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.

responded, and a

the truth before Josephine did. It was

not want to tell Josephine anything; I wanted her to find out on her own. I did not want to rob her of the feeling

on this team knows, and she is the only one that does not know, I believe it would be unfair.

Observers turned their attention toward us, offering respectful greetings, particularly directed at me. This was a consequence of recognition—people were aware of our identities, mine in

extensive, and the community there held a deep affection for me. However, the contemplation of the events that had compelled our return to this place cast a sombre shadow over

exactly my preference, but

table tucked into a corner, we settled into our

speak with you,” Justin inquired calmly, and

and he was almost always by her side when she

he asked, and I did not know

are like family, Li. Our parents forged that friendship and alliance through fire and blood; why

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

is going on in her head? The both of you went from not being able to

wrong to use

do you think will happen

you expect to

eyes. You do a convincing job of showing her she matters, but we both know that Sophia is your sole

advice is that you end this now before it escalates and jeopardises our

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

grandparent’s home,

directed my

genuinely important to me. My intentions are sincere, and my feelings for her are authentic,” I asserted, and he let out

how they were sincere the last time we discussed Sophia?” he

say I would reject my fated if the situation ever arose,” I responded, knowing that those words had indeed escaped my lips and had crossed

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?”

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 relationships or love. I thought I had a concept of what they entailed, but I

incredible person, and being around her was enjoyable. This might have misled me into believing

refrained from pursuing Sophia or asking her out because I held out hope of meeting my fate. When I reached eighteen and still hadn’t found her, my plan was to wait until Sophia turned eighteen before making any moves. However, something changed during

her, to lay bare my feelings, but the universe had its own designs. Now, I find myself grappling with the task of rescuing