Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 153 Damien’s stamina was incredible

Victoria’s POV

The climax subsided, leaving my body feeling pleasantly exhausted. Damien’s stamina was incredible—we’d started in the car last night, continued when we got home, and then again this morning when his temper had flared.

I attempted to lift myself off him, to slide his length out of my body, but as I shifted, his strong hands gripped my hips and pulled me back down. His thick shaft thrust deep inside me again, causing me to cry out as pleasure rippled through me.

"God, Damien," I gasped, feeling my inner walls clench around him.

He kissed along my neck, his teeth grazing my sensitive skin as he murmured against my ear, "Who do you care about more, Victoria? Me or Patrick?"

My wolf, Nora, stirred restlessly within me, responding to his possessive tone. I ran my fingers through his dark hair, tugging slightly to make him look at me.

"I know you’re not someone who lashes out without reason," I explained, my breath still coming in short pants. "Patrick and I haven’t seen each other in years, let alone kept contact. I just found it strange that he would harm himself, and yesterday you left before I could say anything—you didn’t even give yourself a chance to explain."

Damien’s eyes, dark with lingering desire, narrowed slightly. "Why would I need to explain if I didn’t touch him?"

"How am I supposed to know you didn’t if you won’t tell me?" I countered, feeling his body still intimately connected with mine.

"Fine, let’s put it behind us," I sighed, tracing patterns on his chest. "If I visit Grandfather again, I’ll tell you first so you can warn him I’m coming."

Damien’s expression darkened immediately. "How long is Patrick planning to stay at your pack house?"

"He’s already looking for his own place," I assured him. "Besides, he’s staying with Grandfather, not with me." As long as I didn’t have to see Patrick, I could manage the situation without stress. The less entanglement with my past, the better.

"That’s still not acceptable," Damien growled, thrusting his hips upward with unexpected force. His wolf, Arthur, was clearly close to the surface, his eyes flashing with territorial anger. The carnal haze that had softened him moments ago was gone, replaced by the fierce Alpha.

I slapped his chest, harder than I intended. "Who exactly are you to me that gives you the right to make these demands?"

"I’m—" He stopped, a muscle ticking in his jaw, apparently unable to define our relationship in words.

I seized the opportunity to disentangle myself from him. "Get up and make yourself some honey water. And don’t drink so much next time—I won’t carry you home again."

I knew if we stayed in this position any longer, we’d end up making love again, and we might not leave this house all day. My body had already received the satisfaction it craved; I didn’t need more right now, despite how my wolf whined in protest at the separation.

I climbed off the sofa and practically fled the living room, feeling his eyes burning into my back as I retreated to my bedroom. After our conversation, I hoped we’d reached some understanding, though I couldn’t figure out why Damien was so impulsive about this situation. He seemed to care deeply about Grandfather’s opinion.

As I showered, letting the hot water wash away the evidence of our passionate night, I thought perhaps I could find a time when Grandfather was calmer to suggest that Damien visit. Once Grandfather’s anger subsided, maybe they could reconcile.

When I finished getting ready and returned to the living room, I was surprised to find Damien still there, his powerful frame taking up space in a way that made my home feel different—marked.

"You’re still here?" I asked, tucking my damp hair behind my ear.

"I had breakfast delivered," he replied, nodding toward the dining table where plates of food awaited. "Come eat."

My stomach growled in response, and I realized I was famished. I settled across from him and dug into the spread of pancakes, eggs, and fresh fruit. The first bite of syrup-drenched pancake made me moan involuntarily—I was starving.

"Slow down," Damien cautioned, watching me devour my food. "You’ll choke."

I hadn’t eaten properly at Grandfather’s house yesterday. Patrick’s presence had made me uncomfortable, stealing my appetite after just a few bites. But with Damien, I felt no such constraint. I could eat to my heart’s content without worrying about appearances or pretending to be dainty.

"What’s wrong with eating a lot?" I challenged between bites of crispy bacon. "Are you counting pennies on breakfast now?"

"I’m not saying don’t eat," he clarified, his lips twitching with amusement. "Just slow down. Savor it."

I ate quickly and was soon satisfied. Being Sunday, I didn’t need to go to the office, and I had no other plans. I’d originally intended to spend the entire weekend with Grandfather, but after yesterday’s drama, I’d come home early and had no intention of returning today.

After Damien finished eating, I waited for him to clear the table—which he did without complaint—before ushering him toward the door. One night together was enough for now, despite how my wolf howled in protest at sending him away.

