The Dark Side of Fate

Telling Justin

~Liam~

The hospital wait proved challenging as time seemed to drag while we remained motionless. Josephine and I took short strolls occasionally to stretch our legs. I permitted her to rest on the couch while I remained standing. Despite the unspoken nature of the situation, I anticipated that questions would arise soon.

Seated on my lap, Josephine inquired, “Are we still planning to visit the food truck?” Justin observed us, prompting his interruption, “What food truck?”

“It’s a little place we checked out yesterday before all of this happened,” Josephine replied, intentionally vague about the location.

“I understand. However, you two shouldn’t go anywhere without a couple more people at least,” he remarked, his tone resembling that of a protective figure. I almost let out a chuckle at his statement.

“Point taken, Alpha,” I replied, and he wasn’t still smiling. Whatever he was seeing bothered him a lot, and I knew I was the bad guy in the eyes of those who did not know what was going on.

“Join me in the cafeteria, Li. I have something to discuss with you,” Justin stated, rising from his seat. It was clear that the conversation intended for the pack house, either in his room or office, would now transpire in the hospital cafeteria. The restlessness and tension in Justin’s gaze were evident, and I dreaded the confrontation.

Josephine appeared to share my unease, her expression reflecting worry. Likewise, Charlotte seemed puzzled and disapproving. It was apparent that all of them were protective of Josephine. But what puzzled me was the underlying assumption that I could ever purposefully cause harm to Josephine or anyone else.

I had never dated anyone before. This was my first relationship. I might have crushed on Sophia and believed I was in love by the time of graduation, but I never made a move on her.

Seeing my impulses a few weeks ago, I realised I might have made that move because I liked having my life in order. I wanted the relationship part taken care of, so I could forge ahead.

Usually, when most people turn eighteen, their parents are on the lookout for their mates, if any, because it is a rare occurrence, and a lot is damaged for those who find their mates later in life after being mated.

Finding Josephine was all I needed for me to know that I was about to tow the wrong path with Sophia.

Truly, regardless of the nature of my relationship with Sophia, I am committed to investing the same level of effort in locating her. She’s my friend, and her well-being matters to me. However, my emotions have become distinctly clearer, and my heart beats exclusively for Josephine.

Moreover, my motivations aren’t driven by our bond. Spending time with Josephine allowed me to realise how mistaken I was about her true personality. She turned out to be an exceptional person. In all honesty, even with the eyeliner, she retained her unique charm.

Josephine shifted from my lap, prompting me to rise, prepared to accompany Justin to the cafeteria. Similar to Uncle David, Justine possessed a stern side, and I understood that this time, I would be on the receiving end of it.

As we exited, the remainder of the team seated outside regarded us with surprise.

“Facing some trouble?” Noah reached out through our link, and I found myself at a loss for words.

“What’s going on between you and Justin?” Oliver’s message popped up in our mental connection.

I responded, and a hush

the entire team would uncover the truth before Josephine did. It was inevitable since I couldn’t address the situation with Justin without disclosing the truth about

Josephine directly. I did not want to tell Josephine anything; I wanted her to find out on her own. I did not want to

knows, and she is the only one that does not know, I believe it would be unfair. It was messy, but I prayed for wisdom

greetings, particularly directed at me. This

extensive, and the

the cafeteria, Justin and I, purchasing some food upon entry. Hospital cuisine wasn’t exactly my preference, but I was prepared to make do. The meagre offering of sandwiches and water hardly constituted a

table tucked into a

I asked to speak with you,” Justin inquired calmly,

evident, and he was almost always by her side when she was around. Miles and

is with you and Jo?” he asked,

family, Li. Our parents forged that friendship

are hurting and miss Sophia so much, but relying on Josephine for emotional support

The both of you went from not being able to stand each other and never speaking to

to

think will happen

expect to revert

impact Josephine? She holds affection for you; it’s evident in her eyes. You do a convincing

jeopardises our unity. Believe me, if

well, including the Volkovs and Stepanovs, especially the actions of our great-great-grandfather, Dimitri. He falsely accused Adrik of treason to eliminate competition. It was Lord Alexei, his siblings, Eric, and ten Stepanov families who resolved that crisis. Let us not create another problem because you were looking

had surfaced thrice that day—first from Josephine in the morning, then Noah at my grandparent’s home, and now Justin. I pondered how this word had become linked to my relationship with

head and directed my gaze at my

understand your concern, but you can trust that Josephine’s well-being is genuinely important to me. My intentions are sincere,

sincere the last time we discussed Sophia?” he

I did say I would reject my fated if the situation ever arose,” I responded, knowing

them. Josephine has been a constant presence, and yet you never pursued her. Meanwhile, Marvin, Miles, and Oliver have been upfront about their intentions. You were with Sophia throughout. Now that Sophia is missing, you suddenly start spending time with Josephine. Do you truly believe people won’t notice?” he pressed, causing me to shake

genuinely care for Josephine, Justin. I truly do. I understand if you have doubts, and it’s your prerogative not to believe me, but I’m speaking the truth. It took me some time to untangle my feelings concerning Sophia. I never had the opportunity to express those sentiments, but I believe my emotions for her were born out of familiarity and the expectation of the next logical step. It felt like a natural progression. At that point, I didn’t grasp the intricacies of

might have misled me into believing I had deeper feelings,” I conveyed,

meeting my fate. When I reached eighteen and still hadn’t found her, my plan was to wait until Sophia turned eighteen before making

move forward. So, I intended to speak with her, to lay bare my feelings, but