99 Times for Alpha’s Bestie novel Chapter 54

Lucien’s indifference caught me off guard.

It seemed I had failed to evoke any fond memories of our childhood, and instead, I had hit a nerve. I shouldn’t be surprised, though.

Navigating the terrain of Lucien’s mind was like walking in a field filled with landmines now. Even the slightest thing could set him off.

“Lucien, I didn’t mean that. I just wish we were as close as we were when we were kids. We used to smile and be happy together.” I instinctively tried to explain.

“Shut up!” Lucien’s voice was like ice. “That part of my life brings nothing but shame now. Mention it again, and I’ll make you regret it.”

My pupils dilated as I sensed his intense aversion, and I found myself falling silent as he instructed. I was too afraid to say another word.

“Tell me, Claire. Did you dress like this to attract someone’s attention?” Lucien asked mockingly, his piercing gaze roamed over me.

“Of course, it’s to attract you…” Realizing what I had blurted out and how inappropriate that sounded, I thinned my lips and fell silent. I knew my cheeks were most likely a crimson flush by now.

“Is that so? And just what did you intend to do with me once I was drawn in?” He looked at me with a smirk, amusement dancing in his eyes.

I instinctively touched my back, where two thin straps supported the almost entirely sheer design.

A chill ran down my spine as I felt something brush against my lower back.

I shivered, instinctively wanting to step back, but found myself cornered against the wall. “Lucien,” I forced a smile, pushing his hand away, “that’s not what I meant. I came to Langley for you, but my goal is to show you that I haven’t wasted any of your teachings, not for anything else.” “Oh? You came all this way in this dress to show me you know how to ride a stallion? Sure, and then what was your plan, Claire?” His eyes were dreamy, yet his tone was probing.

I took a deep breath, deciding to lay it all on the line. It was now or never; fortune favoured the brave. Right? That’s what people said. Time to be fearless, I guess.

“Lucien, I want to return to the Crown of Thornes pack. I want to be there with you. I can’t help but think you must be so lonely all these years.”

Lucien suddenly began to cough violently, as if something had choked him, his body shaking.

Maybe it was the demon that was possessing him, finally exiting his body?

He finally released me, and I took this opportunity to step back, creating some distance between us. Allowing myself to catch my own breath, because despite everything, my mind kept holding onto the lingering memories of us catching him in the room dressing moments ago. His being that close was dangerous to my plans.

“Return to my pack?” Lucien’s cold eyes narrowed.

“Even though I don’t share the same last name, I’ve always considered myself a part of the Thorne family. Lucien, are you willing to accept me?” I said sincerely, tears glistening in my eyes.

I’d watched Breanne do this enough, but even I was impressed by my own acting skills.

Lucien stepped closer, pinning me against the wall again. “Claire, do you know what you’re saying?”

Of course, I knew. It was my suggestion, why would I have said it otherwise? But, I also understood that Lucien would never allow me back into the Crown of Thornes pack, much less the actual Thorne family.

But to reclaim what was rightfully mine, I had to try and get back in there.

“Lucien, I know.” I feigned innocence, deliberately reminding him, “We grew up together. You were closer to me than a real brother could be. I…”

Slam!

Lucien suddenly released me as if I burned him and shoved me away from him roughly. I stumbled and crashed into the wall, my right shoulder hitting the corner painfully, causing me to wince.

Flustered, I opened my mouth to say something despite the pain pulsating in my side.

However, at that same moment, a shadow darted toward me like an arrow, and before I could react, a strong arm wrapped protectively around me.

That was when I heard Liam’s serious voice in my ear, “Lucien, why are you still harassing Claire? How long will you continue this? You need to grow up and move on, Claire isn’t your victim to be bullied anymore.”

I looked up to meet Liam’s concerned gaze.

Instantly, my expression froze. Without thinking, I pushed Liam’s hand away and took two steps back to maintain a safe distance.

As though sensing my desire to wound Liam and push him away further, Lucien’s knowing smile, and he casually pulled me into his embrace.

“Oh please, we’re just old packmates reuniting. What’s wrong with that? Don’t tell me you are jealous, Mister Sterling?”

He emphasized the last two words.

He deliberately left out Liam’s Alpha rank to bait him, and watching it all play out, I’m not even sure if Liam realized the insult. He was too focused on me being in Lucien’s arms.

Liam’s eyes flickered with disbelief as he instinctively reached for my hand.

“Babe, come over here. Don’t you remember how he hurt you during college? I always kept you safe, didn’t I? Stay away from him. Don’t let him hurt you again!”

I forced myself to remain calm in Lucien’s embrace, not moving an inch. It felt warm, despite how cold he was. It felt safe, despite how dangerous he is.

“Liam, this is none of your business!” I looked at Liam coldly.

Liam’s words caught in his throat, unable to respond.

“Claire, I don’t understand. Lucien is a horrible person. Your relationship had always been rocky, and he makes it clear to everyone that he despises you more than anyone. No one is allowed to mention your name within the Crown of Thrones pack. Why are you doing this to me?”

Anyone could see how baffled Liam was by what was before him. I didn’t answer him; I allowed his mind to continue down the rabbit hole it plunged into.

“Is this why you were so determined to reject me? You wanted your abuser back, so you left a good and loving mate for it?”

I could feel my face drop at his words.

He couldn’t be that delusional.

Just as I was about to correct Liam and remind him that he was my greatest abuser, Lucien pushed me away with force, sending me crashing into Liam’s arms.

“I’m not interested in being your stepping stone.”

In the blink of an eye, Lucien transformed from the protective person I remembered him to be back to a cold, ruthless Alpha that the world knows him as.

Before I could regain my balance, Lucien turned sharply and strode away, leaving behind an air of noble indifference.