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

to return to the park ever since that

though the stream wasn’t quite the same as the

a gentle kiss on the

me, immediately evoking

of someone else nearby added

“Li,” I murmured softly.

Jo,” he responded in a hushed

electricity across my skin, and my thoughts began to stray into more forbidden territories as my desires started to

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

tangible; I didn’t want him to retreat, yet he seemed

the picturesque view and relishing the serene ambience of

Mrs.

us an array of appetizers and food, and once

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

have expended considerable effort to arrange for her to come and prepare this delightful meal

Liam, my gaze fixed on the

precious gift,” Liam voiced, his gaze fixed

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

can to protect the peace our parents fought so valiantly to secure,” he said, and

us felt like a

around us was

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

were a poignant reminder that something

confident you’ll make an exceptional

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

you

by my side,” he spoke earnestly, his sincerity evident in his

found myself momentarily at a loss

to him, his gaze

feelings; this isn’t some experiment for

It’s real.

but understand that my commitment

My feelings won’t waver.

real deal for

all the time you need to

you,” he said, coaxing

furrowed, looking at

he inquired, and a twinge of embarrassment

sense in concealing the truth about them

I began, clearing my throat and absently tucking a strand of hair behind

my nervousness; I desperately hoped this revelation wouldn’t

wrong with my eyes,

of what I overheard you all discussing back

had to crumble; there was no longer any justification

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

the one

know how relentlessly optimistic she

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

shock and attentive demeanour made my nerves flutter; it seemed only fitting to carry on and

scared, partly because of

so normal, and I…” I stumbled over

from that day was

like I couldn’t measure

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

a crush on you for a while, but I suppose

never seemed

was always

moment you two became friends, you started

were invisible, and that hurt,” I continued, and he made a move to draw me nearer, yet I stopped

express everything

and desperately wanted to share my feelings

was just fifteen, but

It was crystal clear.

never experienced anything

you four

and it made me feel stupid and insecure,” I revealed, my voice trembling as tears streamed down

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

eyes, my intelligence – they all seemed

hair colour, I thought maybe having

draw me close, I allowed him

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

his hold on me and locked his

Jo, they’re

your finest

a

thoughtless and hurtful, driven by

up but surpassed us; you continue to

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

and

it in your heart to forgive me and not let this linger

adore every facet

the

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

he transitioned

tender and affectionate, devoid of any haste or

resolute in keeping his