Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 226 Stop talking nonsense

Author’s POV

William Lancaster heard Damien Sterling’s words and his stern expression finally showed a crack. This young wolf seemed genuinely sincere, and William had met enough people in his long life to recognize authenticity.

If Damien was putting on an act, it was masterfully done. But William couldn’t afford to gamble - he couldn’t hand over his precious granddaughter to just anyone, no matter how convincing they appeared.

He had come intending to convince Damien to stay away from Victoria, to release her from whatever hold he had over her. Yet somehow, William felt his own resolve wavering.

No, this wasn’t right. He couldn’t allow himself to be swayed by a few well-chosen words. Damien was clearly skilled at persuasion - no wonder Victoria had fallen for him. William had lived for decades and even he was almost taken in!

"Stop talking nonsense," William growled, his wolf spirit bristling beneath his human form. "Those sweet words might work on young women, but I don’t believe a single syllable. I’m here to make one thing clear - even if it’s my dying breath, I will never consent to you being with Victoria!"

Seeing William becoming agitated again, Damien quickly moved to support him, his touch gentle but firm. "Please calm down, sir. You need to take it easy."

"I understand you don’t approve and want to separate us," Damien continued carefully, "but consider what Victoria truly values most. Do you know what that is?"

William glared at him. "What? Are you suggesting Victoria cares about you, and you’re using that to threaten me?"

"That’s not what I meant," Damien replied, his voice steady. "What Victoria values most is you. What she wants more than anything is for you to be safe and well. So you need to take care of yourself, even if it’s just so you can continue opposing our relationship."

"You... get out! Get out!" William demanded, his voice rising. "I will never consent to you being together!"

It was ironic - the old Alpha had summoned Damien himself, but after just a brief conversation, he was ordering him to leave.

Damien nodded respectfully. "I’ll go now, sir. Please rest well."

After Damien left, William breathed heavily, his chest rising and falling rapidly. His butler entered the room, concern evident on his weathered face.

"Sir, are you alright? Should I call for Dr. Reynolds?"

William shook his head. "No need, Thomas. You’ve been with me for many years... tell me honestly, what do you think of Damien Sterling?" 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

William was struggling internally, his old age making him more cautious, more prone to worry.

"Sir, I believe Mr. Sterling is... undeniably capable and accomplished," the butler answered carefully.

William nodded in agreement. He had never denied Damien’s abilities. The young Alpha was certainly talented and had the skills to match his ambition.

If Damien had been part of their pack, William would have been pleased - the Crescent Dawn would be in capable hands with someone like him. The man was truly formidable.

"What about the rest?" William pressed. "Do you think he genuinely cares for Victoria? Will he treat her well for a lifetime?"

"That... I cannot say," the butler admitted. "A lifetime is too long for anyone to predict with certainty."

William nodded slowly. "Yes, a lifetime is indeed too long."

How could momentary promises guarantee decades of devotion? William didn’t trust such assurances. He only feared he couldn’t protect Victoria enough.

Yet Damien had made one valid point - William needed to regain his strength if he wanted to have any hope of preventing their union.

---

William’s health improved steadily with each passing day. Victoria took comfort in seeing her grandfather grow stronger, her relief evident in her brightening mood. The doctors had promised he could be discharged in two days.

Throughout this period, Victoria had maintained her vigil inside the hospital room, while Damien kept his watch outside. Though William hadn’t directly encountered Damien again, he was well aware of the young Alpha’s constant presence.

Whether Damien’s intentions were genuine or not, William couldn’t deny one thing - every time Victoria saw him, her mood visibly lifted.

William watched as Victoria entered the room carrying a takeout container, her face alight with a joy she couldn’t suppress. He knew she must have just seen Damien, or perhaps the food was from him.

"Grandpa, please eat something," Victoria said, placing the container on the bedside table and opening it.

"Victoria, I’m tired of all this bland hospital food. When can I have something with actual flavor? I’m craving a good steak with peppercorn sauce," William complained, sounding more like a petulant child than the powerful Alpha he was.

Victoria smiled indulgently. "Actually, I’ve brought you something special today. It’s not quite a ribeye, but it’s better than what you’ve been having. Just remember to eat only a small portion."

"A little is better than nothing at all," William said cheerfully, his mood instantly improving at the prospect of tastier food.

Victoria set out the meal before him. William took the fork and knife and began eating slowly, savoring each bite.

"I must say, this food is excellent," he commented between bites. "The meals have been surprisingly good these past few days. Which restaurant is providing this? Perhaps we should hire their chef for the pack house."

"If you really like it, I could ask about it," Victoria replied, not knowing exactly where the food came from, though she suspected it was arranged by Damien.

If she asked Damien about it, she was certain he would gladly accommodate her request.

"Never mind, I won’t impose," William said, waving dismissively. "Victoria, you should eat too. You’ve been by my side this entire time, and I appreciate it more than I can say."

"Grandpa, please don’t be so formal with me," Victoria chided gently. "We’re family. There’s no burden in caring for you. If I were ill, I know you’d do the same for me."

"Don’t even speak of such things," William said quickly, his wolf spirit stirring protectively. "My Victoria won’t get sick. You’re healthy and strong, and I pray you’ll always remain so."

"I understand, Grandpa. Please, eat your food before it gets cold."

"Of course."

They ate together quietly, the hospital room filled with the comfortable silence of family. After finishing their meal, Victoria gathered the trash to dispose of it outside.

Damien was waiting in the hallway. He took the garbage from her hands and threw it away, then tenderly wiped a spot from her cheek with his thumb. He handed her a bottle of water, carefully unscrewing the cap before passing it to her.

His gentleness and attentiveness were unmistakably genuine.

William observed this interaction through the partially open door. He noticed how Victoria’s eyes never left Damien, how her face lit up with a smile William rarely saw when she spoke with him.

It was obvious that Victoria was truly happy in Damien’s company.

Perhaps, William thought, Victoria’s happiness was what mattered most. Looking at Damien now, the old Alpha found him less objectionable than before.

William wondered if he had been mistaken. Even if their relationship couldn’t last forever, wasn’t experiencing joy worth something? If he denied Victoria this happiness now, would she resent him years later when she looked back on this time?

His thoughts drifted to his own mate, Victoria’s grandmother. Their youthful love had been beautiful, and though she had passed on, the memory of their time together still brought him comfort. It had been worth it, every moment.

If Victoria had truly made her choice, perhaps he needed to respect that.

William’s mind was made up, though he wanted to wait for the right moment. He needed to speak with Damien again, properly this time. The young Alpha’s words from their previous conversation still resonated with him, though he had been too quick to dismiss them then.

Closing the door fully, William turned to his butler. "Thomas, I need you to arrange another meeting with Damien Sterling."

Like before, Victoria mustn’t know about this. He needed to speak with Damien alone.