Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 70 I tensed

Victoria’s POV:

I tensed at his words, my body responding before my mind could catch up. Damien had a remarkable talent for twisting any conversation into something suggestive.

"Forget it," I said, shaking my head. "I don’t need you to beg. Since we’re on relatively good terms, I should warn you about something—you know Catherine Watson is pursuing that partnership with Peter Morrison, right?"

Damien nodded. "I’ve heard something about it."

I knew Catherine had briefed him on the potential deal. Damien had given her the go-ahead, with his standard caveat: only if the company was clean. He never allowed ME Corporation to partner with problematic businesses, no matter how lucrative the deal.

"Peter’s company is using a technology called Dominus. It’s been getting a lot of attention lately, but it’s not fully developed," I explained, lowering my voice. "I received information that the technology might implode soon. I can’t guarantee it’s true, but there are serious concerns."

My wolf, Nora, nudged me from within, approving of my decision to share this intel with a rival Alpha. Even though our packs were separate, there was something about Damien that made both Nora and me want to protect him from potential harm.

"I was planning to tell you over dinner tonight. I know Catherine offered a higher price than Lancaster Corporation, but if problems emerge later, your losses could be catastrophic."

I met his eyes directly, wanting him to see my sincerity. "I’m just giving you a heads-up. Whether you believe me or not is your decision. And to be clear, I’m not trying to eliminate you from the competition so I can swoop in. I don’t play those kinds of games."

I needed him to understand I wasn’t using underhanded tactics in our business rivalry. Despite our complicated relationship, I wouldn’t sabotage another Alpha that way—especially not one who had shown me kindness when I needed it most.

"I know," Damien said simply, his smoky cedar scent wrapping around me reassuringly.

We fell into comfortable conversation then, the minutes passing more quickly than I expected. His presence beside me was strangely calming, Arthur’s energy a steady counterbalance to Nora’s anxious pacing within me.

Suddenly, the emergency room doors swung open. A doctor emerged, and I immediately rushed forward.

"Doctor, how is my grandfather?" The words tumbled out desperately.

"We’ve stabilized him," the doctor said, removing his mask. "Your grandfather is elderly, and his health has been compromised for some time. His blood pressure is dangerously high, which triggered this cardiac episode. There’s also risk of cerebral hemorrhage. You’ll need to monitor him closely—next time, he might not be so fortunate."

I shook my head in confusion. "But his health has always seemed good. He never—"

"His heart condition is quite severe," the doctor interrupted. "He’s had cardiac bypass surgery before, correct? It’s a common procedure, but at his age, complications are always a concern. Moving forward, he needs to maintain a positive outlook and closely monitor his blood pressure. Given his age, the family should... prepare themselves."

My eyes immediately filled with tears. "He... I..."

I hadn’t known. I had no idea Grandfather had undergone heart surgery. I’d spent the past few years focused on my own life, rarely at his side. Whenever we spoke on the phone, he assured me he was fine, telling me not to worry. During my occasional visits, he always seemed strong, vibrant—the powerful Alpha I’d always known.

He’d hidden his weakness from me, and I’d been too blind to see it. What kind of pack heir was I? What kind of granddaughter?

"When will he wake up?" I asked, my voice barely steady. "Can I see him now?"

"You may. He’ll likely regain consciousness tomorrow," the doctor replied.

Nodding, I followed the doctor with Damien at my side. They had moved Grandfather to a VIP room, where he lay motionless with an oxygen mask covering his face. The sight of him—so still, so vulnerable—made my heart clench.

"In my memories, he’s always been this powerful figure," I whispered, sniffling. "When I was little, he’d carry me on his shoulders. They seemed so broad, so strong."

Nora whined inside me, mourning the sight of our pack Alpha in such a weakened state.

"Without realizing it, I’ve grown up while he’s grown old. Looking at him now, I see his hair has turned completely white. But in my mind, he’s still that vibrant man from my childhood."

Tears began falling freely. "I didn’t even know he’d had surgery. He never told me. He must have wanted me there—I’m his only blood family—but he kept it from me. Probably to protect me from worrying, from being sad. But something this major..."

My voice broke as the reality hit me. I’d always seen my grandfather as invincible, the powerful Alpha of Crescent Dawn Pack. Now, he looked small against the white hospital sheets, fragile in a way I’d never witnessed.

A handkerchief appeared before me, but before I could take it, Damien gently pressed it against my cheek. His touch was surprisingly tender as he wiped away my tears.

"I can do it myself," I murmured, reaching for the handkerchief.

My fingers brushed against his, and an electric current seemed to pass between us. Arthur’s energy surged toward Nora, who responded with an eager whine. I pulled back hastily, my heart racing.

Damien continued drying my tears, his expression softer than I’d ever seen it. "Blood isn’t always what makes family, little wolf. Kane—he’s the one your grandfather sponsored, right? And he has a sister who’s close to you as well?"

I nodded, thinking of Kane and Elena, who had indeed become like siblings to me over the years.

"They’re your family too," Damien continued. "They have no other relatives in this world, so you and your grandfather are their pack now. And sometimes, those connected by blood are worse than strangers." His voice hardened slightly. "Like me and those who share the Sterling name. They’re less than nothing to me."

His words rang true. How many powerful families tore themselves apart over status and inheritance? Blood relatives stabbing each other in the back, betraying the most sacred pack bonds for material gain. I’d been spared such experiences because Grandfather had protected me, keeping me away from my father’s family. I knew nothing about them, but suspected they weren’t wealthy—which explained why Grandfather had never mentioned them.

"Thank you, Damien," I said, offering him a small smile.

"No need for thanks," he replied, his eyes warming. "Though if you really want to show your gratitude someday, something more... substantial would be appreciated."

"What did you have in mind?" I asked cautiously.

A dangerous smile played at his lips. "I’d like it if you took the initiative next time." 𝚏𝕣𝐞𝗲𝐰𝕖𝐛𝐧𝕠𝕧𝚎𝚕.𝐜𝚘𝗺

"Damien!" I exclaimed, feigning outrage while heat crept up my neck. "If Grandfather heard you talking like that, he’d leap out of that bed to teach you a lesson!"

"What did I say?" he asked innocently, though his eyes gleamed with mischief. "I only suggested you be more proactive, little wolf. I never specified in bed—though your mind seems to have gone straight there."

I felt my cheeks burning. "It’s getting late. You should go home."

I planned to stay overnight watching over Grandfather, but there was no reason for Damien to remain. Despite standing him up for our dinner, he didn’t seem upset.

"So eager to get rid of me, my sweet?" he teased. "That’s rather ungrateful after everything."

"You haven’t exactly helped me cross any rivers," I retorted. "Now, if you signed our partnership agreement, then I’d be extremely grateful."

Damien’s lips quirked upward. "I may not have accomplished great deeds tonight, but surely keeping you company for all these hours counts for something, doesn’t it?"

Arthur’s energy brushed against Nora’s again, both wolves seeming far more in agreement about what they wanted than their human counterparts were willing to admit.