99 Times for Alpha’s Bestie novel Chapter 55

I fell heavily into Liam’s arms. I was surprised I didn’t feel the pull to him anymore.

It was a positive sign that all remnants of the bond, at least on my end, were completely severed.

I was distracted by the throbbing spike in my left temple.

Lucien’s shove had been so forceful that my head collided hard against the edge of Liam’s shoulder.

Instinctively, I covered my forehead, slowly rubbing it as I grumbled about how much I hated Alpha males.

While Liam rubbed his shoulder, he quickly began to study my features. Concern washed over his face as he scanned me from head to toe. But also, something felt off.

I never typically dress like this, so I knew Liam was devouring every second of it. His arms reached out, and his hands aimed to grip my hips to pull me back into his embrace.

“Claire, what are you doing in Langley? Did you see the flight info I sent you?” He smirked.

I pushed his hand away, refusing to even look at him. “You’re overthinking it, Liam. I can’t stand being near you, or have you forgotten who left who?”

Liam rolled his eyes slightly at my words, as if he believed I was lying to him or playing coy.

“Just stay away from Lucien. He’s unpredictable and dangerous. Remember what happened in college?” He returned to a serious expression.

“Liam, stop interfering in my life, or I will report you for stalking to the Council, got it?” I was done explaining myself. I headed straight for the center of the party.

As I turned to leave, I was suddenly wrapped in Liam’s blazer as he draped it protectively over my shoulders.

“Liam, do not touch me!“I hissed in annoyance and tried to shrug it off.

He ignored my words. “Who told you to wear something this revealing? Your whole backside is out! Claire, what’s in your mind?”

I could see Liam’s anger bubbling up, but I refused to back down.

I grabbed his tie without hesitation and yanked it, sending his expensive blazer flying to the ground.

“Even if I were running around naked, it’s none of your business! Stay away from me, or I’ll report you for harassment!”

With a fierce glare, I turned and strode away, leaving him stunned.

As I was leaving the area where I had left Liam stumped silent, Liyah appeared in a well–lit part of the corridor.

Seeing me, she rushed over and linked arms with me. “Where have you been? I asked everyone here, but no one seemed to know. I was worried sick!”

“I got lost and then ran into a pest. They really need to do better pest control here; it’s getting out of hand.” I replied, my tone flat.

I dusted my shoulders as if I was touched by filth, and in my mind, I was. It was where Liam’s jacket had once rested.

I knew Liam was close enough that he and his wolf would hear my words.

Liyah instinctively glanced back, a sly smile creeping onto her lips, “Oh, we’d better hurry then. Just leave this rat–infested area behind!“

With that, we headed back towards the celebration.

I hoped Liam enjoyed that sentiment of disrespect and humiliation. He deserved a lot more for where that came from.

When Liyah and I returned to the celebration, the atmosphere was electric, fueled by alcohol and the DJ’s beats.

Women in bikinis swirled around the wealthy patrons, champagne glasses in hand.

Every corner of the venue was packed with game tables and the billiard area.

Despite the loud music, my gaze locked onto a figure lounging on the sofa in the far back corner, the most striking and powerful Alpha in in the room, eyes closed, seemingly asleep. But I knew better. Lucien was always aware of what happened around him. He was watching everything, even when most thought he was sleeping.

Liyah introduced me to a few new friends, and amidst laughter and chatter, I found myself reluctantly downing drinks.

I don’t know if it was because of my sense of freedom or because I was trapped in this space with not only Lucien, but Liam as well, as both of them were torturing me in different ways for different reasons.

Regardless, where was the harm in a few drinks? I rarely let loose like this and wanted to enjoy myself.

WILLE

Just as my spirits began to lift and I was finally relaxed and having fun, someone stepped forward and snatched the drink from my hand.

“You’ve had enough for tonight. I don’t want you to drink anymore.” Liam’s voice buzzed in my ear, like an annoying mosquito.

Swaying slightly, I reached for the drink. “Liam, I already told you, I don’t want or need your help! Give me back my drink!”

“Claire! I hate seeing you drunk! Can’t you be responsible and just go to bed like a good female should?” Liam ignored my attempts and held the glass high above his head.

His familiar commanding tone hit me like a bomb, making my ears ring.

I stood my ground, looking at the self–righteous man in front of me, and couldn’t help but chuckle.

I was about to lunge up for the drink when I happened to notice a server passing by with a large glass of beer filled with ice.

Without a second thought, I grabbed the glass and dumped its entire contents over Liam’s head!

“Liam, it would appear as though the drunk one is you! Get a clue. I left you, now leave me the f**k alone! I didn’t come here to track you down; I was already here long before you. Check the records, ****t! I am here to patch things up with Lucien, not you. Have some self–awareness!”

Perhaps it was the alcohol talking.

But regardless, my bold actions sent the previously lively party plunging into stunned silence. Liam’s meticulously styled hair was drenched in beer, ice cubes perched atop his head, and his expensive shirt and pants were ruined, making him look ridiculous and dishevelled.

The entire venue could hear the disgust and disdain in every word I spoke. They watched as Liam instinctively wiped his face, boiling with anger at the humiliation.

Liam, in a fit of frustration, slammed the drink he had once held away from me on the tray of the server standing there dumbfounded, and he grabbed a napkin in return. He quickly wiped the beer off his face, but I didn’t wait around to see what he had planned next.

I was over Liam and his drama. I left.

“Where did she go?” I heard Liam roar from the crowd. I guess he was angry, I thought with a smirk.

So sad!

“Welcome to a taste of the hell I suffered, b***h!“, I mumbled as I slipped away right as the lights in