99 Times for Alpha’s Bestie novel Chapter 23

“What’d you leave behind?” Liyah’s voice snapped me from my thoughts.

I blinked, sipping my coffee. “The keys and deed to the last piece of property left to me as per the will by my father. And Dad’s wooden box.”

“Claire, you need to realize that the way he is now, getting them back won’t be easy. What he believes about you and your mom- that bridge is burned.” Liyah frowned and sighed heavily.

“Kian’s, as his Gamma, and most attuned with emotions around him, tried asking him to smooth things over. Both Kian and Ethan are concerned about you being all alone, especially within the Sterling Moon pack, but it didn’t go over very well. As soon as either of them mentioned you, Lucien’s face went dark. The last time Kian tried to bring you up again? Lucien grabbed Kian’s girlfriend and threw her into a pool. Headfirst. All he mentioned was a childhood memory that involved your name.”

“After five years, he is still that violent?” My smile was bitter.

“Violent?” Liyah snorted. “He’s a damn demon Alpha. Why do you think no one dares challenge our pack? He got worse after he found out you were marked and mated. You accepted the mark of an enemy, Claire. That only deepened the betrayal he already felt.”

I stirred my coffee, lashes lowered–seemingly listening.

But my mind drifted to the day Lucien rode into my world and took hold of it with an unrelenting grip.

It was early spring, and I was seven.

A boy in black riding gear on a midnight stallion. Sunlight dappling through plane trees, catching his sharp features. A smile warm as honey, posture straight as a young heir should.

“Claire, come. I’ll teach you to ride.”

“Claire… you don’t smile much. Here–watch this trick I can do. Now you’re smiling.”

“Claire! Here is some candy that I swiped from home. Quick–eat it before they catch us.”

“Claire, don’t worry. I’m here for you. I promise you that no one will dare hurt you. Ever.”

The words echoed in my mind. They were as fresh as yesterday. Everything Lucien did and told me, all of it still to this day, clung to me.

Growing up in Calgary, I had many so–called relatives,

But none were like him.

Lucien was in a league of his own. He was dark and dangerous. I felt the chill of his aura the moment we met. But there was another side to him, a side where he was sincere, patient and gentle. He’d eased the ache of my father’s loss.

He told me that I could calm even the most feral of beasts with just a glance, and he was no different.

Those days tasted like his stolen candy–sweet even now.

But that sweetness of Lucien and his tenderness lasted only three years.

Then it shattered. Became something ugly, unrecognizable. Painful enough to make me want to erase him. Leaving Lucien behind hurt more than leaving Liam, my mate.

“Claire?” Liyah squeezed my hand. “You’re zoning out. Thinking about him, aren’t you?”

I snapped back, brow tightening. “He’ll be at the equestrian event, right?”

“Yes!” Liyah leaned in. “The Crown of Thorne is a silent sponsor. He’ll be in the front row. But Claire, are you sure you want to face him?”

“Yes.” No hesitation. “It is time I reclaimed what was always meant to be mine.”

Driving home, my phone rang–Soren, Liam’s Gamma.

“Mrs. Sterling? Mr. Sterling had too much. Insists you pick him up. Can you come?”

Where?” I asked.

The Hilton. The Presidential Suite.”

Call ended.

I turned toward the hotel, but when I stopped at a red light, doubt began to set in.

I knew Liam. I also knew that he rarely drank to excess. Liam prided himself on knowing where his limits where, especially after the incident with Breanne. He rarely drank outside of the house now.

So, why is he drinking now?

I should’ve asked more from his Gamma before hanging up. Too late now.

Parking in the visitor area at the Hilton, I took the elevator up. The eighth–floor hallway stretched, dim, deserted.

1 found the door wedged open. Curious.

I pushed the door open and took a few steps inside, confused. The Presidential suite was ultra–private. No staff. No guests. The entire floor was reserved.

My right eyelid twitched. Something felt wrong. I pulled out my phone to call Liam-

A hand clamped over my mouth from behind. Dragged me further into the suite, kicking the door closed.

Before I could react, a sharp sting pierced her neck. The cold liquid invaded her veins, and then I was shoved hard into the master bedroom within the suite.

I hit the floor, and my head was instantly spinning.

Under the room’s low lights, eight men sat on a leather couch, towel–clad, muscles glistening. The strong scent of Rogue hit me in the face.

My heart beat frantically as understanding crashed over me.

I tried to scramble up, but whatever was in that syringe made my limbs go numb. They were rendered useless now.

Heat flooded my face, travelling along my body. A strange tingling spread through my veins. Something primal and unstoppable awoke inside me.

My phone, I thought.

I fumbled for my pocket, but it was empty.

Dammit! It must’ve fallen in the entry area of the suite when I was about to call Liam.

The thought of Liam brought forth instant anger. This was his Gamma who brought me here. Did they plan this? Or did Stephanie leave Liam out of it and worked with Liam’s Gamma to lure me here?

As my vision began to blur, the sound of music filled the room.

The men stood, circled me like sharks. Laughter was shared as they told one another what they planned to do to me. They argued over who got me first and what order they all should go.

The hunger in their eyes made my skin crawl with disgust.

My gaze darted around the room. There was no exit other than the door, but I won’t make it. Not with my uncooperative limbs and whatever they injected into me.

I realized now just how much I had underestimated Stephanie’s viciousness.

Terror seized me. I strained against the drugs, but it was useless. It felt as though the more I fought it, the quicker it took me over.

The music cut, suddenly.

Breanne’s face filled the wall screen–pale, smug. Lounging in a pink silk robe in her princess–pink bedroom. She plucked a cherry, popping it delicately into her mouth.

“Do you like your gifts, Claire?” Breanne purred. “I chose them myself. Eight horny rogues. It’s been a while since they’ve had a woman to share. You’ll be very satisfied tonight.”

A cold smile. “Oh-and I installed cameras. Four hidden angles. After tonight? The whole world will see behind your little perfect mate act. See, you’re exactly like your w***e mother. A filthy, a desperate slut–just like her.”