Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 98 Follow me

Victoria’s POV

Damien’s finger tapped my forehead with a light reprimand. "How can someone as intelligent as you be so terrible at judging intentions? If I were truly the villain you think I am, would you still be standing here unharmed?"

I fell silent, unable to argue with his logic. Nora stirred restlessly inside me, her instincts conflicted about this dominant Alpha before us.

"Now that your true identity has been revealed," Damien continued, his voice dropping to a protective growl, "you’ve become a target. The Crescent Dawn Pack holds significant territory and power. Beyond your pack members, there are others eyeing what belongs to the Lancaster family. The easiest way for them to claim your pack’s power is to claim you as a mate. Tonight, expect many to approach you with flattery and false intentions." His smoky cedar scent intensified as he leaned closer. "Stay by my side. If anyone approaches, tell them you already have a mate."

I noticed how Arthur, his wolf, was pressing close to the surface, making Damien’s eyes flash with amber undertones. He had clearly noticed the predatory gazes around us—wolves sizing me up not as a person, but as a prize to be claimed.

In wolf society, mating with the daughter of an Alpha pack could change fortunes overnight. The ancient saying might as well have been "claim the Alpha’s daughter, claim the territory." With the Crescent Dawn Pack’s current standing among North American packs, I was essentially a walking kingdom.

Just as Damien finished speaking, a well-dressed man with an overly confident smile approached us.

"Miss Lancaster, you may not know me, but I’ve long admired you from afar," he said with practiced charm. "I never imagined you’d be so stunning in person. Meeting you tonight feels like fate. Are you currently mated? Perhaps we could exchange contacts? I assure you, I have much to offer an Alpha female of your caliber."

I felt Nora bristle at his presumption. The man’s wolf was practically preening, certain of his appeal.

I glanced at Damien, whose eyebrow arched in an unmistakable "I told you so" expression.

"I’m sorry, but I already have a mate," I replied politely but firmly. The lie felt strange on my tongue, but Nora didn’t protest it as I expected.

The man’s smile faltered before he walked away, disappointment heavy in his scent.

More wolves approached throughout the evening, each trying to establish connections with both Damien and me. While Damien’s powerful Alpha aura kept most at a respectful distance, there were always the bold ones who tried their luck.

Damien handled them efficiently, his dismissive remarks sending them retreating with their tails between their legs—almost literally.

The most persistent was an older Alpha who approached with a young wolf in tow.

"Victoria Lancaster, isn’t it? Your grandfather and I go way back," he claimed with excessive familiarity. "This is my grandson. Perhaps you two young wolves should get acquainted?"

"That’s my grandfather," I corrected gently.

"Same difference, same difference," the old wolf waved dismissively. "My grandson here is quite the catch—brilliant mind, strong lineage, and he’s making remarkable progress in research. Young wolves should connect! Exchange contacts, perhaps share a meal together?"

His enthusiasm was overwhelming, and I found myself struggling to decline politely. Nora growled softly, disliking how the older Alpha was trying to push his bloodline into ours.

"I appreciate the offer," I said carefully, "but I’m rather straightforward and have little interest in academic pursuits. We probably wouldn’t have much in common."

"Nonsense! Young wolves always find things to discuss," the elder insisted.

Beside me, Damien let out a derisive snort.

All three of us turned to look at him. "What’s so amusing?" I asked.

"Nothing really," he replied, his eyes glinting dangerously. "I was just thinking about what quality is most valuable in a wolf. Do you know what that is?"

"What?" I asked, genuinely curious.

Damien’s smile turned razor-sharp. "Knowing one’s place in the hierarchy."

The faces of both the elder Alpha and his grandson darkened. The insult was clear—they were overstepping by approaching an Alpha’s daughter so brazenly, especially when she was in the company of another powerful Alpha.

I couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped me. "Indeed," I agreed.

The pair retreated quickly, their scents tinged with embarrassment. As more wolves began to eye us from across the room, Damien grasped my wrist, his touch sending electric currents up my arm.

"Come with me," he commanded softly.

"Where are we going?" I asked, though I didn’t resist his pull.

Damien led me to a rooftop terrace—a sky garden filled with lush plants but blessedly few people. The evening breeze carried away the mixed scents of too many wolves, leaving only the clean night air. It felt like stepping into another world, far removed from the posturing and politics below.

"Wait here," Damien instructed before disappearing briefly.

I settled into a wicker chair, tilting my head back to gaze at the stars. Nora calmed inside me, content to be away from the suffocating attention of strange wolves.

Minutes later, Damien returned with two glasses and a bottle of red wine. He opened it with practiced ease, poured generously, and handed me a glass before taking the seat opposite mine.

"Is this appropriate?" I asked after taking a sip. "Disappearing from our own event?" 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

Damien’s lips quirked upward. "Would you rather be downstairs, fending off mating proposals from every unattached wolf in the territory?"

"Point taken," I conceded, relaxing into my seat. The wine was excellent—rich and smooth with complex notes that unfolded on my tongue. I felt myself unwinding as the tension of the evening slowly dissipated.

Below us, those seeking the Blood Moon Alpha or the Crescent Dawn heiress searched in vain, while we enjoyed our secret sanctuary under the stars.