99 Times for Alpha’s Bestie novel Chapter 123

LIAM POV

I watched Claire pick up the empty plate again, as if desperate to escape the fragile tension between us. Using the excuse of washing dishes, she turned quickly into the kitchen.

A powerful realization struck me-she had changed completely.

I was a fool not to see what Claire offered.

She was Luna material, but I had been too blind to see it. I love Claire; that’s never changed. But because she is wolfless, a part of me wanted to keep her tucked away from everything, in a sense, to protect her.

I was wrong.

She is a lot stronger and more capable than I ever gave her credit for, and it cost me something precious: my mate, and my wolf’s Luna.

A wave of helpless sorrow swept over me.

Despite my reluctance, the pain, and the disappointment, I knew I had to leave.

Just as I was about to rise, my phone rang.

I snatched it up and saw ‘Breanne’ flashing on the screen. Quickly, I pressed answer.

“Breanne, where have you been? I couldn’t reach you at all. I was so worried,” I said, voice full of urgency.

“Liam, come to the packhouse right away. I have something vital to tell you.” On the other end, Breanne’s voice trembled with excitement.

“What is it? You didn’t cause trouble again, did you?” My brows furrowed.

“You’ll know when you get here. Trust me-this time, you’ll be thanking me for sure!” Her voice brimmed with confidence.

“Alright, I’m on my way.” Relieved to know Breanne was safe, I finally loosened the knot in my chest.

I glanced toward the kitchen.

Claire was still busy inside, completely unbothered by anything else around her.

I didn’t step closer. I was realizing that I no longer had that right anymore. Instead, I only said quietly from where I stood, “Claire, I found Breanne. I’m going to meet her now.”

“Alright.” Her voice floated faintly from the kitchen. She didn’t come out to see me off.

I sighed, my heart heavy and tangled, and left her home.

It was a long, silent drive back to the pack, but I needed it. I needed to sort my thoughts and feelings.

There was no one else that I could picture being my Luna, other than Claire. I know I didn’t have the right to press the subject, but I needed her, even just temporarily, until I could steer the pack in a new direction.

We’ve lost a few strong alliances because of all the scandals and rumours. My father was too focused on getting them back that he failed to see an opportunity to take the pack in a new direction.

We just needed funds to do it.

I needed to find a way to get the funds.

The car ride was plagued with possible scenarios, but nothing concrete came to mind. This was going to take time.

Back in the Alpha Office of the Sterling Moon pack, I immediately spotted Breanne sitting on the sofa.

She wore a black business suit, her makeup sharp, deliberately styled as a professional woman. But the overly bold makeup struck me as garish.

Noticing the red marks on her neck and the puffiness of her face, I tightened my brows in disappointment.

“Where were you last night? Why didn’t you come home? And what’s with those marks on your neck?”

Breanne’s hand flew instinctively to her neck, trying to cover the blemishes.

“Oh, I met a friend. We did some beauty treatments, then had a beauty sleep.” She hurriedly replied.

I didn’t press further, as I knew what those particular marks suggested.

“So? What is it this time-your credit card unpaid, or something else?”

I walked to my father’s desk, sat down, and tapped the surface lightly.

In my heart, I had little hope left for Breanne. She was like a mud slide when you were attempting to run up the hill. She covered everything in dirt, making everything around you harder.

“Neither, Liam. I heard Alpha Henry is seriously ill, and that the Sterling Moon pack will depend on you as Alpha from now on. I know the pressure you’re under without someone by your side. So I thought, instead of working elsewhere, why not join the ranks of the Sterling Moon pack and help share your burden? What do you think?”

I nearly spat out my coffee.

“Breanne, running a pack isn’t a joke. You have neither negotiation skills nor leadership ability. How could you possibly help me?”

Breanne only smiled mysteriously. She pulled a contract from her bag and set it before me on the desk.

“Liam, this is a contract worth one billion. The backer wishes to support the forestry and logging production in our pack territory. I secured it last night. Since Claire has rejected you, and Queenie is a flake, I’ve decided that if you make me the Luna of our pack, this deal is yours.”

“A one billion dollar contract?” My eyes widened. I snatched the papers and, upon seeing the client’s name, was even more stunned.

This was the very mysterious billionaire that my father had poured endless time, resources, and strategies. into courting-without success.

And Breanne had landed it overnight? Who had she met? How had she done it? When had she gained such powerful connections without me knowing?

“How did you get this, Breanne? Tell me the truth.” My mind spun with questions as I stared at her in disbelief.

Before I could examine the contract closely, she whisked it back from my hands.

“Don’t worry about that. I have my ways. What matters is proving myself, and now you realize that I am no less capable than Claire! So, what do you say-Luna of the pack, yes or no?”

I wavered.

If we secured this one-billion contract, not only would the pack’s strength soar, but my standing within the pack would be solidified, silencing the skeptical pack and council members.

“Let me think about it.” My hesitation lingered.

Even if the deal is real, I doubt she could handle the role of temporary Luna of the Sterling Moon pack.

“Don’t worry, Liam. This contract is only the beginning. I’ll secure even more deals and alliances for our pack!” Her voice brimmed with conviction.

“But you still haven’t told me-who gave you such a massive financial contract?” I pressed.

Breanne only smiled mysteriously. “I met someone important. I can’t tell you more. Just trust me. From now on, contracts won’t be a problem-so long as you give me that position.”

I searched her eyes, an uneasy set in.

I was certain something unusual had happened last night. Breanne was a messy person and not sophisticated enough to close these types of dealings between packs and elite members.

But the lure of a one-billion-dollar forestry contract was too great for anyone to resist. It could take the pack to a new financial level. Forestry and logging were among the pack’s most significant resources, but no one had ever offered my father this much access to them.

After wavering back and forth, I finally caved.

“Fine. As long as you can secure this contract, the Luna role is yours, but it is only temporary. My mother is distracted with caring for my father. When she returns, she will resume her title.”