99 Times for Alpha’s Bestie novel Chapter 47

I didn’t look back; instead, I quickened my pace.

“Regardless of our rejection, you’re still my mate. If you need money or anything else, just let me know. If you want to remarry, anytime!” Liam called after me.

“Claire, think logically for a moment. Where will you even live? You don’t have your own place here and you asked for nothing from me in this process. How about you take the keys to the penthouse suite on the southside? You can stay as long as you want!”

I paused, caught off guard by his sudden generosity.

Figures that it took me walking away from him for him to remember how to be a dutiful mate and partner.

If I had a wolf, I am certain that I would have been swayed. The pull to be with your true mate was more potent than logic, I’ve been told.

It’s funny, I always thought it was a curse to be wolfless, but now I understand that it was actually a blessing from the Goddess.

This was the Goddess’s way of fixing a poor match and helping me escape it without the weakness towards the bond effect.

“Liam, stop following me. My living situation is my own to figure out; it no longer involves you or your input. Now leave me alone, I’ve officially rejected you.”

I turned to him, my gaze icy as I was prepared to say goodbye for good.

I watched as Liam’s eyes were filled with a mix of love and frustration, causing a c***k to form in my heart.

Part of me wondered if Liam actually had feelings for me, and it was just overshadowed by Breanne and her dramatics.

And then Liam had to open his mouth again, reminding me why we were here.

“Claire, I respected your wishes and went through with the rejection process, but I need a favour in return. I need you to drop the charges against Breanne.”

I don’t know why I had expected a heartfelt plea, but instead, it was him attempting to smooth things over enough to free the villain of our story.

Anger surged through me, and I couldn’t help but scoff, “Sure, since your mother paid my twenty–five million to leave you, I think considering forgiveness for the murder of our pup should cost double that. You want that homewrecking pup–killer free, it’ll cost you fifty million. Send me that, and maybe I might consider dropping the charges.”

Without a second of hesitation, Liam pulled out his phone and typed something quickly.

Suddenly, my phone chimed with a text notification.

“Money isn’t an issue. It’s all yours. You can have as much as you want. Breanne is in a terrible state right now, crying, screaming, and threatening to harm herself. I need you to do me this one favour and help her out. Besides, this separation is just temporary. We both know that we’ll reconcile eventually.”

I stood there, feeling an inexplicable chill despite the heat of my boiling rage within.

I checked my phone and sure enough, Liam Sterling transferred fifty million dollars into my bank account.

I couldn’t believe it. Just like that, it was sent to me. No hesitation at all.

He was willing to put a dollar value on the loss of his heir and our mate bond, all just to protect Breanne. Breanne Telder was a lying, conniving, manipulative woman who cursed his mate never to successfully carry his pups, but she was worth his forgiveness without a second’s hesitation. This told me just how important Breanne was to Liam. He threw it all away for her, yet hides behind the title of bestie. Why not be honest and open?

I rubbed my temples, feeling utterly upset with this entire situation.

“Fine. As I said, I would consider forgiveness. I make no guarantees, but I’m glad to see just how low you will go to protect the w***e that destroyed our relationship.”

With that, I turned and walked away.

I reached the main road and raised my hand to hail a cab, but Liam caught up to me again, grabbing my wrist in panic.

“Where are you staying, Claire? I’ll take you there; taxis are unsafe for an Alpha’s mate,” he insisted, his eyes full of concern.

I yanked my hand free, exasperated by his persistence. Just as I was about to yell at him to stop, a long Lincoln pulled up beside me.

The window rolled down, and Kian poked his head out, shouting, “Claire, get in!”

“Kian? It’s okay, I can call a cab,” I replied, surprised.

“Forget the cab! Get in. Liyah sent me to pick you up!”

Kian jumped out of the car, marching over to me and pulling me behind him without giving her a chance to protest.

He flexed his muscular arms and shot a disdainful, warning look at Liam.

“You have a lot of nerve still trying to be around her. Take a hint, loser. She’s gone with you! Stay away from her, got it!”

After issuing his warning, Kian opened the back door for me. “Get in, Claire. No need to hesitate. We’re family.”

I felt a bit embarrassed by his enthusiasm, but accepted his kindness. I thanked him and climbed into the car without any hesitation.

However, as I settled in, I noticed Lucien sitting across from me.

He wore a dark blue shirt, casually unbuttoned at the chest, and black pants, radiating an air of lazy aristocracy. When he saw me finally noticing him, he slowly raised his gaze, a smirk playing on his lips, his eyes glinting with mockery.

“Lucien, you…”

I was taken aback, instinctively blurting out, but the distance he projected made my words stick in my throat.

Lucien said nothing, barely acknowledging me; his indifference towards my presence was palpable.

His gaze passed over me like I didn’t even exist, landing instead on Liam standing outside. I followed his chilling gaze and locked onto Liam’s heated, hostile expression in return.

Lucien merely glanced at him, his expression regal and detached, as if he were a king surveying a peasant.

“Liam, what a pity. A failure after only a mere three years. I imagine this speaks volumes of your leadership abilities for the future, as well.” He smirked and said.

My body tensed, and I turned to see Lucien’s mocking gaze and the middle finger he slowly raised toward Liam.

At that moment, the car window rolled up, and the driver started the engine.

The car was filled with eerie silence.

I sat up straight, frozen in place, feeling the cold air radiating from Lucien’s side, making my limbs feel numb.

“Claire, where are you headed? Just tell the driver the address,” Kian said from the front passenger side of the car, trying to break the awkward silence.

“Pinecrest Villas,” I replied slowly, adding, “Is that on the way? If not, I can take a cab.”

Lucien leaned back, eyes closed, giving no indication of whether he was asleep or awake.

“Of course it’s on the way. Lucien actually lives…” Kian quickly answered. But before he could finish, I heard a deliberate cough next to me.

Kian fell silent. I wondered what he was about to say for a moment longer before the heavy awkwardness of the car’s atmosphere weighed on me once again.

Remembering that Lucien had just coughed and cleared his throat, I reached into my bag and pulled out a piece of candy, offering it to him with a friendly smile.

“Lucien, this is like the candy we loved as kids. If your throat is bothering you, eat one.”