99 Times for Alpha’s Bestie novel Chapter 163

LUCIEN POV

I left the lobby, leaving Steven Reese to helplessly watch as his abused mother was taken away, his final shred of control ripped from him.

He thought he could manipulate Claire, but he failed to recognize my level of devotion, even if unspoken.

There was a potent mix of humiliation and rage in his eyes as I did; it would only be a matter of time before Steven Reese found a way to strike again.

Behind me, I heard a rush of feet towards Steven.

“Dad!” His son, Jack, rushed forward.

“Worthless fools!” I heard Steven spat with a guttural roar. “Where were you when that bastard had me cornered?”

This brought a smirk to my lips the entire route out of the hotel and straight to the awaiting car.

The Rolls-Royce’s cabin swallowed me in silence as I settled into the backseat.

“John,” I commanded, pressing my fingers against my temple, “use every resource available to us. Pull every contact, if you need to, but find every detail about the accident that killed Claire’s father, including every person involved.”

My gaze flicked to the Reese Group sign fading outside the window.

“Focus your attention specifically on her two uncles and cousins. The condition of the grandmother and the rise of one brother so soon after another fall are too convenient. I want every detail unearthed. Is that clear?”

“Understood, Alpha,” John replied from the front.

Leaning back, I exhaled slowly.

What should have felt like a crushing victory over the Reese family instead felt hollow, unravelling into something darker. It was clear I had only begun to uncover secrets far more complex and sinister than I had ever anticipated.

If that was true, I needed to get ahead of it quickly so that I wouldn’t risk anything happening to Claire.

“Steven Reese-” The two words slipped soundlessly from my lips.

And Claire-that seemingly fragile girl who had fought her way through despair-what weight was she truly bearing? I spent so much time pretending to hate her, I should have been watching more closely.

My lips pressed into a silent, grim line as the luxury sedan tore through the night, racing towards the arranged Medical Care facility.

***CLAIRE POV***

I carefully guided my grandmother’s wheelchair to the bedside and then lowered myself to my knees.

Tilting my head up, I finally looked thoroughly upon the woman I had longed for day and night. I prayed to the moon Goddess each night for her to watch over my grandmother, just as I did for my parents. I still could not believe she was here, with me, right now.

“Grandma…”

“My dear Moonbeam-I thought-I thought I would never see you again.” Her bony fingers clutched at mine.

“Never, Grandma! Never again!” I cried out.

I got up off my knees and collapsed into those frail arms, my tears gushing forth uncontrollably and soaking the thin hospital gown they had placed her in when we arrived.

“This is all my fault. I came too late-I let you suffer-”

After a prolonged silence, the words finally came, breathed out so faintly they were almost inaudible.

“That Thorne boy-he has grit. You two were betrothed as pups. Knowing he will shield you now-it lifts half the burden from this old heart.”

Betrothed?! Wait, what? Did Lucien know this?

I remembered his words to Matthew regarding arranged mating; had he lied? Was Luna Thorne journaling about our arrangement, and he kept it to himself?

“What?” my voice cracked mid-syllable. “Grandma, what did you just say? Lucien and I-we were engaged as children?”

She nodded.

“Yes. Alpha Emeric was your father’s best friend and fellow soldier. When you were just a baby, the Alpha and Luna of the Crown of Thornes pack came to see you in the hospital, and they suggested the match. That jade pendant you have always worn-it was their promise gift, given to seal the engagement.”

My pendant?!

My fingers flew to the smooth jade at my throat..

All these years, I had cherished it as my mother’s last memento. I never imagined it marked my destined mating to Lucien from the very beginning.

“Moonbeam-” Grandma’s whisper trembled, “Now that you are back-there is something else. This is something I have kept locked away for over a decade. I could not bring myself to speak of it before. But you are strong now, and with the Thorne’s having your back, it’s time you knew the truth.”

My stomach dropped. Cold dread clawed at my chest as I leaned forward intently.

“What is it, Grandma? Please, just tell me!” I urged, my voice dropping to a hushed tone. “I promise, we are completely alone and safe here. You can tell me anything.”