99 Times for Alpha’s Bestie novel Chapter 147

Carson’s exclamation hit the kitchen like a bomb, shattering the quiet instantly.

My heart jolted. I dropped the soapy mixing bowl without a second thought and rushed out into the yard.

Liyah followed closely behind, her footsteps quick and anxious.

Lucien, however, strolled out as if taking a leisurely walk, unhurried. There was a victoriously dark smirk on his face that I wanted to question, but it wasn’t what mattered at this moment.

Carson had already half-lifted the fallen man anxiously, “This man’s dressed well, so why would he be skulking around the garden? I wonder what made him collapse? He’s passed out cold. What should we do?”

When my gaze landed on the man’s face, my mind went buzz-as if struck by a hammer.

It was Liam! How could he possibly be here? And in such a wretched state?

I hurried forward, eyes scanning his entire body-his expensive suit torn, arms and pants smeared with mud and scratches, mingled with blood and thorns. The poised, refined image of the past had vanished, leaving only a chaotic mess.

“Oh my goddess! That’s Liam.” Liyah covered her mouth in shock, unable to believe it. “Has he been here, spying on us, since we arrived? I thought we lost him after the restaurant mess he created.”

“You know him?” Carson looked up sharply, astonished.

“More than just know him.” Lucien had approached unnoticed, his gaze casually sweeping over Liam’s unconscious state with a smirk. “So dramatically heartbroken at what he witnessed. I suppose we should do the right thing and take him to the hospital.”

“Heartbroken of witnessing what?” I asked, confused by what Lucien was making light of.

I looked up sharply, staring at Lucien.

In an instant, I felt as if I had fallen into an ice pit-every flutter and dizzy excitement stirred by him just moments ago froze and shattered.

So, he had known about Liam being here all along! Those intimate gestures at the table, those teasing words he spoke, had all been carefully staged to provoke Liam! And I, like a fool, had almost fallen for it.

A surge of humiliation and frustration filled my chest, making it hard to breathe.

“Quick, someone help me; let’s get him to the hospital!”

Suppressing the whirlwind of emotions, I focused on the life-or-death situation and called everyone to lift Liam toward the car.

But once we had managed to secure him inside, we turned to find Lucien’s car already gone-he just up and left, vanishing without a trace.

He hadn’t even shown the slightest interest in helping.

Liyah quickly drove Liam to the hospital, while I followed behind in Carson’s old Ford pickup truck.

After a round of examinations, the doctor diagnosed hypoglycemic coma caused by days of malnutrition. Liam would need to be admitted for IV fluids and observation.

I immediately notified Liam’s Gamma, Soren, as his Beta, Cole, was yet again out of province for pack business.

By the time everything was settled, it was near midnight. Carson had long ago returned to the house. Liyah and I were exhausted, our eyelids heavy with fatigue.

When Soren rushed in, we were both prepared to leave.

As we filled Soren in on everything and turned to leave, a weak, insistent voice called from the hospital bed, “Claire, please don’t go-”

I froze and turned.

Liam’s eyes were half-open, unfocused and weary, vulnerable from illness, yet locked tightly onto me.

The sight slowed my urge to flee.

I whispered to Liyah, “Liyah, you go back to the house and rest. Fill Carson in on the update, and I’ll stay until he’s okay.”

Liyah looked between Liam and me, who were still staring at me with unwavering intensity. She sighed helplessly and patted my shoulder.

“Alright, but make sure you get some rest. Don’t overdo it.”

After sending Liyah off, I turned to the hospital bed, each step heavy.

Frowning at Liam’s dishevelled state, I scolded, “Liam, what were you thinking? Trespassing on private property, scaling a silver-wired fence, acting like a sneaky thief, only to end up in this mess. Are you proud of yourself?”

I approached the bedside, but Liam suddenly grabbed my wrist.

“Claire! I saw you with Lucien-1-” His throat choked, his face a raw portrait of anguish. “My heart felt torn to pieces. I passed out from the pain.”

I struggled to pull my hand free, my voice cold as I pierced through his drama.

“Enough, Liam! The doctor said you fainted from a lack of proper sleep and care. You have apparently been missing meals and were dehydrated. So, enough with the melodrama. You and your empty words won’t manipulate me.”

Liamfroze, anger and bitterness mingling in his eyes.

“I don’t understand, Claire. When we mated, you said that you would only ever accept me as your mate and that you would only ever love me! You break promises now?”

So that was all that this was, a competition between two immature boys. He could not accept me showing such affection to another man, but it was allowed for him to do so?

My temper flared instantly. My voice rose, carrying long-suppressed resentment.

“Oh, is that how you are going to play your childish game now, Liam? Back when I said those words, you had also sworn to protect me, make me the happiest woman alive! And what happened? You allowed your family and bestie to abuse, humiliate and speak down to me. So, stop dragging up broken promises, because mine was a direct result of your actions.”

“So you admit it? You admit that you’ve changed your heart!” Liam was so riled up that he had to sit up, supporting himself with trembling arms. “You’re standing here, over my frail body, telling me that you’ve fallen for Lucien! Is that what I am to understand?”