Claimed by My Ex Chapter 157 Should I come with you?

Chapter 157: Chapter 157 Should I co with you?

Victoria’s POV

I felt my wolf, Nora, stir with concern as Grandfather adjusted his glasses with a troubled expression.

"Nothing serious, just my doctor calling about an urgent check-up. The hospital phoned, and it sounds rather pressing," he explained, his voice steady despite the worry lines creasing his forehead.

My protective instincts flared.

"Should I co with you?" I asked, my fingers curling anxiously around the edge of my chair. The silver charm bracelet that concealed my true alpha scent clinked softly against the wood.

Grandfather shook his head, his silver hair catching the afternoon light streaming through Patrick’s bay windows. "Absolutely not. Today’s Patrick’s housewarming, and he’s cooking for us. It would be terribly rude if we both left," he insisted, patting my hand reassuringly. "I’ll go alone. The driver’s already waiting downstairs. You stay here, Victoria."

"But—" My protest died in my throat. I was genuinely concerned about Grandfather, but the thought of remaining alone with Patrick made my stomach knot uncomfortably. The air between us always seed charged with an expectation I wasn’t prepared to et.

Patrick erged from the kitchen, the sleeves of his button-down shirt rolled to his elbows, a dish towel draped over his shoulder.

"Everything alright, Alpha Lancaster?" he asked, his eyes darting between us.

Grandfather stood, straightening his jacket with practiced dignity. "Nothing to worry about, my boy. Just need to step out for a quick dical check-up. I’ll have to take a rain check on that dinner of yours. Victoria will stay and keep you company, though."

I could sll Patrick’s subtle excitent—pine and amber notes spiking in his scent even as he maintained a concerned expression. Nora huffed with annoyance.

"Are you sure everything’s okay, sir?" Patrick asked, though I detected the barely concealed pleasure in his tone.

"Nothing to worry about," Grandfather assured him. "I’ll call you when I’m finished, Victoria. Don’t fret."

With that, he squeezed my shoulder and departed, leaving

alone with Patrick in his new luxury condo. The mont the door closed, the silence between us thickened. Patrick’s gaze felt heavy as it settled on , and I shifted uncomfortably under its weight.

I cleared my throat, searching for sothing—anything—to say. "Patrick, maybe we should keep it casual. Just sothing simple would be fine."

In truth, I didn’t want to stay for dinner at all. Being alone with Patrick always made

feel awkward, like I was tiptoeing through a minefield of unspoken expectations. My wolf paced restlessly inside , never fully comfortable in his presence despite his Beta status in the Northstream Pack.

"Absolutely not," Patrick smiled, his eyes warming. "This is your first ti visiting my new place. After all your grandfather did for

when I was just starting out, the least I can do is prepare a proper al."

I sighed. "Then get back to your cooking."

The mont he disappeared into the kitchen again, I pulled out my phone and fired off an urgent text to Grace: 911. Need rescue at Patrick’s new place. ASAP.

Grace’s response ca instantly: See? I told you he moved to your neighborhood on purpose. Stalker much?

I rolled my eyes. Believe

now? Just get over here before I die of awkwardness.

Her reply made

smile: Your knight in shining Louboutins is on the way!

Relief washed over

as I pictured my best friend rushing to my rescue. Grace’s sharp tongue and boundless energy would cut through the tension like a knife.

Barely two minutes later, the doorbell chid. I frowned, checking the ti on my phone. Even Grace couldn’t have made it here that quickly, not even if she’d sprouted wings.

"I’ll get it," I called toward the kitchen, already moving toward the door. My wolf senses tingled with wariness.

I wasn’t expecting it to be Grandfather returning, but perhaps Patrick had ordered sothing. Maybe it was the building manager or a neighbor introducing themselves. What I absolutely wasn’t prepared for was the imposing figure of Damien Sterling leaning against the doorfra, his smoky cedar scent hitting

like a physical force.

"You... what are you doing here? Wrong floor?" I stamred, my heart rate accelerating traitorously. My wolf Nora perked up with interest, which irritated

even more.

Damien’s lips curved into that infuriating half-smile that always made my skin tingle. "Not at all. Isn’t today Patrick’s housewarming? I’ve co to offer my congratulations." He strode past

without waiting for an invitation, carrying a bouquet of white chrysanthemums—funeral flowers, for heaven’s sake.

"Damien Sterling. What’s the aning of this?" Patrick’s voice had dropped an octave.

Damien’s smile widened, though it never reached his eyes. "Isn’t it obvious? I’m here to congratulate you on your new ho. "

The mockery in his tone was barely concealed, and I could feel the tension crackling between them like lightning before a storm.

"We’re hardly that familiar," Patrick replied stiffly. "I appreciate the sentint, but this isn’t a good ti."

"Nonsense," Damien countered, setting the chrysanthemums on a side table. "Two people hardly make for a celebration. I’ve invited a few friends to join us—they’ll be here shortly. You might want to prepare so extra food."

Patrick’s jaw clenched so hard I could hear his teeth grinding. I stood frozen, sensing the territorial dispute unfolding before .

I stared at Damien, baffled. "Why would you invite others? You and Patrick barely speak to each other."

The tension in the room was suffocating.

"To properly warm the house, of course," Damien replied smoothly. "Patrick seems rather short on friends—a reflection of his character, perhaps—so I thought I’d help."

That barb struck its target. Patrick’s eyes flashed with anger. "I don’t need your help, Damien. This is my ho, and I’m asking you to leave. Now."

The authority in his voice would have made most wolves submit, but Damien rely looked amused. "I’m rely being neighborly," Damien said, his voice deceptively soft. "Or does my friend have sothing to hide? Sothing he doesn’t want

to see?" His eyes flickered briefly to

before returning to Patrick.

"Stop this act," Patrick snapped, his composure cracking.

Damien chuckled. "I’m only following your example. When we t at the Miller reception, you put on quite a show. Compared to your performance, mine lacks... finesse."

Then Damien turned to , his expression changing subtly. "Can’t you see Patrick doesn’t welco us? He clearly doesn’t consider us friends. Why are you still here? We should go."

The "we" in his statent was unmistakable. He intended to leave with

in tow.

I hesitated. Part of —the part that had been dreading this dinner—was relieved at the excuse to escape. "Patrick," I said carefully, "I think Damien might need so... guidance. I’ll take him out and explain a few social norms. You can start eating without ."

Patrick’s expression imdiately softened. "Victoria, that’s not what I ant at all. I didn’t an to make you feel unwelco. It’s just Sterling here causing trouble."

Damien’s eyes narrowed dangerously. "Trouble? When did I cause trouble? I haven’t done anything. Why so quick to make accusations,Patrick Wagner? Is lying second nature to you now?" His voice dropped lower. "It’s fortunate Victoria is here to witness everything. Otherwise, would you have claid I physically attacked you next?"