Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 131 They’re in free fall

Victoria’s POV

I settled across from Damien in a private dining room at one of the city’s most elegant restaurants. The atmosphere was sophisticated, with soft lighting and tasteful décor that created an intimate setting.

"Would you care to look at the menu?" The server offered us each a leather-bound menu.

After scanning the options, I selected a few dishes, careful not to over-order. It was just the two of us, and I couldn’t stand the thought of food going to waste.

"Have you seen the Northstream Pack’s stock prices lately?" I asked, tossing out a conversation starter.

He nodded. "Yes. They’re in free fall."

The stock had plummeted to record lows in the past couple of days, largely due to the public relations disaster surrounding his family.

"I don’t understand your father’s thinking," I said, resting my chin on my hand. "If I were Lawrence Sterling, I’d cut my losses with Ethan immediately and beg you to come back home. I’d practically roll out the red carpet. With someone as accomplished as you in the family, he could basically coast for the rest of his life."

I even let out a small chuckle at the thought. If I ever had a child half as formidable as Damien, I’d happily let them take the reins while I enjoyed retirement.

"Why not marry me instead?" Damien interjected smoothly. "I can give you everything you want—and more."

My inner wolf, Nora, stirred at his words, a low thrum echoing deep within me, but I felt conflicted and didn’t know how to respond.

First, emotionally, I wasn’t ready to accept such an offer.

Second, as a female Alpha heir myself, I was well aware of the Wolf Union’s archaic laws. When two Alphas mate, their packs merge—with the male automatically taking the dominant position while the female becomes Luna, essentially a supporting role. It was blatantly unfair, a relic of a bygone era that actively suppressed female leadership.

Because of this archaic rule, many packs were reluctant to name female heirs, even when they were clearly the most qualified candidates.

My grandfather had been an exception in designating me as his successor. I knew how difficult that decision had been for him, considering the centuries of tradition. I couldn’t let him down.

The server returned with warm hand towels, and as he turned to leave, I said, "Actually, would you mind staying? I might need something else soon."

In truth, I just wanted another person in the room to diffuse the tension.

"Of course, ma’am," he replied with a professional nod, taking up a discreet post near the table.

Damien wasn’t deterred by the additional company. "Become my Luna," he continued. "I promise you won’t regret it."

I looked directly into his eyes. "And what about my pack? What are your plans for them?"

Damien frowned, a hint of confusion clouding his features. "We’d merge according to Wolf Union law, obviously. You’ve seen what I’m capable of—I’d lead both packs to prosperity. As my Luna, you’d be respected by everyone."

I narrowed my eyes. "Why would I need to become your Luna to earn respect?" My voice hardened. "Or have you forgotten that I’m an Alpha heir in my own right? I don’t need a title to command respect, Damien. I earned it."

"I don’t understand your resistance," Damien replied. "Our packs have complementary strengths—your commercial enterprises and my military power. A merger benefits us both."

"There are many ways we could grow stronger together," I said firmly. "Like equal partnership. Not by making me and my pack your accessories. I’m not a trophy wife, and my pack isn’t a bonus prize."

The atmosphere between us became tense.

After a long silence, he changed the subject. "How is your grandfather doing?"

I gratefully followed his conversational pivot. "He’s doing well."

I know there is an irreconcilable conflict between us.

We just avoid it for a while.

"I should pay him a visit soon," Damien suggested.

I quickly threw up my hands. "No, no, absolutely not. My grandfather detests anyone with the Sterling name right now. If you show up, he’ll probably unleash the hounds and send you packing before you can even utter a syllable of greeting."

"Surely it’s not that bad?"

"I’m not exaggerating. Remember when he was rushed to the hospital? If seeing someone from your family puts him straight back in the ER, what then?"

Damien nodded, accepting my reasoning.

Halfway through our meal, my phone rang. I glanced at the screen—Patrick Wagner.

I hadn’t spoken to Patrick since returning to the States and wasn’t sure why he was calling now.

"I need to take this," I said, feeling an inexplicable need to step away from Damien while I answered. "I’ll be right back."

I walked into the main dining area and answered. "Hello? Patrick?"

Realizing the main restaurant wasn’t private enough, I headed toward the entrance.

"Victoria, you’re in the States, right?" Patrick’s voice came through clearly.

"Yes, I am. What’s up?"

"Any chance you could crash with me for a while? I’ve just landed and don’t have a place to stay. Where are you? I could come meet you." I could hear airport announcements in the background.

"Crash with you? No, that’s not possible. How can you not have a place to stay? I can book you a hotel if you need one." I was surprised he’d come so suddenly, and I definitely wasn’t planning to house a male wolf—even an old friend—under my roof.

"Why not? Hotels are such a hassle. Remember when you were little and ran away from home because you were afraid your grandfather would punish you? Who took you in then?"

"That was when we were children, Patrick."

"So are you saying you won’t repay that debt? Are you really that ungrateful?"

"Of course not, it’s just... I’m out right now. Can we talk about this later? Find a hotel for tonight, and we’ll figure something out tomorrow."

"What are you doing? Are you finished soon? Have you eaten? We could grab dinner," Patrick persisted.

"No need. I’m already having dinner, and I genuinely have other commitments. I need to go."

I didn’t want to deal with this now. Patrick and I hadn’t seen each other for years. While we’d been close as children, we were practically strangers now. He was being incredibly presumptuous, and I wasn’t comfortable having a man I barely knew anymore bunking in my home.

Just as I turned to go back inside, I sensed a sudden whoosh of air, a blur of motion. Before I could react, I was pulled into a protective embrace.

"Watch out!" a deep voice warned as strong arms enveloped me.