Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 134 Out of the question!

Victoria’s POV

"Grandfather! How could you not even ask for my opinion?" I protested, feeling cornered.

Sure, Patrick Wagner was an old friend, but he was still a fully grown male. If it had been Grace staying at my place, that would be one thing, but Patrick? It was more than a little awkward.

My grandfather, William, waved off my concerns. "What objection could you possibly have? I think it’s perfect. You two can look after each other."

"I don’t need anyone looking after me, nor am I interested in looking after anyone else," I said firmly, my wolf Nora pacing restlessly inside me.

"Besides, we’re unattached adults. It’s inappropriate. Why don’t I buy you a new house instead? Something ready to move into immediately. I can have it arranged by tomorrow. Patrick can manage one more night here, right?"

There was no way I was letting Patrick Wagner stay at my place.

Living with a male who wasn’t my mate? I couldn’t miss the matchmaking gleam in William’s eyes. William Lancaster might be the respected Alpha of the Crescent Dawn Pack, but he was also a notoriously meddling grandfather determined to see his granddaughter settled.

Patrick’s eyes darkened slightly as he studied my face.

"Victoria, do you dislike me that much? Are you that opposed to having me in your home?" His voice softened with hurt. "When we were cubs, you loved coming to play at my house. You even enjoyed staying over. I thought despite all these years, we were still friends."

His wounded tone made my chest tighten with guilt. Had I been too harsh?

"What if he stays here with you, William?" I suggested, trying to find a compromise.

William immediately shook his head. "Absolutely not. Patrick is too busy for that. I wake up at dawn—I’d only disturb him. Besides, it would be boring for him to stay with an old wolf like me. Your place is much better!"

I turned back to William with another attempt. "What if I stay here with you for a couple of days instead?"

"Out of the question!" William’s tone was firm. "I want some time to myself. You’ll stay at your own house, Victoria."

Later, I managed to pull William aside for a private conversation.

"You shouldn’t force me to accept an unfamiliar male into my territory," I said quietly, my wolf bristling at the idea.

William turned to look at me, his eyes serious. "As the heir to the Alpha position, producing the next successor is also part of your responsibility."

I fell silent, unable to argue with pack tradition.

"Patrick has cared for you for a long time," he continued. "He would never harm you or the pack." He placed a weathered hand on my shoulder. "A union with him would also help maintain our pack’s independence."

I didn’t respond. What could I say? As much as I valued my independence, I understood pack politics all too well. After my disastrous relationship with Ethan, I wasn’t eager to jump into another one—especially not an arranged one.

After dinner, William practically shooed us out the door.

"Victoria, am I causing you trouble?" Patrick asked as we walked to my car.

I sighed, trying to be gracious. "No, it’s fine. I used to visit your home all the time when we were young. You’ve just arrived back in the country and haven’t found a place yet. It’s only right that you stay at mine. Come on, I’ll show you around."

As we drove, I discreetly sent Grace a text: "Need refuge. ASAP."

My house was spacious and well-maintained. Apart from Damien, no other male had ever set foot inside. It felt strange bringing another man into my sanctuary, especially with Damien’s scent still lingering faintly in some corners. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

"Here’s the guest room," I said, showing Patrick inside. "If you need anything, just let me know."

"I don’t need anything, thank you, Victoria," he replied with a warm smile.

"You should call me Victoria instead of the childhood nickname. It feels more comfortable that way," I said, heading for the door. "Make yourself at home, Patrick. I’ll be going now!"

"Wait!" Patrick’s hand caught my wrist. "You’re not staying here tonight?"

I carefully extracted my hand from his grip. "I think we should maintain some boundaries. What if you meet someone special in the future? She might not appreciate knowing you once shared a roof with another woman. I’ve already arranged to stay with my friend. You stay here and make yourself comfortable. I’ll help you find your own place as soon as possible."

I had no intention of staying with Patrick. After delivering my explanation, I made a swift exit, though not before noticing his disappointed expression. I felt a twinge of guilt, but my mind was made up.

As I closed the door behind me, I suddenly remembered Damien’s suit jacket that I had left on the sofa. He had been splashed with wine yesterday, and I’d offered to have it dry-cleaned for him. In all the excitement of the day, I’d completely forgotten about it.

Oh well, I thought as I started my car. Patrick would just have to deal with another man’s scent in my territory. The irony wasn’t lost on me, and a sly smile touched my lips as I headed toward Grace’s place. Maybe it was petty, but a little jealousy between males never hurt anyone.

I’d been smart enough to lock my bedroom door before leaving. Some territories were simply not meant to be invaded, even by old friends.