Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 221 Speaking of health

Victoria’s POV

I know my grandfather behaves like a stubborn pup when it comes to his diet. The aroma of the bland, low-sodium dinner wafted up from our plates, and I could see the disappointment in his eyes. Most of the dishes were vegetarian—the pack doctor’s strict orders. William Lancaster might be the legendary Alpha of the Crescent Dawn Pack, but right now he looked like a wolf denied his favorite prey.

"This isn’t enough to feed a cub," he grumbled, pushing the steamed vegetables around his plate. His wolf spirit, always so powerful and commanding, seemed equally disgruntled at being served rabbit food.

I leaned forward, my voice firm but gentle. "Grandfather, you know you should only eat until you’re seventy percent full. If you overdo it, your blood sugar will spike again tomorrow morning." 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

My wolf, Nora, hummed in agreement inside me, equally concerned about our pack elder’s health.

James, our pack butler who’d served my family for decades, chimed in with perfect timing. "Miss Victoria, you really need to keep an eye on him. Last week I caught him raiding the kitchen refrigerator at midnight—third time this month."

Grandfather’s eyes flashed with that familiar Alpha defiance. "Since when did reporting to my granddaughter become part of your job description, James? I wasn’t ’raiding’ anything. A wolf gets hungry, especially when you all insist on starving me."

"We’re looking after your health," I said, trying to maintain a stern expression despite the smile tugging at my lips. "No more midnight snacks. Promise me."

Grandfather merely huffed, his silver eyebrows furrowing in that stubborn way that told me he had no intention of keeping any such promise. I’d recognized that look since childhood—it meant he’d do exactly as he pleased the moment my back was turned.

"Speaking of health," I said, changing tactics, "weren’t you supposed to have a check-up the other day? Let me see the results."

I remembered being too caught up with pack business at the time. James had accompanied him instead.

James cleared his throat. "Actually, Mr. Lancaster decided he wasn’t in the mood and postponed it."

"Grandfather!" The Alpha tone slipped into my voice without me intending it. "Regular check-ups are non-negotiable at your age!"

Early detection could make all the difference with health issues. The thought of anything happening to him made my chest tighten painfully.

Grandfather waved his hand dismissively. "I despise hospitals. The antiseptic smell offends my wolf senses. A few days’ delay won’t matter much. My wolf is still strong."

"You’re acting like a rebellious teenager, not taking your health seriously," I sighed, my voice softening. "If you won’t go alone, I’ll take you tomorrow."

"Don’t you have work?" he challenged, though I caught the subtle softening in his expression.

"The pack business can survive without me for one day. Your health matters more." I reached across the table and squeezed his hand.

"Stop fussing," he grumbled, but squeezed back. "I’ll go on my own time. You focus on running the company and finding a proper mate. One better than that Sterling pup."

We were both stubbornly protective of each other. As my grandfather aged, he seemed to grow more childlike in some ways, yet remained immovably headstrong in others.

For the past week, I’d been coming home every evening to be with him, which had clearly tested Damien’s patience. He understood why I needed to be with my grandfather, but that didn’t stop him from feeling neglected.

Our compromise was late-night phone calls after Grandfather went to bed, or the occasional stolen moment when Damien would wait outside the Lancaster estate gates just to see me briefly. Not ideal for a newly bonded pair—especially since Damien clearly wanted more than just talking and brief embraces. His wolf, Arthur, was particularly vocal about wanting to spend nights with me.

Tonight’s call was winding down when I said, "You should get some sleep too. Goodnight!"

"Goodnight," Damien’s deep voice rumbled through the phone. "But remember, you owe me some proper attention when you come back home. My wolf is getting restless."

His words made me freeze as a sudden realization hit me. Something important I’d completely forgotten.

The night we’d spent together in that frenzy of passion after I removed my charm bracelet—we hadn’t used any protection. I’d been rushing to a meeting the next morning and planned to take emergency contraception later, but then Damien had whisked me away that evening. Between pack business and Grandfather’s health, it had completely slipped my mind. Now almost a week had passed without me taking anything.

Emergency contraception was only effective within 72 hours. That window had long closed.

Surely I couldn’t be that unlucky—or Damien that potent—to conceive from one unprotected encounter? Then again, wolves were notoriously fertile once they found their true mates. My hand instinctively moved to my flat stomach.

"Victoria? You still there?" Damien’s voice snapped me back to reality. "Why’d you go quiet?"

I realized I’d been silent after saying goodnight. "Sorry, I just remembered something."

"What is it?" His voice immediately softened with concern.

I bit my lip. "If I tell you, promise you won’t be upset."

"I promise." His voice was gentle, making my wolf purr with contentment.

"I actually made plans with Grace this weekend. I promised before you returned, so I can’t spend the weekend with you."

I heard Damien’s long exhale through the phone. I knew he’d been looking forward to us spending uninterrupted time together.

"It’s those exclusive tickets Elijah gave her, right?" he asked after a moment.

"Yes, I agreed weeks ago," I admitted, feeling guilty. "I’m sorry."

"Don’t apologize," he said, his tone sincere despite the obvious disappointment. "Grace is your best friend. I’m not the type of mate who demands all your time or keeps you from your friends. Just make it up to me later."

This was exactly why I loved him. Unlike Ethan, who’d grown increasingly possessive and controlling during our relationship, Damien respected my independence and my other relationships.

"I promise I’ll make it up to you," I said, my voice dropping to a suggestive whisper. "I’ll make sure my Alpha mate doesn’t feel neglected."

Damien’s low chuckle sent warmth through my body. "I’m not feeling neglected, Victoria. I just miss you."

He wasn’t the kind of man to guilt-trip me for keeping my commitments. His understanding only made me want him more.

"Go to sleep," I teased. "Maybe I’ll visit you in your dreams."

"In that case, I’m going to bed right now," he replied, the smile evident in his voice.

"Goodnight, Damien."

"Goodnight, my mate."

His voice was so captivating that I lingered on the line, reluctant to disconnect. We’d thought we were talking for just half an hour, but it had stretched to two hours. It was already past midnight.

I finally ended the call, hoping he’d get some rest. What I didn’t know then was that Damien wasn’t at home at all—he was parked a short distance from the Lancaster estate, where he could see the light in my second-floor bedroom window. Far enough that the security wouldn’t notice him, but close enough to feel connected to me.

I saw my bedroom light finally go out as I drifted toward sleep, unaware that my mate was watching over me from a distance。