99 Times for Alpha’s Bestie novel Chapter 10

I froze as if struck by lightning, my disbelieving eyes lifting to meet Liam’s.

Did he and his wolf comprehend that they had officially sacrificed their mate bond?

They just didn’t voice the rejection themselves; offering their mate to be a blood bank for another female was communicating it loud enough.

My legs trembled uncontrollably, my fingers shaking so badly I had to bite my lip to steady myself.

“Fine. I’ll donate the blood,” I whispered hoarsely. “But in return, you will drop the charges you arranged against Liyah? Promise me that, and I could die on the table for all I care.’

Something dimmed in his eyes at my words. I was willing to die, but perhaps he wasn’t willing to lose me. Liam’s lips began to part, but before he could speak, his venomous mother cut in with a derisive snort.

“Dream on! Donating blood is the least you can do for Breanne. But that little b***h stabbed her in broad daylight–you think we’d just let that slide? I will see that b***h lashed publicly for this.”

Stephanie spat.

My face had gone deathly pale, my forehead slick with cold sweat, my hospital gown clinging to my drenched back. I clutched at Liam’s sleeve with desperate strength.

“Liam,” I demanded, my voice cracking. “Answer me!”

I could see the realization of my condition, finally taking notice of him. His eyes widened as he looked at my physical state.

My cheeks were hollow, my lips bloodless, my sharp jawline gaunt beneath tangled hair. The oversized hospital gown hung off me like a shroud, my body little more than a fragile skeleton.

I had withered to almost nothing in just days.

Guilt filled his expression, and I saw him begin to understand. His conviction to drain me of what little blood I had left was starting to waver. “Claire, I—”

A deep, authoritative voice cut through the tension.

“She’ll donate the blood first. After that, she kneels outside the operating room. If Breanne survives, we’ll consider dropping the charges. If not-” Retired Alpha Henry Sterling’s cold stare left no room for negotiation. “There will be consequences.”

In three years of being mated to Liam, I had rarely heard my father–in–law speak. The man was a silent force, his presence alone commanding obedience. I had once believed him fair–impartial, at least–but now, the bitter truth settled in.

“Fine. I’ll do it. Liam, if I die, I still expect you to uphold your end. It’s the least you can do for being such a shitty mate.“My mouth twisted into a frail, humourless smile.

If it saved Liyah, I would endure anything.

I felt Liam adjust his grip, clearly alarmed by how little I weighed now. After all, earlier, when he was denying my miscarriage, he claimed to know my body better than a medical chart. He would now realize something was wrong with me, even if I didn’t voice it.

As though in an attempt to soothe his own guilt, he pressed a fleeting kiss to my temple. His voice softened as I had often heard him speak to Breanne.

“Don’t be afraid. You’re too weak to walk, so I’ll take you there.”

As if he deserved praise for being considerate. If I had the energy, I would have rolled my eyes, but I could barely keep them open as it already was.

Instead, I didn’t react.

before rushing the crimson bags away.

I was equally cold and numb; my vision was fading. The nurses hooked me up to an IV drip before

leaving, and exhaustion dragged me under.

I didn’t know how long I had slept when a sharp slap across my face jolted me awake. I heard a pop in my ear at the impact.

“Comfortable, are you?” Stephanie’s shrill voice pierced the haze. “Breanne’s still fighting for her life. Get up! Your place is on your knees outside that operating room!”

As I pushed my shaky body up from the small hospital bed, Stephanie grabbed me from it, stating I wasn’t moving fast enough and threw me to the ground hard.

“I can’t stand the sight of you,” Stephanie spat. “If Liam hadn’t been so damn stubborn about mating with you, trash like you would never have set foot in the Sterling pack! Having the weak wolfless is a stain on our pack’s great name.”

I crawled across the floor, humiliation burning through me. For one wild moment, I wanted to fight back–to claw and scream and unleash every ounce of pent–up fury.

But not now. Not when Liyah and Mirage’s fates hung in the balance.

I forced myself up, unable to find my shoes, and I stood with drooping eyes and bare feet. I smiled at Stephanie.

I saw it confused and bothered her. I refused to let her know the effect she had on me. I may kneel today, but I will never submit to a Sterling. I was saving Liyah’s life, not submitting to them.

“Alright,” I said with my chest. “I’ll go kneel.”