Chapter 225

Damian’s POV

I stood outside Victoria’s hospital room long after she’d gone inside. Watching her disappear through that doorway felt like having a part of me torn away. My wolf, Arthur, was restless within me, urging me to follow her, to stay close to our mate.

Finally, I forced myself to leave her side and sought out the doctor for an update on William’s condition. The physician assured me that with proper care, the old Alpha could live for many more years, though this recovery period remained critical. Heart issues could trigger complications in other organs, especially for werewolves of his age.

“We’ll monitor him closely,” the doctor promised after I emphasized the need for exceptional care. I nodded, knowing that William Lancaster wasn’t just Victoria’s grandfather—he was the respected former Alpha of the Crescent Dawn Pack, a position my mate would soon officially inherit.

After two days of recovery, William’s condition had noticeably improved. I kept a respectful distance but maintained constant awareness of Victoria’s movements. Arthur could sense her presence even through walls—the sweet scent of her that had captivated me from the first moment we met.

I overheard her grandfather urging her to go home and rest. “Little Nine, you haven’t rested properly for days watching over me. You should go home p>

“That’s out of the question. I’m staying with you, Grandfather,” Victoria replied with that stubborn determination I’d come to adore.

“You need to rest, shower, and refresh yourself,” William insisted. “I’m fine now, and the pack manager can watch over me. Having you hovering makes me uncomfortable. Go home, Little Nine, clean up and then return p>

Victoria sighed. “I understand, Grandfather. You’re just tired of my company, aren’t you? Fine, I’ll go shower and come back to see you p>

I smiled to myself, admiring their relationship. The hospitals had all necessary facilities, but they weren’t as comfortable as home. The manager reassured Victoria he’d call immediately if anything changed, and only then did she reluctantly leave.

I waited until I was certain Victoria had truly departed before approaching the room. The manager had contacted me earlier, conveying William’s request for a meeting. I knew what this was about.

After collecting appropriate gifts—foods the doctor had approved as beneficial for recovery—I knocked on the door.

“Come in!” William’s voice was firm despite his condition.

I entered, carrying my offerings. “Grandfather,” I said respectfully, using the term I hoped would someday be true. “These are all approved by your doctor. They should help with your recovery p>

“Don’t bother with these pleasantries,” he scowled. “I didn’t summon you here to witness your attempts at charm p>

Arthur growled softly within me, not appreciating the disrespect toward us, but I kept my composure. William’s hospitalization had clearly been triggered by his concerns about Victoria’s relationship with me. I understood his protectiveness.

“These aren’t merely pleasantries,” I explained calmly. “You’re an elder, and bringing gifts when visiting is simply proper respect. I would do the same for any elder I was visiting, regardless of circumstance p>

William snorted, though I noticed his gaze softening slightly.

“Don’t think I’m unaware of your intentions,” he warned. “I’ve encountered men like you countless times p>

I decided to address the issue directly. “Grandfather, you called me here about Victoria, didn’t you p>

William exchanged a meaningful look with his manager, who immediately left to stand guard outside—clearly to prevent Victoria from returning unexpectedly and discovering our meeting.

“Indeed,” William confirmed once we were alone. “I want to know what it would take for you to leave Victoria alone. What’s your true purpose? Name your price for walking away from her, and I’ll consider meeting it p>

His penetrating gaze would have intimidated most, designed to expose any lies or ulterior motives. I met his eyes steadily, with absolute conviction. Arthur rumbled with pride within me, unwavering in our devotion to our mate.

“Grandfather,” I began, choosing my words carefully. “I understand your concerns for Victoria. I know you worry about her wellbeing. But I’m confused about what sources have led you to believe my intentions toward her are impure p>

I leaned forward slightly. “If you’re asking about my motivation, it’s simple—Victoria herself. I want only her, to spend my life with her. I imagine you wish the same—to be by her side forever. But you know that’s impossible, which is why you want to find someone trustworthy for her, someone who’ll stand beside her through everything p>

“But how can you know that whoever you choose will truly be good to her forever? How can you guarantee they don’t have ulterior motives p>

My voice softened with sincerity. “I don’t care that Victoria is part of the Lancaster Group. My feelings for her have nothing to do with her position or name. I don’t need money—my businesses are already highly profitable. If you’re concerned I’m after the Crescent Dawn Pack’s assets, please set your mind at ease p>

“I can promise Victoria’s quality of life with me will exceed anything she’s known. Regardless of her status or whether she controls Lancaster enterprises, I love her for who she is, nothing more p>

I paused, then added something I knew mattered deeply to both Victoria and her grandfather: “And I give you my solemn vow that I will always respect Victoria’s independence as Alpha. I would never interfere with her leadership of the pack or attempt to control her decisions. If she needs assistance, I’ll provide it without question, but the Crescent Dawn Pack will always be hers to lead as she sees fit. Our bond would strengthen both our packs, not diminish her authority p>

Surprise flickered across William’s face at this promise. It wasn’t common for an Alpha male to explicitly commit to respecting his mate’s independent leadership, especially one from another pack.

“I only ask for a chance to prove myself,” I concluded. “Victoria is happy when we’re together—you’ve seen it yourself. All I want is to ensure that happiness continues for the rest of our lives p>

William studied me with narrowed eyes, but I could see the subtle shift in his expression—the first genuine consideration that perhaps my intentions toward his beloved granddaughter might truly be honorable.