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.

consideration touched

had yearned to return to the park ever since that

the stream wasn’t quite the same as the

encircled me with his arms, planting a gentle kiss on

shot through me, immediately evoking a response that I

someone else nearby added a layer of shyness to my

“Li,” I murmured softly.

in a hushed tone,

of electricity across my skin, and my thoughts began to stray into more forbidden territories as my desires started to take on a wild

her,” I managed to utter, and he chuckled, easing away from me

didn’t want him to retreat,

the mat, soaking in the picturesque view and relishing the

Mrs.

and food, and once

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

arrange for her to come and prepare

nestled in close to Liam, my gaze fixed on

gift,” Liam voiced, his gaze

a broad enough expanse to grant

the peace our parents fought so valiantly to

felt like a treasured

us

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

poignant reminder that something of great

you’ll make an exceptional king

there to offer our unwavering support,” I assured him, prompting him to turn his gaze towards

want you

he spoke earnestly, his sincerity

found myself momentarily at a loss for

to him, his gaze penetrating

not toying with your feelings; this isn’t

It’s real.

but understand that my

My feelings won’t waver.

is the real

of course, you can take all the time you

with you,” he said, coaxing a giggle

brow furrowed, looking

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

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

and absently tucking a

attentiveness only added to my nervousness; I

nothing wrong with

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

had to crumble; there was no longer

planning to ask you out,” I admitted, and his expression registered genuine

was the one

know how relentlessly

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

nerves flutter; it seemed only fitting

partly because

I stumbled over

that day was stubborn, refusing to

I couldn’t

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

but I suppose I lacked the courage

seemed to

always

friends,

that hurt,” I continued, and he made

to express everything I had been holding

clung to hope and desperately wanted

just fifteen, but I understood

It was crystal clear.

never experienced

I overheard you four talking

me feel stupid and insecure,” I revealed, my voice trembling

moment, I don’t think I’ve ever despised being

pale skin, my eyes, my intelligence –

skin or my IQ, and I actually loved my hair colour, I thought maybe

out to draw me close,

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

his hold on me and locked

Jo, they’re

among your

a blessing,

us said was thoughtless and hurtful, driven

year and some months, yet you not only caught up but surpassed us; you continue to

be jealous of a perfect person? I regret it deeply, Jo, and I wish I could undo

time and

hope you can find it in your heart to

every

just the way you

single thing to change,” he articulated sincerely and hugged me this time; he kissed my neck again, and a moan escaped my lips before I could stop

he transitioned from my

was tender and affectionate,

resolute in keeping his promise