Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 108 Rogue

Author’s pov

The abandoned dockyard at the edge of Crescent territory sat shrouded in darkness, with only the gentle lapping of waves against weathered piers breaking the night’s silence. Out on the water, several boats bobbed gently, their lights dimmed to avoid drawing attention. To the untrained human eye, the scene might appear deserted, but a wolf’s enhanced vision could easily detect the shadowy figures moving with practiced stealth along the shore, loading crates onto waiting vessels.

On the largest yacht, Howard Reiner stood with his back straight and shoulders squared, his tailored suit doing little to disguise the predatory nature beneath. As Alpha of the notorious Viper Pack, his very presence exuded menace. His mixed heritage had gifted him with striking, chiseled features that might have been handsome if not for the cruel calculation in his eyes. The moonlight cast harsh shadows across his face, highlighting the dangerous edge to his jawline.

His wolf, Dread, prowled restlessly beneath his skin, eager for the thrill of the impending transaction. Howard maintained rigid control—he hadn’t become the most feared Alpha in the criminal underworld by letting his wolf dictate his actions.

"Alpha, we’re approaching the exchange time," one of his beta wolves reported, voice appropriately deferential. "Once this shipment sells, our territory expansion can begin immediately."

Howard’s narrowed eyes remained fixed on the shoreline through high-powered binoculars. "How long until the exchange?" His voice carried that distinctive chill that made even his own pack members suppress the instinct to bare their throats in submission.

"Thirty minutes, sir." The beta kept his gaze lowered, neck slightly tilted—not enough to show weakness, but sufficient to acknowledge hierarchy.

"Good. Their vessels are already in position. Prepare to move the merchandise." Howard’s fingers tapped rhythmically against the polished table, each beat precise and measured like a countdown.

The beta retreated to stand behind him, along with several other pack members who formed Howard’s inner circle. None spoke without being addressed directly—the Alpha’s mood was particularly volatile during operations.

This wasn’t just any deal. As the most powerful crime lord across three territories, Howard had orchestrated the largest arms shipment of the year. Success tonight would fund his pack’s expansion into contested territory for months, possibly years. The nine-figure payday would cement the Viper Pack’s dominance over rival wolves who still dared challenge them.

Howard settled into a leather chair, crossing his legs with deliberate elegance that belied the raw power of the wolf within. His scent—sharp venom and cold metal—filled the cabin, making his subordinates instinctively keep their distance. The Reiner name carried weight across Europe, where packs whispered of the bloodshed that followed whenever the Viper Alpha marked a territory as his own.

Howard had planned this North American transaction meticulously, ensuring every detail was accounted for. His reputation demanded nothing less than perfection. Any wolf who caused failure would face consequences far worse than death.

Twenty minutes passed in tense silence. The pack members began moving into position for the transfer when suddenly, a beta rushed into the cabin, panic evident in his scent despite his attempt to maintain composure.

"Alpha, we have a problem," he reported, his posture instantly submissive as Howard’s head snapped toward him.

Howard’s eyes flashed dangerously, a hint of amber bleeding into his human irises as Dread pushed forward. "Explain." The single word carried the weight of an Alpha command.

"Someone’s approaching from the north access road. Our sentries dismissed it initially, but there are now multiple vehicles heading this way—including what appear to be law enforcement. We can’t confirm their identities yet, but the situation is deteriorating rapidly."

Howard was on his feet in an instant, a low growl rumbling in his chest. "Cancel the exchange. Order immediate withdrawal." His voice remained controlled, but the rage in his scent was unmistakable.

Who would dare interfere with his operation? Which rival Alpha or human authority had the audacity—or death wish—to challenge him directly? This territory wasn’t under any established pack’s protection, which was precisely why he’d chosen it.

If human law enforcement discovered this arms deal, the consequences would reach beyond simple criminal charges. As a foreign national with connections to multiple international territories, Howard couldn’t afford to hand the authorities such leverage. The delicate balance between supernatural society and human governments depended on wolves like him avoiding certain spotlights.

As his pack scrambled to abandon the exchange, Howard remained calm despite his fury. Unlike his subordinates, he wouldn’t flee immediately. His wolf’s pride demanded he identify the threat—knowledge was power, and he never entered a future conflict without understanding his opponent.

