99 Times for Alpha’s Bestie novel Chapter 128

I yanked open the heavy wooden door of the private room.

Lucien stood outside, tall and unyielding, like a black pine steeped in winter frost.

Half a step behind him, Merlin held a glass of wine, his face a mix of shock and awkwardness. Clearly, he had come along with Lucien, only to overhear what he never should have.

The moment the door swung open, I had no time to hide the broken despair etched on my face.

I felt like I was a wounded deer, pierced through the chest, bleeding out, yet still staggering forward.

Lucien’s sharp gaze caught my state instantly, before locking with deadly precision on Liam’s equally strained face.

“Liam,” Lucien’s lips curved into a smile devoid of warmth, “So, I am the devil? If that’s the case, how about we play a game in my hunting grounds?”

Liam stiffened, caught off guard that his so-called “honest words” to me had been heard and then used as a challenge from another Alpha against him.

“Lucien, I didn’t mean-” Liam started, his tone dry.

“So you really think that way?” Lucien cut him off, stepping closer.

“From the sound of it,” Lucien pushed Liam back until he nearly hit the cold wall, “You were instructing my sister, as you referred to us as siblings, how to live her life. Yet, looking at your tarnished reputation, who are you to instruct anyone?”

He deliberately emphasized “my sister”, the protectiveness in those words making my heart tremble.

“You thought that you, a shitty mate with a failing pack and shittier reputation, could teach her who she should forgive? And who she should be closer to? Is that right?”

“Lucien, this is between Claire and me. It has nothing to do with you. Stay out of it!” Liam’s face flushed red as he forced out a rebuttal.

“The one who has nothing to do with her is you, Liam.” Lucien let out a quiet, derisive laugh, dripping with scorn.

“You play the devoted mate before her, yet behind her back, you indulge Breanne again and again, letting her humiliate and hurt Claire at every turn. And today, you dare shove that cheap ‘let’s work together’ logic in her face? Forcing her to bow to Breanne? Using the latest of the Sterling Moon pack design order as Jeverage? You really think your pathetic little pack is worthy of threatening her?”

“I’m not threatening!” Liam grew desperate, but still clung to his excuse. “Everything I do is for Claire’s own good-for her reputation, her future! Lucien, you don’t understand! You’ll only drag her into the same abyss her mother fell into-”

“Liam!” My voice suddenly cracked. The tears I had been holding back finally spilled over. “Enough! Enough with the bullshit lines of ‘I’m doing this for you! That’s the most hypocritical thing I’ve ever heard! Who are you to talk about my mother in such a way and then claim to care for me?”

As the tears rolled down my cheeks, Lucien’s hand rose.

His fingertips brushed them away with surprising gentleness.

“Don’t waste tears on scum from the Sterling family. They are not worth it.”

The sudden warmth in Lucien’s tone made my body tremble faintly.

The surge of emotions left me unsteady on my feet.

Lucien saw me falter. In that split second, his steady hand wrapped around my waist, holding me firmly in place.

“I am only going to say this once,” His voice wasn’t loud, but it echoed through the suffocating silence of the room. “Liam, take your precious Luna and the Sterling Moon pack scraps offered here today, and stay out of Claire’s life.”

He paused, looking down at Liam as though he were an insect. “If I ever hear you slandering me or her again-I won’t hesitate to let you-and the entire Sterling Moon pack-experience what hell feels like. And keep your b***h on a tight leash, or Claire won’t stop me from breaking her next time.”

“Lucien, you-” Liam stammered in horror, his trembling finger pointing at him, utterly speechless.

But Lucien had already dismissed him.

Lucien lowered his gaze, softening only for my bloodless face. “Do you still want to have dinner?”

My stomach churned with disgust. I could only shake my head, forcing a weak apology to Merlin.

“Mr. White, I’m sorry. I’m not feeling well. I’ll have to leave first.”

Merlin, quick to read the room.

“Of course, of course. Health comes first! Tonight was to celebrate, but we can arrange something more private later.”

“Thank you for understanding, Mr. White,” I murmured, then turned and left without a backward glance.

Lucien followed close behind. Our silhouettes vanished swiftly down the corridor.

I stormed out of the restaurant, heading straight for my car. But my wrist was suddenly seized sharply.

Lucien yanked me back without a word, pulling me directly into his car. I was forced into the back seat, just as I began, “Lucien, I-”

“What’s the point of pretending with me?” Lucien cut me off, his tone carrying a possessive tenderness. “Come on. Let’s eat.” The words came so naturally, as if we were something more intimate.

“But I really don’t have the appetite. I want-”

“Appetite or not, you’re eating.” Lucien said, “Besides, you are always hungry; it just depends on who you’re eating with.”

“Then… I want spicy. Very, very spicy.” I lifted my head defiantly. I remembered that Lucien never ate spicy food.

Yet he nodded, and on his icy face, a rare smile appeared. “Alright. Whatever you want.”

So even my whims could be indulged. A sudden warmth surged through my chest.

Just moments ago, I stood tall and strong, even when everything within me was breaking under Liam’s harsh judgments. Now, all my strength drained away, and I only wanted to sink softly into the comfort beside me.

As though sensing my need for physical comfort, Lucien reached out, gently pressing my head against his shoulder. “Lean on me when you aren’t strong, Claire. I won’t judge you.”

My long-suppressed emotions burst forth like a floodgate thrown open.

The bright lights of businesses streaked silently past the window, the traffic and city fading into a blur.

Even after the car stopped, my shoulders still trembled silently.

Never in all these years had I allowed myself to show such vulnerability.

I didn’t know how long it lasted.

At last, the tide ebbed, and with it, much of the heaviness buried deep inside. A strange ease spread through my chest. Lucien allowed me this moment to collect myself.

Silence filled the car.

As my awareness slowly returned, I realized I was still inside the car. And I was holding something warm, and it was tethering me to it with an unexpressed, strong force. I felt safe.

Wait! Holding something? I jolted fully awake.

And then I felt it, clear as day-

My arms were wrapped tightly around Lucien’s waist. My cheek was pressed firmly against his solid chest.