Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother

Victoria’s POV 𝗳𝚛𝚎𝚎𝘄𝕖𝕓𝕟𝕠𝚟𝚎𝕝.𝗰𝕠𝐦

Grandfather still hadn’t returned to the States, so our daily phone calls had become routine. Every evening, I’d clutch my phone tightly, hiding my concern for his health behind seemingly casual conversation.

"As long as you’re doing well, I can rest easy," I said, twirling a strand of blonde hair around my finger. "Grandfather, I miss you."

"I miss you too, sweetheart," his deep voice came through the speaker. "Has that Sterling fellow been bothering you lately?"

I rolled my eyes, feeling my wolf Nora stirring with interest. "Grandfather! His name is Damian, and he’s not ’bothering’ me. Why do you have such strong prejudices against him?" I shifted on the leather sofa, tucking my feet up. "By the way, have you taken my advice and kept your distance from the Wagner family like I asked?"

Grandfather’s meaningful silence made me smile.

"See?" I laughed. "You expect me to listen to you while completely ignoring my thoughts. You’re so authoritarian! Though I suppose my stubbornness comes directly from your bloodline."

"You always know how to amuse me," he chuckled softly, his tone shifting. "You know, Kane is an excellent young man. We raised him, and though there’s no blood relation, I watched him grow up. Have you ever considered—"

"Grandfather!" My voice was higher than expected. "That’s absolutely ridiculous! Kane is family. He’s part of Crescent Dawn Pack just like us. I could never—"

"Why not? If he wanted to marry you, I’m sure he wouldn’t object."

I felt my cheeks burn with embarrassment. "We took in Kane and Elena because they needed help, not to control their lives. Kane will marry someone he loves someday. Besides, whether they marry or not, we’re already family. They even carry the Lancaster name."

"Family and friends are completely different things," he insisted.

"Enough," I cut him off sharply. "If you keep this up, I’m hanging up."

"Don’t hang up! Let’s talk a bit more."

"Only if you stop discussing this topic," I insisted, feeling Nora approve of my firm stance.

We chatted about trivial matters for another thirty minutes before I reminded him to rest early and ended the call, my fingertips lingering on the screen.

The Silver Star charity gala was scheduled for tomorrow evening, so I left the office early the next afternoon. My gown was designed by Grace as always, and she would be attending the gala too.

"Victoria, can you believe it?" Grace spun around in my bedroom, afternoon sunlight catching her auburn hair. "Thanks to you, I made another tidy sum from Damian Sterling! The man has exquisite taste—and deep pockets."

I narrowed my eyes suspiciously. "Please tell me you didn’t design matching outfits for us again."

Grace shrugged, her green eyes twinkling mischievously. "Well, men’s suits are pretty simple—it’s hard to tell if they’re coordinated. But look at this gown I designed for you! You’ll outshine everyone, just like last time." She stroked the fabric. "Oh, I heard tonight’s auction will feature uncut gemstones. With your keen eye, could you help me pick out some good ones? I’m dying to create some new bracelets."

"Of course," I replied, my fingers gliding over the gown’s intricate beadwork. I’d always been skilled at spotting precious stones.

After we finished preparing, Damian arrived punctually. He looked distinguished in his black suit, a perfect contrast to my white gown. I studied him carefully, noticing delicate floral embroidery on his cuffs—identical to the pattern on my dress.

I grabbed Grace’s arm, my nails digging lightly into her skin. "What happened to ’suits are pretty simple’? This is obviously a matching set!"

"Well," Grace wrinkled her brow dramatically, "Damian paid so generously, I had to give him something special. If I share the profits with you, would you feel less annoyed?" Seeing my expression hadn’t softened, she quickly added, "They’re just tiny flowers! Unless you point it out, no one will notice."

"People aren’t blind," I retorted, feeling Nora’s interest in Damian’s proximity. "Anyone could spot these details at a glance."

"Fine, I surrender!" Grace raised her hands. "Blame Damian—he specifically requested this design. Take it up with him."

Damian stepped closer, his scent of smoky cedar and midnight roses enveloping me. "She’s right. I requested this detail specifically. If you mind, I can change clothes."

My wolf nearly purred at his consideration. I knew Damian had an extensive wardrobe—what he wore meant nothing to him. But that subtle connection between us made me hesitate.

"It’s fine," I compromised, breathing in his intoxicating scent. "Most people probably won’t notice such small details anyway."

The three of us headed to the gala together. Tonight’s philanthropic host, Joseph Miller, was already waiting when we arrived.

"Mr. Sterling, Miss Lancaster!" His enthusiasm bordered on excessive. "Please come in! Your presence honors me greatly."

He’d extended the invitation tentatively, clearly not expecting someone like Damian to actually attend. I could sense his nervousness from several feet away.

The moment Damian and I stepped out of the car, we became the center of attention. I felt dozens of eyes watching us, whispers filling my ears.

Among the attendees were Ethan and Scarlett. Though they were divorced, rumors about their split had spread like wildfire through supernatural circles. This was their first public appearance since the divorce, and from the tension radiating between them, they seemed ready to tear each other apart—literally. Even from this distance, Ethan’s wolf Leon’s agitation was palpable.

I straightened my spine, unwilling to let their drama affect my evening. Damian’s hand settled gently on my waist, his warmth seeping through the thin fabric of my gown, and I was ready to face whatever tonight might bring.