Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 220 I’ve missed you

Victoria’s POV

After a grueling day at work, I saw Damien’s sleek black SUV waiting for me in the parking lot. My wolf, Nora, stirred restlessly inside me, eager to be near her mate. The connection between us had been undeniable since he’d discovered I was his true mate when my concealing bracelet had come off.

As I approached, Damien stepped out of the car, his tall frame commanding attention even in casual clothes. His eyes, those intense dark pools that could see through my every defense, locked onto mine with a hunger that made my breath catch.

"Victoria," he growled softly, his voice carrying that distinctive Alpha timbre that sent shivers down my spine.

Before I could respond, he closed the distance between us in two long strides. His strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me against his hard chest as his mouth claimed mine in a passionate kiss. The kiss wasn’t gentle—it was possessive, demanding, marking me as his in the most primal way.

For thirty breathtaking seconds, his lips moved against mine, his tongue exploring, tasting, dominating. When he finally pulled back, his breathing was ragged, but he didn’t release me. Instead, his large hand cradled the back of my neck while he buried his face in the crook of my shoulder, inhaling deeply against my skin.

"God, Victoria, I’ve missed you," he murmured, his deep voice vibrating against my neck, sending delicious tingles across my sensitive skin. His warm breath fanned across my throat, and I felt my pulse quicken under his attention.

Inside me, Nora purred with satisfaction at our mate’s touch. The bond between us hummed with energy, like an electric current passing between our bodies wherever we touched.

"I missed you too," I admitted, surprised by how much I meant it. This powerful Alpha who struck fear into his enemies was nuzzling my neck like an affectionate wolf seeking comfort from his mate. The contrast between this Damien and the cold, merciless Alpha who ruled the Blood Moon Pack with an iron fist made my heart flutter. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

"I’ve always known my mate would be exceptional," he whispered against my skin. "No wonder everyone wants what’s mine."

I would have been content to stay in his arms forever, but my stomach chose that moment to growl loudly. I laughed, breaking the intensity of the moment. "Are you going to feed me? I’m starving, and I still need to visit Grandfather tonight."

With obvious reluctance, Damien released me and opened the passenger door. "Your wish is my command, mate," he said with a playful bow that made me roll my eyes.

After dinner at an upscale steakhouse downtown, Damien drove me to the Lancaster estate. Though I wished I could invite him in, I knew Grandfather’s feelings about any Sterling wolf crossing our threshold—especially one as powerful as Damien.

"I’ll call you later," he promised, stealing one last kiss before I got out of the car. His eyes glowed momentarily with their wolf light, a reminder of Arthur’s constant presence just beneath the surface.

I entered the house with my lips still tingling and my mood light despite the coming confrontation. Grandfather sat in his favorite leather armchair, sipping his evening tea. His keen eyes—missing nothing even at his age—assessed me immediately.

"Back from dinner, Victoria?" he asked with a knowing smile. "Not with that Sterling boy, I hope?"

I sighed inwardly. So much for avoiding the topic. "Grandfather, we’ve discussed this. Who I spend my time with is my choice."

"So it was the Sterling Alpha," he concluded, setting down his teacup with a definitive clink. "Victoria, darling, you know I only want what’s best for you. The Sterling bloodline has proven itself untrustworthy. Look at Ethan—he married that Sutton girl who looks remarkably like you. Don’t you find that disturbing? And now I hear she’s lost another pregnancy." His eyes narrowed. "That man still has designs on you, I’m certain of it. Perhaps you should consider relocating to our headquarters for a while."

The distaste in his voice was unmistakable. William Lancaster, Alpha of the Crescent Dawn Pack, hadn’t maintained his position for decades by trusting easily.

"Grandfather, I’m perfectly happy with my current position," I said, moving to sit beside him. "Besides, you said you’ve missed me. So look at me now—notice anything different?"

I leaned closer, deliberately changing the subject. Grandfather’s stern expression softened as he studied my face.

"My beautiful granddaughter seems to be growing more radiant by the day," he said, his weathered hand patting mine affectionately. "You’re becoming quite the woman."

"How about we watch some TV together?" I suggested. "You pick."

"That sounds lovely," he agreed.

I reached for the remote and turned on the television, only to find Jacob Gillies’ face filling the screen. He was starring in the latest supernatural thriller that had been breaking viewership records.

I actually liked Jacob—he was undeniably talented and attractive with his brooding intensity and sharp features. Perhaps a bit vain, but his skill as an actor more than made up for it.

I was about to comment on the show when Grandfather’s voice cut through the room like ice: "Change it."

"What?" I turned to look at him, surprised by the sudden shift in his demeanor.

Grandfather’s expression had hardened, his jaw clenched tight. "I said change it. Now."

"Oh... okay." I quickly flipped to another channel, confused by his reaction but not wanting to upset him further. I assumed he simply disliked the genre—older wolves often preferred documentaries or classic films to modern entertainment.

After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence as I scrolled through channels, Grandfather abruptly stood up.

"I think I’ll turn in early," he announced, his voice strangely tight.

"Already? Don’t you want to watch something else?" I asked, still puzzled by his behavior.

He shook his head firmly. "Not tonight."

"Alright then." I watched as he left the room, wondering what had triggered his withdrawal. Was he upset that I’d been with Damien? Or had I annoyed him by challenging his opinion on the Sterling wolves?

If Grandfather was this sensitive about Damien, I’d have to be more careful discussing my mate around him. The last thing I wanted was to cause a rift between the two most important men in my life.

What I didn’t realize was that Grandfather’s reaction had nothing to do with Damien Sterling at all—it was Jacob Gillies’ brief appearance on screen that had disturbed him so deeply.

Concerned about Grandfather’s mood the previous night, I made sure to return home for dinner the following evening. When I arrived, I found him sitting in his study chair, staring into space as though lost in distant memories.

I approached quietly and wrapped my arms around his shoulders from behind. "Grandfather? You’re not still upset, are you?"

"Upset? No, of course not," he replied, though his voice lacked conviction.

"I’m glad," I said, carefully avoiding any mention of Damien. "I came home specifically to have dinner with you tonight. Let me check what Mrs. Cooper has prepared—and remember, you need to watch those sodium and sugar levels. Your doctor was very clear about maintaining a heart-healthy diet."

At his age and with his history of health issues, dietary restrictions were important. I wanted my grandfather around for a long time yet—especially now that I’d found my mate and could finally make him proud by stepping fully into my role as future Alpha of the Crescent Dawn Pack.