99 Times for Alpha’s Bestie novel Chapter 135

At dawn, just after I got out of bed, a knock sounded at the door.

I opened it to see Liyah leaning against the frame, a bright red suitcase in hand and a radiant smile on her face

“Claire-beat, aren’t you leaving for Calgary today? I asked for leave so I can go with you. Come on, I’ll drive!

“You-how did you know?” I was stunned.

“Duh! I am your best friend. I keep track of your every move, but in a non-creepy way.” Liyah winked as she strolled inside and grabbed my shoulders, her gaze fiery.

“You won the race in my place last time. This time it’s your big moment, and I’m coming with you. I know what going to Calgary means to you. How could I let you face those jerks alone?”

Warmth surged through my chest, my nose stinging with emotion.

This was what a true friend was-unwavering, understanding, and wordlessly supportive.

“Alright. Let me pack, and we’ll head out.” I nodded firmly.

“Leave it to me!” Liyah swiftly helped me pack my things. I half expected it was because she wanted to pick my attire for me.

When we headed downstairs, Liyah’s fiery red Ferrari was already parked flamboyantly at the entrance. I rolled my eyes. Of course, Liyah wanted to flex a bit while we were there.

1 frowned. “Are you seriously driving this all the way to Calgary?”

“Of course! It was my coming-of-age gift from my brothers. I usually think it’s too flashy, but today is different. People from your hometown need to see what kind of circle you belong to.”

Liyah thumped her chest with pride.

I found myself laughing despite myself and was about to suggest another car when a dazzling green Lamborghini screeched to a halt right behind the Ferrari.

The butterfly doors lifted, and a man in black casual wear and dark sunglasses stepped out.

When he approached and removed his sunglasses, I was shocked to recognize him-it was Liam.

Gone was the polished gentleman in a suit. His slightly tousled hair and new look radiated an intentional, almost brash boldness.

“Claire,” Liam smiled with confidence as he walked over lightly. “I changed my style just to accompany you to the award ceremony. What do you think? Not bad, right?”

He acted as if nothing had happened, as if that suffocating dinner had never occurred, as if he didn’t insult my mother as an attempt to correct me and tell me whole I can be around.

But this only triggered sharp discomfort in my heart.

He seemed perpetually deal to my raw and honest words. He appeared thoughtful and caring, tracking my moods and movements. Yet the truth was, he had never once listened to the deepest voice inside me. I made things very clear a few times lately, but I couldn’t understand where the confusion was coming from.

It felt like being trapped in an invisible cage-suffocating and maddening.

“Liam, I don’t need you to come with me. Having Liyah by my side is all I need.” I said coldly as though I were speaking to a stranger.

“But,” Liam said, gazing at me with eyes that glittered like stars, “this is your first time returning home in so many years. I want to be there, to see the place where you were born.”

“That’s not necessary.” I had run out of patience. My refusal was sharp and final.

I opened the Ferrari’s door without hesitation and slid into the passenger seat.

“Liam, can you stop stalking her like some creep? You wanted to spend all your attention on Breanne; now you can. Leave us alone, and go back to your false Luna!” Liyah glared at him, then spun around so that the stiletto heel of her shoe landed squarely on his pristine white sneakers.

“Oh no! Sorry-actually, I did that on purpose.”

She stuck out her tongue at him with a cheeky grin and hopped into the driver’s seat.

Slamming the accelerator, she sent the car shooting forward like an arrow, so fast that I couldn’t see Liam in the rearview mirror within seconds.

“What the hell is wrong with Liam?” Liyah fumed as she sped along. “When you two were mated, and everyone saw that he didn’t treat you well. But now that you’ve moved on after rejecting him, he’s suddenly playing this act of undying devotion? Yet, he announced Breanne as his Luna at the same time? I’m so confused

I turned my head, watching the scenery blur past the window.

My eyes were calm, shadowed with weary clarity.

“These days, I feel that some people may look cold and distant, yet their hearts are warm and soft. While others may wear a mask of kindness, beneath it is nothing but an icebound wasteland. I now truly understand that Liam has only ever cared about himself. He withheld my title because I was unworthy, but gave it to Breanne for a contract? He’s no Alpha!”

The Ferrari sped down the highway for two hours, and we still had another hour and a half before we would arrive in Calgary.

When we passed a gas station, Liyah suggested a short break, and I couldn’t agree fast enough.

The moment I stepped out of the car, I stretched my arms and drew in a deep breath.

Looking around, I realized the once-chaotic rest stops from my childhood had been replaced by gleaming, orderly facilities.

Liyah went to the restroom while I waited in the shade of the nearby tree, sunglasses shielding my eyes.

As I stood there, two young men swaggered over. By their scent, I knew that they were rogues. Their arms were covered in shaky stick n’ poke tattoos, cigarettes dangling from their lips, and their whistles carried a vulgar edge.

“Hey, beautiful. That’s a sexy car you have there. Are you lonely on the road? Perhaps you need a driver to keep you company. What do you say, sweetheart?”