99 Times for Alpha’s Bestie novel Chapter 38

BREANNE POV

Alpha Henry’s 60th birthday celebration was the most anticipated event in Edmonton.

Most of the surrounding Alphas were in attendance.

Liam, dressed in a pristine white tailored suit, stood at the entrance alongside me. I wore a matching white strapless gown. I welcomed guests while Liam registered their gifts, the two of us working seamlessly together like a perfect couple.

Suddenly, Luna Stephanie approached and pulled me to the side.

“Breanne, what the hell is taking Claire so long? Is she coming or not?” She lowered her voice.

I have been manipulating our Luna for years, and I knew how to navigate her emotional upsets easily.

“Don’t worry, Luna. Liam has talked to her. She probably knows we need her and is just putting on a show.” I replied.

I watched as the Luna frowned. “That ungrateful brat is just being dramatic! After tonight’s party,

I’m having Liam reject her on the spot!”

“Then Liam can be with someone more deserving to lead by his side. Someone who knows the pack and is accepted by the pack. Someone who will be his friend, but his strongest supporter. Next to you and Alpha, of course.” I smirked mysteriously.

She smiles thoughtfully at me.

“That is why I have selected your friend, Queenie. The Taylor family won’t bring shame to our pack, as she understands that and if Liam takes a mistress later on in life, Queenie will accept the bring shame to our pack,

Alpha male has needs. Her father and brothers all have mistresses by their sides.”

Bitterness filled me as I stood there and took in Luna Stephanie’s words.

Yet again, she overlooked me for Liam as his Luna. I felt as if she was already reducing me to strictly a mistress candidate for Liam and not a mate and wife.

I nod mutely and maintain my smile when inside I am a raging inferno of anger.

“I am so happy that you agreed with this choice. After we’re done matching Liam, Henry, and I will find someone suitable for you. You can look around, see if any of these males interest you.” Stephanie said, her eyes narrowing with delight.

As I scanned the lavish party, a sense of unease began to creep in.

Despite the Sterling Moon packs PR team spending big bucks to remove the trending topic and delete negative comments, the rumours hadn’t stopped.

In fact, they had only intensified, damaging my reputation.

I felt that the previously flirty, young, wealthy males were pulling away from me, their attitudes growing cold. Even my pack friends seemed to distance themselves, with our group chat suddenly going silent. I strongly suspected they had formed a new group without me.

If Claire would get her lazy ass over here and clarify things, the situation could be turned around and my image restored.

I hated that I needed her tonight.

Once she clears everything up, and then we get rid of her, I can start to sabotage things with

Queenie. She’s only a problem if Liam accepts her as his Luna replacement.

As the party was about to begin, I noticed that Claire still hadn’t arrived.

Me

No, this can’t happen. I needed the b***h here! Feeling anxious, I decided to call Claire to check her whereabouts, but of course, Claire didn’t answer.

**LIAM POV**

I had finished greeting the guests and stepped out to the terrace.

I had called Claire at least ten times and sent dozens of messages, all of which had gone unanswered.

Was she really planning to skip the party and not help clarify things?

A heavy sense of dread settled in my chest. I had apologized, and she accepted it. There was no way she would leave me hanging like this. This event meant too much to the pack, to my parents. I needed Claire to understand the importance of her presence and to let everyone know that she supports my friendship with Breanne.

I picked up my phone and called my Gamma. “Soren, is Claire still at home? Did you deliver the high–end jewel set? Has she set off yet?”

Soren confirmed that Claire was indeed on her way.

Hearing that eased some of my anxiety, but I still felt a tightness in my chest as I glanced at the overcast sky, wishing for the clear starry nights of the past few days.

Just then, I heard two women laughing behind me.

“Oh, there you are! I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” My mother chirped. “Come over! I want to introduce you to someone delightfully charming. Queenie, this is my son, Liam.”

I nodded politely, not paying much attention to Queenie’s appearance, only noticing her pale yellow puff–sleeved V–neck gown and long hair cascading down her back.

However, my attention was suddenly drawn to the green diamond necklace she wore.

I instinctively reached out and touched it, causing her to gasp in surprise, her face flushing red as she quickly hid behind Stephanie. I knew the act; she–wolves like her played the same bashful games for attention. I wasn’t biting.

“What are you doing, Liam?” My mother exclaimed, surprised.

My expression darkened as I examined the necklace. It was a custom piece I had given to Claire last Valentine’s Day, the only one of its kind in the world.

“Where did you get this necklace?” I demanded that my aura be released. Breanne walked over, curious what we were discussing, but I paid her appearance no mind.

Queenie hesitated, feeling confused by my sudden interest. “Um, I found it online. It’s second–hand.”

“Second–hand?” My brow furrowed. I quickly asked for the website link.

Opening the seller’s page, I found a collection of clothing, jewelry, bags, and various items I recognized. Those were gifts I had sent to Claire over the years.

My heart sank as I realized she had been secretly selling off everything I had gifted her.

“Liam, why are you more interested in her necklace than getting to know her?” Breanne teased, oblivious to the tension. “Are you thinking of getting me one?”

I ignored her, “I need to step out for a moment.”

I brushed past them, ignoring Queenie completely, my wolf was screaming at me to find Claire. I needed to leave right now. Something wasn’t right.

“Wait, Liam!” Breanne shouted, instinctively reaching for me, but I shrugged her off.

As I left, I heard Queenie’s whining voice behind me. “Luna Stephanie, I told you, Liam doesn’t like me.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure he notices you. Once he rejects that mistake of a mate, you’ll be next in line, I promise.” My mother’s lighthearted chuckle followed it.

I wanted to stop and address my mother’s words, but I needed to find Claire first.

As I stood at the entrance, waiting for my car to come around, I could hear every word of the opening speeches for my father’s celebration.

“Ladies and gentlemen, we gather here today to celebrate Mr. Sterling’s 60th birthday. Now, let’s welcome Mr. Sterling and his family to the stage!”

The applause was thunderous.

My parents walked gracefully to the center stage. I noticed Breanne slightly behind them, but walking proudly, as though she belonged in the spotlight of someone else’s event.

It made me wonder. Was this how things have always been? Was Breanne always in the light because she forced it, despite it being someone else’s moment to shine?

I heard my name called.

“Let’s welcome Mr. Liam Sterling and his mate!”

“Mr. Liam Sterling?” And then called again.

I was conflicted. Who do I choose to disappoint today? My parents or my mate?

As though sensing my conflict, I watched as Breanne walked off the stage and headed my way. She was going to drag me to the stage, and entertain the crowd. But was that what I wanted?

And then I saw her. The most stunning, captivating female I have ever seen.

Dressed in a striking red satin gown with a dramatic train, her lengthy hair flowing and lips painted a fiery red, she exuded an aura of elegance and power. Her presence was breathtaking, like a vibrant red rose or the mesmerizing red spider lily on the edge of a cliff.

She was stunning and dangerously beautiful!