Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 217 I’ll tell you first next time

Victoria’s POV

I was debating whether to call Damien directly and ask what the hell he was up to. The thought crossed my mind, and I went for it, but the call didn’t connect. I had no idea what was keeping him so busy.

Whatever. He’s probably caught up in something important. Damien’s a grown man with lightning-fast reflexes—no ordinary person could get the better of him.

I should focus on my work first. If he still hasn’t shown up by tomorrow, I’ll track him down myself.

I set my phone aside and immersed myself back into the project files spread across my desk. My wolf, Nora, paced restlessly in my mind, missing her mate’s presence. After several minutes, a knock interrupted my concentration.

"Come in," I called, not bothering to look up from the contract I was reviewing.

I sensed someone standing beside me but heard no words. This was unlike Kane, who usually got straight to the point.

"Is this about work, or did you find something?" I asked, finally glancing up.

My breath caught when I saw who it was. Not Kane, but Damien! My pulse quickened instantly, Nora howling with joy inside me.

After sending him countless messages and calls that went unanswered, here he was, suddenly materializing in my office like some apparition. I blinked twice, making sure he wasn’t a figment of my imagination.

"Damien?" I tilted my head. "Weren’t you supposed to be back tomorrow?"

My voice grew stronger with each word. "Why didn’t you tell me you were coming back early? Do you have any idea how many messages I sent? You didn’t reply to a single one. I was worried sick!"

"And then you just appear in my office, standing there all silent like some brooding wolf. Were you trying to—"

My words died in my throat as his strong arms wrapped around me, pulling me into his familiar embrace. The scent of cedar and midnight rose enveloped me, and my heart fluttered against my ribcage. My earlier irritation evaporated like morning dew, replaced by the comfort of Damien’s warmth.

"I saw them," he murmured, his voice rough with emotion. "Your messages. I’d just landed when they came through. I was in the car and wanted to surprise you, so I didn’t reply. I’m sorry."

His voice rumbled against my ear, low and intimate. When he mentioned wanting to surprise me, my heart skipped a beat, Nora purring contentedly within me.

"That’s not the kind of surprise I want," I said, melting into his arms despite my words. "Next time you come back, tell me immediately. I worry too, you know. I thought something might have happened to you."

Damien nodded, his chin brushing against my hair. "Agreed. I’ll tell you first next time."

"So your business there is finished? You won’t have to go back?" I pressed, unwilling to let him go for another trip so soon.

"It’s done. I won’t be going back," he confirmed.

"Good, because I was planning to hunt you down tomorrow if you hadn’t shown up," I admitted. "Since you’re back earlier than expected, you must have been busy. Can you finally get some proper rest now?"

His arms tightened around me. "Yes. I can spend the next few days with you, without interruption." He pulled back slightly, his intense gaze searching my face. "Were you behaving while I was gone? Or have you been working late every night?"

"Of course I’ve been responsible," I protested. "Work when it’s time to work, rest when it’s time to rest."

"Then did you eat dinner today?" he asked pointedly.

He’d hit my weak spot. I hadn’t eaten, too wrapped up in finalizing the project details. I scrambled for an excuse, my mind working frantically.

"Not yet," I admitted with a smile. "I sensed you were coming back, so I was waiting for you. Once I finish up here, we could grab something together?"

"I knew you’d skip meals," he said, his lips curving into a knowing smile. "That’s why I brought dinner with me."

Only then did I notice the takeout bags on the side table. I’d been so focused on Damien that I’d completely missed them.

"You brought food?" My stomach growled in response. "You’re the best. I’m starving! Let’s eat first, then?"

Damien finally released me and moved to unpack the containers, arranging them on the coffee table by the sofa. I abandoned my work and joined him, sinking into the plush cushions.

The spread was impressive—all my favorites. Arthur, Damien’s wolf, must have reminded him what I liked. I didn’t stand on ceremony and dug right in, savoring the flavors.

As we ate, I updated him on work developments. "Remember that project I asked you to look into? I’m now developing it with Silver Galaxy Pack. Unexpectedly, we’ve created a three-way partnership. It’s good though—more profit for everyone involved."

"Hmm." Damien’s eyes narrowed slightly. "Be careful with Elijah. He’s not exactly straightforward. The man has hidden depths and loves his little games. I don’t want you falling into one of his traps."

"Really? I find him quite pleasant to work with," I replied, enjoying the flash of jealousy that darkened Damien’s eyes.

"You’ve only met him a few times and he’s already won you over?" His voice dropped an octave. "So tell me, who’s better—him or me?"

The possessive undertone made my wolf preen. I tapped my chopsticks against my lips thoughtfully. "Well, at least he doesn’t get jealous when I compliment other people. Mr. Sterling, with all this jealousy, doesn’t your life taste sour all the time?"

"Not at all," he countered. "If I were truly jealous, I’d keep you locked away at home where no other wolf could see you."

I laughed. "That’s not jealousy, that’s illegal imprisonment—it’s criminal!"

"Then imprison me," he responded, his voice dropping to a husky whisper that sent shivers down my spine. "Lock me up and keep me to yourself. I promise I won’t call the authorities."

"You wish," I scoffed, fighting the heat rising in my cheeks. "Now eat your food." I reached over to place more food on his plate, our fingers brushing briefly.

After dinner, I quickly wrapped up my remaining work, and we left the office together. The driver was waiting by the car and opened the doors as we approached.

"I’ll drive," Damien told him. "You can head home for the night."

The driver didn’t need to be told twice, clearly delighted by the unexpected early release.

"Aren’t you exhausted after your busy day?" I questioned as he slid into the driver’s seat. "You still have energy to drive?"

Damien’s lips curved into a predatory smile that made my stomach flip. "I have energy to drive," he said, his voice a deep rumble, "and plenty left for other activities."

Before I could respond, he leaned across the center console and pressed me against the seat, his lips capturing mine in a hungry kiss.

"Dam—mmph..."

His kiss conveyed weeks of longing, fierce and demanding, as if he wanted to devour me whole. Though we’d only been apart for days, I felt how much he’d missed me in the urgency of his touch.

That’s what happens when you truly fall for someone—being apart becomes physically painful. The wolf bond between mates made it even more intense, a constant pull that wouldn’t be satisfied until we were together again. Arthur and Nora recognized each other as mates long before we humans had caught up, and now that we’d acknowledged our bond, the separation had been unbearable for all four of us.