Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 36 My heart skipping a beat
Victoria’s POV:
I followed Damien into the building complex, my heart skipping a beat as the car pulled up in front of a familiar structure. Wait—this couldn’t possibly be my building, could it?
Standing at the entrance, I felt my scalp tighten with anxiety. This was definitely my building.
"Something wrong?" Damien asked, his deep voice carrying that hint of amusement that always made my wolf, Nora, stir restlessly inside me.
I silently followed him into the elevator, watching as he pressed the button for the thirty-third floor. My stomach dropped.
Holy moon goddess. Not only did we live in the same building, but we were literally one floor apart. The entire building consisted of luxury homes, one per floor. I’d assumed our paths wouldn’t cross often in such a large complex, but now? We were practically neighbors.
I needed to move. And fast. I couldn’t let Damien discover I lived here—my current persona as a regular omega wouldn’t explain how I could afford such a place. The Lancaster name and my status as the future Alpha of the Crescent Dawn Pack were still my most closely guarded secrets.
As we exited the elevator, I tried to act casual. "Do you have any preferences for dinner? Or any food allergies I should know about?"
Since I’d promised to cook for him, I intended to follow through. That’s what a woman of her word does.
"You really plan on cooking for me?" Damien’s lips curved into that infuriating half-smile that made his facial scar even more pronounced—and somehow more attractive.
"Why else would I be here?" I challenged. What did he think I came for?
Damien just chuckled softly and opened his door using facial recognition. The moment it swung open, the unmistakable aroma of freshly prepared food wafted through the air.
A chef appeared in the entryway. "Sir, dinner is ready," he announced before promptly taking his leave.
"You asked me to come cook for you, yet you already had a chef prepare dinner?" I couldn’t keep the confusion from my voice. "What am I doing here then?"
"I’m hardly lacking a housekeeper, Victoria," he said, his voice dropping an octave lower. "And I certainly don’t need your cooking. Your hands are meant for finer things—like playing the piano."
I froze, something flickering in my chest at his words.
Damien was so different from Ethan. My ex had practically expected me to cook for him every day, which I’d naively interpreted as affection. Now I realized I’d just been his unpaid chef and caretaker. But Damien... he thought my hands were too precious for such mundane tasks.
Something warm and fluttery stirred in my chest. I tried desperately to ignore it.
"Then why did you bring me here?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.
Damien casually removed his jacket and unbuttoned the top of his shirt, revealing the tantalizing lines of his collarbone. The action was so fluid yet deliberate—like a deity descending into mortal sin, embracing earthly desires.
"Didn’t you say you wanted me to try what you’d learned tonight? I’d hate to disappoint you by declining." His eyes gleamed with mischief and something darker, more primal.
My cheeks burned. "I meant new recipes I learned!"
"Since you don’t need me to cook, I should probably go." I turned to leave, but Damien’s arm blocked my path.
His face was suddenly inches from mine, his eyes blazing with intensity that made my wolf whimper with a mixture of fear and excitement. My mate scent blocker bracelet felt hot against my skin, and I prayed it was still working.
"What’s the rush, little wolf?" he murmured, his breath warm against my face. "Are you afraid of me? Think I’ll eat you up?"
"I’m not afraid of anything." I turned away from his penetrating gaze and stepped back, desperate to create some distance between us. My wolf disagreed, urging me to step closer instead.
"Then stay for dinner," he said, walking toward the dining table. "Otherwise, people might say you came to my home but I didn’t even feed you."
"I’m not someone who spreads gossip about others!" I protested.
As Damien settled into his chair, he smirked. "That remains to be seen. Who knows what you say about me behind my back? Though you were right about one thing earlier today."
"What’s that?" I asked warily.
"That I’m big," he quoted, his expression utterly unrepentant. "Big jacket, big man."
My face flamed crimson. When I’d made that comment in his office earlier, I’d only meant his physical height! The way he twisted my innocent words made me feel like a flustered teenager rather than the future Alpha of one of the most powerful packs in the country.
Compared to Damien, my game was amateur hour. He could deliver such innuendo with a straight face while I was dying inside.
Damien seemed thoroughly entertained by my embarrassment, a satisfied gleam in his eyes.
I decided silence was my best defense and focused on the meal. The food was exquisite—clearly prepared by a professional chef. After finishing, I gathered the plates and cleaned up the table, then poured myself a glass of water, suddenly parched.
I didn’t sense Damien approaching until his voice came from directly behind me.
"Sneaking around my kitchen, little wolf?" His voice was a low rumble near my ear.
Startled, I jerked, splashing water all over him. His white shirt immediately turned transparent, clinging to his sculpted chest and revealing every defined muscle. My mouth went dry at the sight.
"I’m so sorry!" I grabbed some paper towels and instinctively began dabbing at his chest. "I didn’t know you were behind me—it was completely accidental!"
As I tried to withdraw my hand, Damien captured my wrist, keeping my palm pressed against his chest. I could feel his heart beating steadily beneath my fingertips, while mine threatened to pound right out of my chest.
"Was it really an accident?" he questioned, his dark eyes boring into mine, intense and predatory. My wolf recognized that look—it was the look of a dominant Alpha appraising a potential mate.
I could feel my face burning, my lips still wet from the water I’d just sipped. His gaze dropped to my mouth momentarily, making my breath catch. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚
"You startled me by appearing behind me," I defended myself.
"So it’s my fault?" The corner of his mouth quirked upward.
"No, it’s my fault. I’ll take the blame." I conceded hastily. "Thank you for dinner, but I should go now."
I tried to leave, but my wrist remained locked in his grip. With one effortless tug, he pulled me back, his other hand landing perfectly at my waist. Our bodies collided, pressing together with nothing but thin, damp fabric between us.