"Bring the vessel to shore," he commanded, his tone leaving no room for question. "I want to see who dares disrupt my business."

Ethan’s POV:

The full moon hung low over the abandoned harbor, its pale light reflecting off the dark water as I accelerated toward my destination. My wolf, Leon, paced restlessly within me, feeding my obsession, my desperation.

This deserted dock was perfect—no witnesses, no interruptions. Just Victoria and me, finally alone. I needed to end this torment once and for all. Either she would return to me where she belonged, or if I couldn’t have her... well, no one would.

Any sane person would choose life over death. Victoria would make the right choice. She would come back to me.

My mind was consumed with thoughts of her, making me oblivious to my surroundings as I pulled the car to a stop near the water’s edge. Opening the passenger door, I gazed at Victoria’s unconscious form, my chest swelling with possessive pride. The powerful sedative I’d laced the car with had worked perfectly. I’d taken the antidote beforehand, ensuring I remained clear-headed for what needed to be done.

The dock was shrouded in darkness, not a single light illuminating our reunion. I lifted Victoria from the seat, cradling her limp body against my chest. The moonlight caressed her features, highlighting her ethereal beauty.

"Beautiful," I whispered, my voice trembling with desire. "Absolutely perfect."

From the first moment I saw Victoria Lancaster, I knew she was meant to be mine. Something primal within Leon recognized her, even though I didn’t understand why my wolf was so drawn to her. For five years, she had held a sacred place in my heart that not even Scarlett could touch.

I never truly wanted to part ways with Victoria. My marriage to Scarlett was meant to be temporary—a strategic alliance for my position in the Northstream Pack. I had planned to divorce Scarlett eventually and marry Victoria, continuing our life together as if nothing had happened. But she discovered my betrayal and ended things before I could explain.

No. We never broke up. I never agreed to it, so it never happened.

"Victoria, my sweet Victoria," I murmured, my eyes reflecting an unhinged obsession. "It’s been too long since I’ve held you. You’re so beautiful. I’ve missed you desperately."

Leon whined within me, sensing something was wrong with our actions, but I pushed his objections aside.

"Why have you been ignoring me? We can go back to how things were. You loved me once—I know you did." My grip tightened around her unconscious form. "I’ve apologized for my mistakes. I was trapped, don’t you see? You must forgive me. You have to!"

The sound of gentle waves lapping against the pier provided a rhythmic backdrop to my monologue.

"This is partly your fault too," I continued, justifying my actions to her silent form. "You’re a Lancaster, heir to the Crescent Dawn Pack—why didn’t you tell me? You concealed your true identity, your Alpha bloodline. You lied to me first! So we’re even now. We can start fresh, together forever. What do you say?"

Victoria remained unconscious, unable to respond. I smiled widely, interpreting her silence as agreement.

"I knew you wouldn’t blame me. I knew you still cared for me. We’ll be together, never apart again."

I cradled her head in my hands, manipulating it to nod in agreement. "That’s right. You want this too."

Victoria’s body was pliant, devoid of resistance as I positioned her however I wished. The feeling of control was intoxicating. This was perfect—she was finally mine to command.

My wolf howled inside me, but I couldn’t tell if it was in triumph or warning. I inhaled Victoria’s sweet scent, the fragrance that had always driven me wild with need. I regretted the times I’d neglected her, putting work before our relationship, sometimes going weeks without seeing her.

I should have claimed her physically years ago instead of saving myself for Scarlett’s sake. Victoria’s first time should have been with me, cementing our bond. The thought of her with another man—especially my half-brother Damien—made Leon snarl with jealous rage.

But even that didn’t matter anymore. Victoria was here now, completely at my mercy. Yet her unconscious state wasn’t satisfying. I wanted her awake, aware of my dominance, my claim on her body and soul.

I carried her to the edge of the pier where the dark water lapped against the supports. Without hesitation, I gripped her hair and plunged her head beneath the frigid surface.

After several seconds, I pulled her up as she gasped and coughed violently, consciousness returning to her beautiful features. Her golden eyes flew open, confusion and fear replacing their usual confidence.

"Welcome back, my love," I whispered, watching water stream from her hair down her face. "Now we can truly begin our reunion."