Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 231 The ending

Victoria’s POV

"There’s nothing more to see," I said, noticing Damien was still staring at Grandfather’s letter. My wolf Nora shifted restlessly inside me, a mix of grief and comfort washing through our bond. "Grandfather gave us his blessing when he passed."

Damien’s smoky cedar scent intensified as he leaned closer, his dark eyes scanning the paper again. "I just wanted to see his words one more time. Your grandfather truly loved you, Victoria."

Every line in that letter breathed my name, wishing for my happiness, my safety, my contentment. My throat tightened as I traced my finger along Grandfather’s familiar handwriting. William Lancaster had been the backbone of the Crescent Dawn Pack for decades, and I’d been his most precious treasure.

"Of course he did," I replied, allowing myself a small smile as memories flooded back. "Growing up with Grandfather around gave me such confidence. No one dared mess with me because they knew I’d fight back." I laughed, feeling Nora’s approval rumble through me. "Win or lose, I’d always throw the first punch. After I established my reputation, Grandfather would clean up whatever mess I’d made."

"Did he scold you?" Damien asked, his voice soft as his fingers intertwined with mine.

"Never. He’d say they deserved it for provoking me—that it was their fault, not mine." My chest warmed at the memory. "He taught me never to be afraid, just to avoid causing permanent damage. His rule was simple: I could defend myself, but never instigate trouble."

Damien’s wolf Arthur projected approval through their mated bond that now connected all four of us—two wolves, two humans. "Your grandfather was right. That’s how he raised such an amazing woman." His thumb traced circles on my palm, sending delicious shivers up my arm.

"I wish he were still alive," I whispered, leaning into Damien’s solid warmth. "He would have loved you too."

I knew Damien had no real family. Lawrence Sterling, Alpha of the Northstream Pack, didn’t deserve to be called his father. Real family protected each other, but Lawrence had only ever undermined his son. My grandfather would have embraced Damien as one of us.

"I know he would have," Damien agreed, pressing his lips to my temple. I could sense his wolf’s contentment beneath the surface.

I could tell Damien had made peace with the letter. When he’d first found it, before knowing I was his true mate, he’d misunderstood my grandfather’s intentions. Now everything was clear between us—no more secrets, no more misunderstandings.

---

After spending a month in our vacation home in the mountains, we returned to the city. Spring was blooming everywhere, and little Dawn—my goddaughter—was growing stronger every day.

Damien had consulted with an elder from the Blood Moon Pack to determine the most auspicious date for our marriage registration. I caught him studying wedding venues when he thought I wasn’t looking. He wanted our ceremony to be magnificent—unique enough to announce to the world that he’d found his mate, the one woman who completed him.

The night before we were due to make our union legal, Damien couldn’t sleep. His restless energy filled our bedroom as he paced back and forth, pausing occasionally to look at me with wide, disbelieving eyes.

"You should try to rest," I urged, pulling back the covers on his side of the bed. "Otherwise you’ll be sporting those dark circles under your eyes in our official photos tomorrow."

"You’re right," he admitted, finally sliding into bed beside me. Yet I could feel his heart racing as he wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me against his chest. His lips brushed against my shoulder, and I could feel his smile against my skin. His happiness radiated through our bond.

Despite my warning, he didn’t sleep a wink that night. By morning, when I finally opened my eyes, Damien was already up and practically vibrating with energy. The scent of fresh coffee and pastries wafted up from the kitchen below.

"Victoria," he called from the doorway, "breakfast is ready!"

I yawned and stretched, feeling Nora stir contentedly within me as I padded to the dining room. The table was covered with an impressive spread—everything from eggs benedict to Belgian waffles with fresh berries. After weeks of Damien’s attentive feeding, my curves had filled out nicely, my body strong and healthy.

"How does it taste?" he asked, watching me take my first bite with an intensity that made me laugh. 𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

I nodded appreciatively. "Delicious. Your cooking skills are improving, Sterling."

"You can’t call me that anymore," he protested, sliding into the chair beside me.

"What should I call you then?" I teased. "Damien? D? Big bad wolf?"

He rolled his eyes. "Have you forgotten? We’re getting our marriage license today. After that, I’ll legally be your husband."

"We haven’t signed anything yet," I reminded him, enjoying the way his eyes darkened with possessiveness. "No rush!"

The truth was, calling him my husband still felt strange on my tongue. I’d only used the word during our most intimate moments, when he’d practically begged me to say it. Something about vocally acknowledging our bond made me feel vulnerable in a way that was both terrifying and exhilarating.

"I’m in a hurry," he countered, his voice dropping to that deep timbre that always made Nora whimper. "My mate."

After breakfast, Damien drove us to the city clerk’s office. We’d made our appointment weeks ago, but as we sat in the car outside the building, I noticed Damien’s hesitation. His knuckles whitened around the steering wheel, and I could smell the nervous tension rolling off him.

When I reached for my door handle, he suddenly caught my wrist. His eyes, dark and serious, searched mine. "Victoria, are you absolutely certain about this? About marrying me?" The vulnerability in his voice made my heart ache. "This is your last chance to back out. Once we go in there together, there’s no escape. I will never grant you a divorce—not unless I’m dead."

Despite his serious tone, I couldn’t help but smile. My fierce, possessive alpha was actually giving me an out, even when it was the last thing he wanted.

"Isn’t it a little late for cold feet?" I raised an eyebrow. "If you’re having second thoughts, I can head home right now."

"No!" His grip tightened instantly, panic flashing across his face. "I’m not uncertain—I just worry you might regret this someday."

"Then let’s go before the line gets longer," I said, slipping from his grasp and out of the car.

Damien was right behind me, his hand settling protectively at the small of my back as we walked inside.

Forty minutes later, we emerged with our marriage certificates—small red booklets that made everything official. Damien couldn’t stop looking at his, turning it over and over in his hands. Inside were our photographs against a crimson background, our faces close together, happiness radiating from our expressions. We were married—legally bound in the eyes of both human law and pack tradition.

"My wife," he said, the words reverent on his tongue. "You’re my wife now, protected by law. No one can take you from me."

Happiness bubbled up inside me. "Yes, Mr. Sterling. We’re going to spend the rest of our lives together!"

His eyes narrowed playfully. "What did you just call me?"

I flashed him my brightest smile, letting my fangs show just slightly. "My husband."

Finally satisfied, Damien’s face relaxed into pure contentment. That single word—husband—sounded perfect between us.

People streamed past on the sidewalk around us, but Damien didn’t care. He cradled my face between his palms and kissed me, claiming me as his mate for all to see. I knew he’d waited for this day for longer than I could imagine. Now he had a new identity—he was Victoria Lancaster’s husband.

Since his mother’s death, Damien’s life had been cold and harsh. He’d stopped believing in love, in basic human decency. But finding me had changed everything for him. I’d given him back his faith in goodness, in the possibility of happiness.

I gazed up at his handsome face—those captivating eyes, that strong jawline that always made my heart race. I’d never regret choosing Damien Sterling. From today forward, we were legally bound as mates.

I wrapped my arms around his waist, pressing myself against him. Knowing how much he loved hearing it, I whispered, "Husband... my husband," against his ear.

The spring sunshine bathed us in golden light as a gentle breeze rustled through nearby trees, their whisper like nature’s perfect accompaniment to our marriage. Our wolves hummed with contentment deep within us, the mate bond between us stronger than ever.

Happiness isn’t just a simple two-word concept. It’s a lifetime of moments written in joy, and ours was just beginning.