Claimed by My Ex Chapter 73 You’re awake

Chapter 73: Chapter 73 You’re awake

Victoria’s POV:

I stirred as morning light stread through the hospital windows, my back and shoulders aching from spending the entire night slumped beside Grandfather’s bed. My wolf, Nora, stretched lazily within , similarly stiff from our vigil.

Blinking sleep from my eyes, I glanced around the room, surprised to find it empty of anyone else. Had Damien already left? I stood carefully, my joints protesting the movent, and checked Grandfather’s condition. His breathing seed steady, his color better than yesterday. It appeared he’d made it through the danger zone.

Just as I was considering finding a doctor for an update, the door swung open. Damien entered carrying breakfast, his powerful fra filling the doorway. Despite having presumably been awake all night, he looked infuriatingly perfect—not a hair out of place, his crisp shirt sohow unwrinkled. Arthur’s presence radiated from him, that dominant energy that made other wolves instinctively take notice.

"You’re awake. Co eat," he said simply, setting the food down on the small table.

I ran a hand through my tangled hair, suddenly self-conscious. "I thought you’d gone ho. Don’t tell

you stayed awake all night?"

The thought of him sacrificing his rest for my grandfather made sothing twist uncomfortably in my chest. I didn’t want to owe him more than I already did.

"Eat sothing first," he replied, dodging my question as he arranged the food containers.

My defenses imdiately rose. "You’re not going to count last night as another favor I owe you, are you? I told you to go ho—you chose to stay!"

His eyes t mine, dark and knowing. "Are we really going to keep score between us, Victoria? Do you honestly think what’s between us can be calculated so precisely?"

I fell silent, my wolf whining softly. She knew, as did I, that he was right. What existed between us—this pull, this tension, this... whatever it was—had moved far beyond the realm of countable debts.

"Just eat," I said finally, changing the subject. "I’ll go find a doctor and check on Grandfather’s condition after breakfast. You should head ho and get so rest."

"I already spoke with his doctor," Damien said, pushing a coffee toward . "Since there were no complications overnight, they consider him past the danger point. He should wake up soon."

Relief flooded through . "That’s wonderful news!"

I took a few bites of the breakfast sandwich he’d brought—it was still warm and exactly what I needed. After a few monts of surprisingly comfortable silence, I said, "I’ll stay here with Grandfather today. You should go ho."

"I will. Call

if anything changes." The corner of his mouth lifted slightly. "Free of charge this ti."

"I promise. And don’t go into the office—go ho and actually sleep. Blood Moon won’t collapse without you for one day." I smirked, adding, "I promise not to short your company’s stock while you’re unconscious."

A genuine smile transford his usually stern features. "You’d need considerably more resources to pull that off successfully."

I wanted to snap back that he shouldn’t underestimate , but truthfully, he was right. Blood Moon Pack’s corporate empire was practically untouchable in the current market. Taking on Damien Sterling’s business interests would be like attacking a fortress with a slingshot.

After finishing breakfast, Damien departed, his scent lingering in the room long after he’d gone. Nora whined softly as his presence faded, but I firmly pushed down her disappointnt.

Not thirty minutes later, Grandfather stirred. His eyes fluttered open, focusing slowly until they found my face. I clasped his hand tightly, relief making my voice shake.

"Grandfather! You’re finally awake. You scared

half to death!"

"My little Victoria," he said, his voice weak but warm. "I’m sorry, dear one. I didn’t an to frighten you."

I blinked back tears. "There’s nothing to apologize for. I’m just glad you’re awake. Let

call the doctor to check on you."

I pressed the call button, and a doctor arrived promptly. The prognosis was good—Grandfather was stable and could return ho to recover after a few more days of observation. The doctor outlined a strict regin: regular checkups, blood pressure monitoring, daily dication, and a restricted diet. Most importantly, he needed to avoid stress.

"Grandfather," I said sternly after the doctor left, "you’ve been keeping too many secrets from . From now on, you tell

everything—imdiately. No more hiding health problems or pack business. Understood?"

He nodded with a faint smile. "Yes, yes. When did my precious granddaughter beco such a worrier?"

"Expect a lot more worrying from now on," I warned, though my tone was gentle. "You must follow the doctor’s orders exactly. I need you to stay with , Grandfather. I can’t lose you too." My voice broke slightly on the last words.

I leaned forward to embrace him carefully, mindful of the IV in his arm. Nora whimpered in agreent—William Lancaster wasn’t just my grandfather, he was our pack’s revered Alpha, the leader who had guided Crescent Dawn through decades of prosperity.

He stroked my hair, his touch reassuring despite its weakness. "I’m not going anywhere, Victoria. You’re the most important person in my life, the one I worry about most."

His expression grew more serious. "Speaking of which, what about Alexander Hayes? Have you considered—"

"There’s nothing between Alexander and ," I interrupted firmly. "Please stop trying to matchmake, Grandfather."

He sighed. "This isn’t idle ddling, Victoria. I just want to ensure you’re taken care of, that you have a worthy mate by your side."

I knew what he wasn’t saying—that after what happened with Ethan, he worried I’d never trust anyone again. That he feared leaving

alone and unprotected in a world that could be cruel to even the strongest of wolves.

"Your well-being is all that matters to

right now," I said, changing the subject. "Are you hungry? I should get you sothing to eat."

"I’m fine for now. Just sit with

awhile."

"The doctor said you need nourishnt. I’ll go find sothing light from the cafeteria," I insisted, already standing.

Outside in the hospital corridor, I took a deep breath. The sterile air was a welco relief from the room where Damien’s scent still lingered, confusing Nora and making it difficult to think clearly.

When I returned with food, I found Grandfather watching

with an odd, speculative expression.

"Victoria," he said without preamble, "who was the man who stayed with you last night?"

I nearly dropped the tray I was carrying. "What man? What are you talking about?"

"No need to play innocent. The nurse told

everything. A tall, handso young man stayed by your side all night." His eyes twinkled with interest. "Is he a friend, or sothing more? Does he care for you, or perhaps you care for him?"

Heat rose to my cheeks. "Grandfather! He’s just a friend. A business associate, really."

"A friend or a potential mate? You can tell , Victoria." His tone was gentle but probing.

"Just a normal friend," I insisted, though Nora stirred restlessly at my lie. "If there was sothing serious, do you think I’d keep it from you?"

Grandfather’s expression turned serious. "Then tell

about him. How did you et? What’s he like?"

I recognized the protective instinct behind his questions. After Ethan’s betrayal, Grandfather was determined to shield

from further heartbreak. He’d always respected my choice to hide my true identity while dating Ethan, but I knew he blad himself for not intervening sooner.

"We... t through work," I said carefully. "He’s a potential business partner. There’s really nothing more to tell, Grandfather, honestly!"

Even as I spoke, I felt my heart beating faster, betraying my casual tone. One night of passion shouldn’t an anything—certainly not enough to make

nervous discussing Damien with my grandfather. Yet sothing about the way Grandfather was studying

made

feel like he could see straight through my carefully constructed walls to the confusion beneath.

Nora paced anxiously within , her instincts at odds with my rational mind.