Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 73 You’re awake

Victoria’s POV:

I stirred as morning light streamed through the hospital windows, my back and shoulders aching from spending the entire night slumped beside Grandfather’s bed. My wolf, Nora, stretched lazily within me, similarly stiff from our vigil.

Blinking sleep from my eyes, I glanced around the room, surprised to find it empty of anyone else. Had Damien already left? I stood carefully, my joints protesting the movement, and checked Grandfather’s condition. His breathing seemed steady, his color better than yesterday. It appeared he’d made it through the danger zone.

Just as I was considering finding a doctor for an update, the door swung open. Damien entered carrying breakfast, his powerful frame filling the doorway. Despite having presumably been awake all night, he looked infuriatingly perfect—not a hair out of place, his crisp shirt somehow unwrinkled. Arthur’s presence radiated from him, that dominant energy that made other wolves instinctively take notice.

"You’re awake. Come eat," he said simply, setting the food down on the small table.

I ran a hand through my tangled hair, suddenly self-conscious. "I thought you’d gone home. Don’t tell me you stayed awake all night?"

The thought of him sacrificing his rest for my grandfather made something twist uncomfortably in my chest. I didn’t want to owe him more than I already did.

"Eat something first," he replied, dodging my question as he arranged the food containers.

My defenses immediately rose. "You’re not going to count last night as another favor I owe you, are you? I told you to go home—you chose to stay!"

His eyes met mine, dark and knowing. "Are we really going to keep score between us, Victoria? Do you honestly think what’s between us can be calculated so precisely?"

I fell silent, my wolf whining softly. She knew, as did I, that he was right. What existed between us—this pull, this tension, this... whatever it was—had moved far beyond the realm of countable debts.

"Just eat," I said finally, changing the subject. "I’ll go find a doctor and check on Grandfather’s condition after breakfast. You should head home and get some rest."

"I already spoke with his doctor," Damien said, pushing a coffee toward me. "Since there were no complications overnight, they consider him past the danger point. He should wake up soon."

Relief flooded through me. "That’s wonderful news!"

I took a few bites of the breakfast sandwich he’d brought—it was still warm and exactly what I needed. After a few moments of surprisingly comfortable silence, I said, "I’ll stay here with Grandfather today. You should go home."

"I will. Call me if anything changes." The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. "Free of charge this time."

"I promise. And don’t go into the office—go home and actually sleep. Blood Moon won’t collapse without you for one day." I smirked, adding, "I promise not to short your company’s stock while you’re unconscious."

A genuine smile transformed his usually stern features. "You’d need considerably more resources to pull that off successfully."

I wanted to snap back that he shouldn’t underestimate me, but truthfully, he was right. Blood Moon Pack’s corporate empire was practically untouchable in the current market. Taking on Damien Sterling’s business interests would be like attacking a fortress with a slingshot.

After finishing breakfast, Damien departed, his scent lingering in the room long after he’d gone. Nora whined softly as his presence faded, but I firmly pushed down her disappointment.

Not thirty minutes later, Grandfather stirred. His eyes fluttered open, focusing slowly until they found my face. I clasped his hand tightly, relief making my voice shake.

"Grandfather! You’re finally awake. You scared me half to death!"

"My little Victoria," he said, his voice weak but warm. "I’m sorry, dear one. I didn’t mean to frighten you."

I blinked back tears. "There’s nothing to apologize for. I’m just glad you’re awake. Let me call the doctor to check on you."

I pressed the call button, and a doctor arrived promptly. The prognosis was good—Grandfather was stable and could return home to recover after a few more days of observation. The doctor outlined a strict regimen: regular checkups, blood pressure monitoring, daily medication, and a restricted diet. Most importantly, he needed to avoid stress.

"Grandfather," I said sternly after the doctor left, "you’ve been keeping too many secrets from me. From now on, you tell me everything—immediately. No more hiding health problems or pack business. Understood?"

He nodded with a faint smile. "Yes, yes. When did my precious granddaughter become such a worrier?"

"Expect a lot more worrying from now on," I warned, though my tone was gentle. "You must follow the doctor’s orders exactly. I need you to stay with me, Grandfather. I can’t lose you too." My voice broke slightly on the last words.

I leaned forward to embrace him carefully, mindful of the IV in his arm. Nora whimpered in agreement—William Lancaster wasn’t just my grandfather, he was our pack’s revered Alpha, the leader who had guided Crescent Dawn through decades of prosperity.

He stroked my hair, his touch reassuring despite its weakness. "I’m not going anywhere, Victoria. You’re the most important person in my life, the one I worry about most."

His expression grew more serious. "Speaking of which, what about Alexander Hayes? Have you considered—"

"There’s nothing between Alexander and me," I interrupted firmly. "Please stop trying to matchmake, Grandfather."

He sighed. "This isn’t idle meddling, Victoria. I just want to ensure you’re taken care of, that you have a worthy mate by your side."

I knew what he wasn’t saying—that after what happened with Ethan, he worried I’d never trust anyone again. That he feared leaving me alone and unprotected in a world that could be cruel to even the strongest of wolves.

"Your well-being is all that matters to me right now," I said, changing the subject. "Are you hungry? I should get you something to eat."

"I’m fine for now. Just sit with me awhile."

"The doctor said you need nourishment. I’ll go find something light from the cafeteria," I insisted, already standing.

Outside in the hospital corridor, I took a deep breath. The sterile air was a welcome relief from the room where Damien’s scent still lingered, confusing Nora and making it difficult to think clearly.

When I returned with food, I found Grandfather watching me with an odd, speculative expression.

"Victoria," he said without preamble, "who was the man who stayed with you last night?"

I nearly dropped the tray I was carrying. "What man? What are you talking about?"

"No need to play innocent. The nurse told me everything. A tall, handsome young man stayed by your side all night." His eyes twinkled with interest. "Is he a friend, or something more? Does he care for you, or perhaps you care for him?"

Heat rose to my cheeks. "Grandfather! He’s just a friend. A business associate, really."

"A friend or a potential mate? You can tell me, Victoria." His tone was gentle but probing.

"Just a normal friend," I insisted, though Nora stirred restlessly at my lie. "If there was something serious, do you think I’d keep it from you?"

Grandfather’s expression turned serious. "Then tell me about him. How did you meet? What’s he like?"

I recognized the protective instinct behind his questions. After Ethan’s betrayal, Grandfather was determined to shield me from further heartbreak. He’d always respected my choice to hide my true identity while dating Ethan, but I knew he blamed himself for not intervening sooner.

"We... met through work," I said carefully. "He’s a potential business partner. There’s really nothing more to tell, Grandfather, honestly!"

Even as I spoke, I felt my heart beating faster, betraying my casual tone. One night of passion shouldn’t mean anything—certainly not enough to make me nervous discussing Damien with my grandfather. Yet something about the way Grandfather was studying me made me feel like he could see straight through my carefully constructed walls to the confusion beneath.

Nora paced anxiously within me, her instincts at odds with my rational mind.