Claimed by My Ex Chapter 193 You must be exhausted

Chapter 193: Chapter 193 You must be exhausted

Victoria’s POV

Damian fell asleep on the couch beside , and I rolled my eyes. He was the one who insisted we watch this movie together, yet here he was sleeping peacefully while Chris Hemsworth delivered his climactic monologue on screen.

I studied his unguarded face, my wolf Nora stirring with curiosity. The infamous Blood Moon Pack leader—whose enemies across three territories trembled at his na—was completely defenseless. If I wanted to, I could slip a silver blade between his ribs before his wolf nature even sensed danger.

But I didn’t. Instead, I was drawn to his peaceful expression. That perpetual furrow between his brows had disappeared, making him look younger, almost innocent. Almost.

"You must be exhausted," I whispered, my voice nearly drowned out by the movie’s score.

Running an international pack alliance while maintaining his business empire would exhaust anyone. Yet this week, he’d taken ti nearly every evening to cook for . The thought sent warmth flooding through —both comforting and inexplicable.

My shoulder began cramping from supporting his weight. I carefully slid my hand under his head, gently cradling it as I slowly adjusted my position. I guided him to lie comfortably on the couch with deliberate movents. Lying down had to be more comfortable than sleeping upright like a vampire.

I could have woken him. I could have left him there and returned to my apartnt downstairs. But sothing stopped .

Nora whimpered softly within . *Let him rest.*

I tiptoed to his bedroom and retrieved a thick blanket that carried his distinctive smoky cedar scent. I draped it over him, allowing myself a mont to really look at him—his sharp jawline, thick lashes framing high cheekbones, and those tempting full lips.

Life was so unfair. How could one person possess such looks, such physique, such charisma, while simultaneously being the most infuriating person I’d ever t?

I thought I’d learned my lesson with Ethan. After five years with that lying bastard, I’d sworn off romance—especially with Sterling wolves. Yet now, just having Damian enter a room made my heart race, and his accidental touches left my skin tingling.

Emotions were elusive, uncontrollable things. No matter how desperately I tried to suppress these feelings, they lingered, growing stronger each day.

Before I could talk myself out of it, I leaned down and gently kissed his lips. Just once. Just to know.

But before I could pull away, strong fingers threaded through my hair, holding

firmly in place. Damian deepened the kiss with unexpected hunger. His smoky cedar scent intensified, enveloping

like a tender caress.

"Mmph—you—lying—bastard!" I mumbled against his lips, my words broken by his eager kisses.

My outburst only made it easier for him to take advantage, his tongue intertwining with mine in possessive exploration. This kiss wasn’t gentle or tentative—it was possessive and dominant, as if he’d been waiting years for this mont.

After all, I had initiated it. I had kissed him first. The thought thrilled my wolf nature.

Damian’s kiss burned through

like wildfire. Though his lips were so demanding, his hands were surprisingly gentle as they cradled my face. When he finally released , we were both breathless.

"You tricked !" I accused, my cheeks burning. My lips were swollen and tingling.

His deep, sharp eyes glead with satisfaction. "Did I?" he asked, his voice even deeper and huskier than usual.

"You were faking sleep! You planned this!" Even I found the accusation weak.

"Victoria, how could I plan for you to kiss

while I was sleeping?" He deliberately drew out the syllables of my na in a tone that made my heart clench. "If anyone took advantage, it was you—taking liberties while I was unconscious. Care to explain your motives?"

The bastard had been awake the whole ti. He’d felt

help him onto the couch, watched through half-closed eyes as I covered him with the blanket.

"I was conducting a scientific experint," I replied with mock seriousness. "Testing whether kissing frogs actually turns them into princes. Results are still inconclusive."

"Science?" His mouth curved into a slight smile, revealing dimples. "What about my face? Sothing about it being too handso not to kiss, if I recall correctly?"

Arthur, his wolf, radiated satisfaction just beneath Damian’s skin. I could feel both of them watching , waiting for my reaction.

My heart pounded as if it might burst from my chest. "It’s getting late. I should go."

I stood abruptly, needing distance before I did sothing else impulsive—like climbing onto his lap and finishing what that kiss had started.

"It’s dangerous for a woman to be out alone at this hour," he said, his tone seemingly casual but not really. "You’d better stay ho."

I stared at him in disbelief. "I live one floor below you. Unless there are assassins waiting in the elevator, I think I’ll be fine."

"Next ti you want to kiss ," he called as I headed for the door, "you don’t need to wait until I’m asleep. I’m available day and night. Even in public—I don’t mind an audience."

I nearly tripped over my own feet. "In your dreams, Sterling!"

His low laughter followed

out the door.

Back in my apartnt, I gulped down a glass of ice water, then stood under a cold shower for fifteen minutes, trying to cool the fire still burning beneath my skin. Nora paced restlessly within , disappointed we’d left.

"He carries our mate’s scent," she insisted.

I remained silent.

Hours later, when I finally crawled into bed, my lips still tingled from Damian’s kiss, and I was increasingly certain I could no longer ignore him.