As he stood in the doorway, his scent of smoky cedar and midnight rose lingered in my space, marking it as somewhere he belonged. An invisible line had been drawn, and he stood on my side of it. I pushed the thought away. Damien Sterling might be incredible in bed, but that didn’t mean I was ready to define whatever this was between us.

Author’s POV

Meanwhile, at the Lancaster estate, lunch was being served in the grand dining room overlooking the sprawling gardens. William Lancaster sat at the head of the table, his plate barely touched as he absently pushed around the grilled salmon with his fork. His weathered face creased with worry lines as he glanced at the empty chair where Victoria usually sat. The scent of her absence hung heavy in the air, stirring his Alpha unease. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Patrick Wagner leaned forward, serving a portion of roasted vegetables onto the elder’s plate. "Please eat something, Alpha Lancaster. You need to keep up your strength," he urged, his voice laced with genuine concern. His own wolf growled softly, a subtle undercurrent of ambition beneath the veneer of solicitude.

William’s shoulders slumped slightly as he picked at his food. "I can’t help worrying about Victoria. She works too hard, barely takes time to eat properly." He sighed, the bond between Alpha and heir apparent evident in his concerned eyes. "Since she was a pup, she’s been fiercely independent—stronger than wolves twice her age. I wish I could shoulder some of her burdens."

Patrick’s eyes softened, his expression carefully calibrated to display devotion. "If given the chance, I would gladly stand beside her for a lifetime, making sure she never faces any challenge alone."

The sincerity in his voice made William’s wolf settle slightly, a good sign for Patrick’s intentions. The elder Alpha took a thoughtful sip of water, studying the younger man across the table.

"I know you’re reliable, Patrick. Victoria might need someone like you in her corner," William admitted, his voice growing heavier with each word. "Even if fate doesn’t bind you together as mates, I hope you’ll continue to support her."

William’s gaze drifted toward the window, his mind clearly troubled. His scent carried notes of anxiety and protective instinct that filled the room. A deep, protective rumbling emanated from his chest. "I see how she defends that Sterling boy—Damien. It worries me deeply how the Sterling bloodline seems to keep entangling with our pack."

A shadow passed over William’s face, his fingers tightening around his fork. "Her mother followed the same path with another powerful family—the Gillies clan. That connection ended in tragedy." His voice cracked slightly. "I can’t watch history repeat itself with my only granddaughter."

Patrick nodded sympathetically, leaning forward with calculated concern etched across his features. "I understand your worries, sir. Victoria’s wellbeing is my priority too," he assured, his voice dropping to a confidential tone. "But I must share my concerns about Damien Sterling. His sudden appearance in Victoria’s life seems... convenient."

William’s eyebrows knitted together as Patrick continued. "The Northstream Pack is facing financial collapse—everyone in our circles knows it. The Sterlings need resources, influence..." he paused meaningfully, letting the implication land like a heavy stone, "and the Crescent Dawn Pack has both in abundance."

The elder Alpha’s jaw tightened visibly. "You suspect Damien’s intentions are calculated?"

Patrick shrugged, appearing reluctant to speak ill of others. "I simply find the timing suspicious. When Ethan failed to secure his position with Victoria, suddenly his older brother appears—more sophisticated, more dangerous. The Sterlings know Victoria’s heart is wounded and vulnerable. Once they’ve gained her trust completely..." he let the implication hang in the air between them. A predator’s patience, William thought, noting the subtle shift in Patrick’s scent—satisfaction.

William’s wolf growled low in his chest, the sound barely audible but unmistakably protective. His eyes briefly flashed amber—the Alpha within stirring at the potential threat to his heir.

"Victoria’s kind-hearted, but that doesn’t mean others share her integrity," Patrick added carefully. "Damien Sterling’s pursuit seems... targeted. The Lancaster assets would certainly solve the Northstream Pack’s problems overnight."

William’s scent sharpened with protective rage as he slammed his palm against the table, causing the silverware to jump. "The Lancaster fortune is Victoria’s birthright—her security. I won’t allow anyone to manipulate her for access to our pack’s resources."

He stood abruptly, pacing beside the large bay window overlooking the territory that had belonged to the Crescent Dawn Pack for generations. "Victoria may be young and temporarily blinded by whatever game this Sterling is playing, but I’ll make sure she sees clearly. If she insists on pursuing him, she’ll find her Alpha firmly against it."

Patrick carefully hid his satisfaction behind a mask of concern, knowing William Lancaster was now firmly in his corner. Damien Sterling, for all his power and cunning, couldn’t compete with the influence of Victoria’s beloved grandfather.