99 Times for Alpha’s Bestie novel Chapter 173

I belatedly realized my reaction had been overly dramatic. I don’t know what came over me. I just saw Lucien, yet again, coming to my rescue and felt an overwhelming feeling of relief and safety. My rush to him was pure instinct.

My cheeks burned as I tried to wriggle free from Lucien’s iron grip, murmuring a defensive protest. “I just called you by your name, Lucien!”

But the arm locked around my waist did not budge; if anything, it tightened possessively.

“You little liar. You clearly said ‘Luci‘. Every syllable was crystal clear.” Lucien leaned down, his voice laced with teasing.

Did he call me a little liar? I thought to myself, completely mortified that I had reverted to calling him my childhood name for him.

The intimate nickname left me momentarily speechless. I couldn’t believe I slipped like that, especially in front of others.

Flustered, I ducked my head, only to meet the huge dog’s intelligent amber eyes. “He is so majestic,” I remarked, grabbing at the distraction. “That snowy coat looks Tibetan Mastiff–ish, but not quite.” I sank to my knees and reached tentatively for the shaggy head.

The beast rumbled contentedly, nuzzling my calf with surprising gentleness.

“Meet Blizzard,” Lucien explained, amusement dancing in his eyes as he crouched beside me. “He is a hybrid, with a house pet’s temper and a hunting hound’s spirit. He will guard the estate here and take some pressure off Carson.”

So that was why he had brought the dog. A warm glow spread through my chest. I wondered if there was a way for me to keep this adorable beast named Blizzard once I eventually moved here.

“Blizzard, sit,” Lucien commanded. Instantly, the canine sat with perfect obedience, the picture of fluffy discipline.

“Adorable!” I exclaimed, smitten. I tentatively brushed his damp nose. To my astonishment, Blizzard reciprocated by gently nudging his head against my palm like a furry gentleman.

Just then, Lucien’s tone shifted abruptly. “I have already contacted the director of the Medical Center here in Calgary. They are ready to handle your grandmother’s transfer at any time. If you want to bring her to Edmonton for recovery while being closer to you, just say the word.”

I went completely still. I had planned to stay in Calgary a few more days, waiting for updates on my father’s accident investigation before returning to Edmonton.

Though I had considered having Grandma live with me, I had not yet had the time to work out the details. It never occurred to me that Lucien would not only anticipate this need but also silently lay the groundwork before the thought had fully formed in my mind.

“But–Grandma’s medical expenses-” My gaze snapped up to meet his.

“That is no small sum. Since you probably cannot cover it immediately-” His voice dropped into a teasing lilt. “We will call it even with regular home–cooked meals. Cook for me every evening. I will eat at your place.”

This was not a request; it was a decree.

I nearly blurted out that I had funds, as the separation settlement from Liam could last for years, since I lived relatively frugally. Yet I swallowed the words, recognizing this thinly veiled excuse for what it was: a way for him to savour my cooking again.

After we had grown apart and his mother passed, rumours had reached me about his worsening habits- picky eating, skipped meals, chronic insomnia. Lucien would refuse to eat with others. I wasn’t sure of the reason, but no one was ever permitted to prepare his meals any longer. Yet he was dining with me more frequently. Now that he had gone above and beyond for my grandmother, preparing his meals seemed the least she could do.

“Alright,” I conceded softly, “Just message me what you would like each day. I will grab ingredients after work.”

“Nonsense! Liyah, let us-” I began, only for Lucien’s voice to send another flush through me.

“I will go,” he stated.

Three simple syllables. Liyah immediately plopped back down. “If Alpha Lucien is going, I will stay and keep your Grandmother company. You two can go.” She said with a shadow smirk playing on her lips.

I whirled toward him. This man embodied icy elegance in his designer clothes. What was he doing volunteering for the chaotic marketplace, with its pungent aromas and shouting vendors? Did he actually mean to go?

Lucien did not miss the skepticism flashing in my eyes. A barely there smirk played at the corners of his lips. He raised his hand and gave my forehead a playful tap before leaning in close.

“Are you underestimating me? In my younger days, I used to sell meat at the local market to make ends meet.”

The moment the words left his lips, he pivoted smoothly and made for the gate with his characteristic long strides.

I stood rooted to the spot. My gaze locked onto the clean lines of his broad–shouldered frame as an invisible fist seemed to clench around my heart.

Just what had he endured during those years after running away from home? Had he really worked as a butcher in some marketplace?

An acidic lump of emotion rose in my throat. Fists clenching unconsciously, I ran to catch up with him.