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

wasn’t quite the same as the lake, it was more than

planting a gentle kiss on the

sensation from his kiss shot through me, immediately evoking a response that I shouldn’t

added a

“Li,” I murmured softly.

in a hushed

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

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

felt was tangible; I didn’t want him

soaking in the picturesque view and relishing

Mrs.

us an array of appetizers and food, and once she had completed

come without a price –

to arrange for her to

in close to Liam, my gaze fixed on the

precious gift,” Liam voiced, his gaze fixed on the

a broad enough expanse to grant us this view,

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

tranquillity enveloping us felt like a treasured

calm around us was a

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

our movement were a poignant reminder that something of great significance was

exceptional king

we’ll all be there to offer our unwavering support,” I assured him, prompting

want you

he spoke earnestly,

momentarily at

to him, his

toying with your feelings; this isn’t some

It’s real.

rush you, but understand that my commitment to you

My feelings won’t waver.

the real

the

he said, coaxing a

brow furrowed, looking

without your contacts?” he inquired, and a twinge of embarrassment led me to avert

concealing the truth about them any longer;

um, you see,” I began, clearing my throat and absently tucking a

nervousness; I desperately

nothing wrong

because of what I overheard you all discussing back in

crumble; there was no longer any justification

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

the

relentlessly optimistic she

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

attentive demeanour made my nerves flutter; it seemed only fitting to carry on and divulge everything I had started

scared, partly because

perfect, so normal, and I…” I stumbled over my words, the memory stoking

pain from that day

I couldn’t measure

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

but I suppose I

seemed to

was always you and

you two became friends, you started sidelining me,

continued, and he made

express everything I had

hope and desperately wanted to share my feelings with you that

fifteen, but I understood my

It was crystal clear.

never experienced

then I overheard you four talking

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

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

hair, my pale skin, my eyes, my intelligence – they

I thought maybe

out to draw me

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

released his hold on me and locked his

eyes, Jo,

among your

unique is a blessing, not a

us said was thoughtless and hurtful, driven by

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

of a perfect person? I regret it deeply, Jo, and I

and

to forgive me and

every

the way

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

whispered, and he transitioned from my neck

and affectionate,

keeping his promise