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

return to the park

wasn’t quite the same

planting a gentle kiss on the nape of my

his kiss shot through me, immediately evoking a response that

else nearby added a layer of shyness to

“Li,” I murmured softly.

Jo,” he responded in a hushed

thoughts began to stray into more forbidden

front of her,” I managed to utter, and he chuckled,

vulnerability I felt was tangible; I didn’t want him to retreat,

settled onto the mat, soaking in the picturesque

Mrs.

us an array of appetizers and food,

didn’t come without a price – she couldn’t have left her food

for her to come and prepare this delightful meal for

nestled in close to Liam, my gaze fixed on the horizon to

Liam voiced, his

provided a broad enough expanse to grant us this view, and it was

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

tranquillity enveloping us felt like

calm around us was

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

poignant reminder that

exceptional king when your time comes,

unwavering support,” I assured him, prompting him to turn his gaze

want you there,

side,” he spoke earnestly, his

at a loss

drew me close to him, his

with your feelings; this isn’t

It’s real.

won’t rush you, but understand that my commitment to you is

My feelings won’t waver.

is the real deal

the time you need

be patient with you,” he said, coaxing

brow furrowed, looking at

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

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

and absently tucking a strand of hair

added to my nervousness; I desperately hoped this revelation wouldn’t

wrong with my eyes,

of what I overheard you all discussing back in Lucland,” I

was no longer any justification for keeping this

planning to ask you out,” I admitted, and

the one pushing

relentlessly optimistic she

must have rubbed off on me that day,” I added

nerves flutter; it seemed only fitting to carry

scared, partly

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

day

felt like I couldn’t

I should give it

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

never seemed to

always you

two became friends, you started sidelining

were invisible, and that hurt,” I continued, and

was imperative to express everything I had been

desperately wanted to share my feelings

fifteen, but I

It was crystal clear.

experienced anything like

overheard you four talking and laughing

and it made me feel stupid and insecure,” I revealed, my voice

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

skin, my eyes, my intelligence –

and I actually loved my hair colour, I thought maybe having brown eyes would make me seem more

reached out to draw me close, I

remorse, and while

his hold on me

eyes, Jo,

your finest

a

four of us said was thoughtless and hurtful, driven by our

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

perfect person? I regret it deeply, Jo, and I wish I could undo my words and

and

hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me and not let this linger between

every

perfect just the

this time; he kissed my neck again, and a moan escaped my lips before

he transitioned from

kiss was tender and affectionate, devoid of

in keeping