99 Times for Alpha’s Bestie novel Chapter 24

And by the way,” Breanne hissed, “everything I’m doing to you today? Liam totally approved. He heard from my aunt that you scammed twenty–five million out of him. He was furious. Said you were beyond saving and told me to teach you a lesson myself.”

She leaned closer, her sneer cutting through the dim light. “He’s already on date with my best friend tonight–he couldn’t wait to reject you. After tonight, you’ll return every penny you stole from our Luna, plus another twenty–five million in reputational damages.”

“I know you don’t have it. But hey, you could always sell that body. Because after tonight, you’ll be ruined. Liam and every other rich heir will toss you aside like garbage.”

“The show’s starting. I’ll be your front–row audience. Claire -make it good.”

On the large screen, Breanne’s laughter rang out.

I clenched my teeth, straining against the drug affecting me with every shred of strength.

My body remained immobile–a lamb awaiting s*******r. I considered biting my tongue to end it, but stubborn defiance erupted like tangled vines within me.

‘No. I won’t die by my own hand. No matter how hopeless, I survive.‘

I silently swore vengeance–a hundred fold payback for this agony. I refused to believe fate would always be this cruel. I prayed for just one chance to rise again.

“Alright, cameras rolling! Begin! Claire–feel free to scream as loud as you like!” Breanne’s voice vibrated with sick excitement.

Eight hulking rogues closed in, leering.

“G–get away…!” I rasped, weakly pushing at the air. My hands hung limp.

Their filthy hands reached out and gripped and pinched my skin, forcing whimpers and cries from me, but they didn’t stop touching me. They laughed and mocked me as they began tearing at my clothes. A bearded man ripped away my clothing and lunged.

I shut my eyes, bracing for the darkness.

The master bedroom door exploded inward.

The rogues scattered in panic as the lights went out. Breanne’s screen went dark, her frantic screams cutting off as the surveillance feeds died.

Beastly roars, shrieks, and the sounds of shifting with teeth gnashing viciously into flesh. The sound of the rogues pleading for mercy only to be followed by the sound of gurgling blood and grunts of beatings.

I could smell blood in the air. But I didn’t know who was injured or dead.

I lay frozen on the bed, warm, sticky droplets spattering my face and naked body. I knew it was blood. Someone then threw a jacket over me. Strong arms lifted me.

The drugs surged, clouding my mind.

Through the haze, I glimpsed a sharp jawline and inhaled the faint scent of pine. Greedy as a kitten, I buried my face into the warmth, biting down on fabric.

My dark, mysterious hero. He found me again.

I barely registered a hand stroking my hair, muffled words lost in the roaring heat consuming me. I writhed, pressing deeper into the solid chest, carrying me away.

****

It was 6:20 AM.

I began to stir. Slowly awakening to discover I was in a hospital room. Liyah and Kian stood vigil by the bed.

“Liyah…” My voice scraped raw.

Liyah jolted awake, clutching my hand tightly as though afraid to release me. “Oh god, you’re awake! Do you remember last night?”

I remember.” I managed a bitter smile. Lately, it seemed all I did was rush to the hospital or lie in its beds. I was sick of it. I turned to Kian. “It–it was you who saved me, Kian? Thank you. I owe you my life.”

I tried to sit up. Kian and Liyah gently pushed me back. Kian’s gaze held a flicker of guilt.

I just happened to be passing that room. Heard a commotion, went to check. Didn’t expect to find you. Don’t worry,” he added quickly, “the warriors with me handled those creeps. They stripped you, but never had the chance to touch you. Claire, who hates you this much?”

I looked down.

Under the blanket, my fists clenched, nails biting into my palms.

The Cruzs had done enough. The Sterlings were a powerful Alpha family; I wouldn’t drag my friends deeper into my mess.

Seeing my reluctance, Kian stood and nodded once in understanding.

“Alright. Won’t push. But that was too close. From now on, four plainclothes warriors will watch you. Whatever trouble you’re in, remember what I said when we were kids? If you need help, come to us. You’re Liyah’s best friend. That holds value, despite yours and Lucien’s discord.”

“I feel terrible. I owe you so much already. I’ll repay it. Someday.” My eyes stung.

“Repay? Stop that,” Liyah tapped my forehead lightly, feigning annoyance. “If Kian says it, he means it. Quit acting like an outsider. The Cruz family’s got your back. We are the Beta family of the pack in Alberta, that tells people something.”

I looked up. Our eyes met, and we shared a fragile smile.

Kian lingered until he saw that I was stable, then excused himself.

Alone with Liyah, I leaned back, replaying the night. Drugged and nearly assaulted in the worst way. Breanne was going to broadcast it all to ruin me completely.

He was cloaked in darkness, but the scent of pine lingered. Familiar. The exact same scent when I was rescued from the last rogue attack. Even when I had fainted outside the OR, I remembered it. This dark hero had been there three times to save me, yet never came forward to claim the credit.

I knew that it wasn’t Kian who burst through that door last night.

But who else in this world kept appearing to save me?

One face surfaced, but I violently shook my head.

No. He would never. He made it clear where I sat in his life. My saviour being him was simply impossible. If he felt even a shred of kindness, then he wouldn’t have-.

The phone on the bedside table buzzed, shattering my thoughts.