Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 193 You must be exhausted

Victoria’s POV

Damian fell asleep on the couch beside me, and I rolled my eyes. He was the one who insisted we watch this movie together, yet here he was sleeping peacefully while Chris Hemsworth delivered his climactic monologue on screen. 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

I studied his unguarded face, my wolf Nora stirring with curiosity. The infamous Blood Moon Pack leader—whose enemies across three territories trembled at his name—was completely defenseless. If I wanted to, I could slip a silver blade between his ribs before his wolf nature even sensed danger.

But I didn’t. Instead, I was drawn to his peaceful expression. That perpetual furrow between his brows had disappeared, making him look younger, almost innocent. Almost.

"You must be exhausted," I whispered, my voice nearly drowned out by the movie’s score.

Running an international pack alliance while maintaining his business empire would exhaust anyone. Yet this week, he’d taken time nearly every evening to cook for me. The thought sent warmth flooding through me—both comforting and inexplicable.

My shoulder began cramping from supporting his weight. I carefully slid my hand under his head, gently cradling it as I slowly adjusted my position. I guided him to lie comfortably on the couch with deliberate movements. Lying down had to be more comfortable than sleeping upright like a vampire.

I could have woken him. I could have left him there and returned to my apartment downstairs. But something stopped me.

Nora whimpered softly within me. *Let him rest.*

I tiptoed to his bedroom and retrieved a thick blanket that carried his distinctive smoky cedar scent. I draped it over him, allowing myself a moment to really look at him—his sharp jawline, thick lashes framing high cheekbones, and those tempting full lips.

Life was so unfair. How could one person possess such looks, such physique, such charisma, while simultaneously being the most infuriating person I’d ever met?

I thought I’d learned my lesson with Ethan. After five years with that lying bastard, I’d sworn off romance—especially with Sterling wolves. Yet now, just having Damian enter a room made my heart race, and his accidental touches left my skin tingling.

Emotions were elusive, uncontrollable things. No matter how desperately I tried to suppress these feelings, they lingered, growing stronger each day.

Before I could talk myself out of it, I leaned down and gently kissed his lips. Just once. Just to know.

But before I could pull away, strong fingers threaded through my hair, holding me firmly in place. Damian deepened the kiss with unexpected hunger. His smoky cedar scent intensified, enveloping me like a tender caress.

"Mmph—you—lying—bastard!" I mumbled against his lips, my words broken by his eager kisses.

My outburst only made it easier for him to take advantage, his tongue intertwining with mine in possessive exploration. This kiss wasn’t gentle or tentative—it was possessive and dominant, as if he’d been waiting years for this moment.

After all, I had initiated it. I had kissed him first. The thought thrilled my wolf nature.

Damian’s kiss burned through me like wildfire. Though his lips were so demanding, his hands were surprisingly gentle as they cradled my face. When he finally released me, we were both breathless.

"You tricked me!" I accused, my cheeks burning. My lips were swollen and tingling.

His deep, sharp eyes gleamed with satisfaction. "Did I?" he asked, his voice even deeper and huskier than usual.

"You were faking sleep! You planned this!" Even I found the accusation weak.

"Victoria, how could I plan for you to kiss me while I was sleeping?" He deliberately drew out the syllables of my name in a tone that made my heart clench. "If anyone took advantage, it was you—taking liberties while I was unconscious. Care to explain your motives?"

The bastard had been awake the whole time. He’d felt me help him onto the couch, watched through half-closed eyes as I covered him with the blanket.

"I was conducting a scientific experiment," I replied with mock seriousness. "Testing whether kissing frogs actually turns them into princes. Results are still inconclusive."

"Science?" His mouth curved into a slight smile, revealing dimples. "What about my face? Something about it being too handsome not to kiss, if I recall correctly?"

Arthur, his wolf, radiated satisfaction just beneath Damian’s skin. I could feel both of them watching me, waiting for my reaction.

My heart pounded as if it might burst from my chest. "It’s getting late. I should go."

I stood abruptly, needing distance before I did something else impulsive—like climbing onto his lap and finishing what that kiss had started.

"It’s dangerous for a woman to be out alone at this hour," he said, his tone seemingly casual but not really. "You’d better stay home."

I stared at him in disbelief. "I live one floor below you. Unless there are assassins waiting in the elevator, I think I’ll be fine."

"Next time you want to kiss me," he called as I headed for the door, "you don’t need to wait until I’m asleep. I’m available day and night. Even in public—I don’t mind an audience."

I nearly tripped over my own feet. "In your dreams, Sterling!"

His low laughter followed me out the door.

Back in my apartment, I gulped down a glass of ice water, then stood under a cold shower for fifteen minutes, trying to cool the fire still burning beneath my skin. Nora paced restlessly within me, disappointed we’d left.

"He carries our mate’s scent," she insisted.

I remained silent.

Hours later, when I finally crawled into bed, my lips still tingled from Damian’s kiss, and I was increasingly certain I could no longer ignore him.