Claimed by My Ex's Half-Brother-Chapter 161 Don’t be silly

Victoria’s POV

Patrick’s voice carried a strained edge of pain. I couldn’t tell how badly he was hurt as we lay entangled on the cold asphalt, his body still shielding mine from the impact.

Neither of us moved, and the gathering crowd kept their distance, afraid to cause further injury. I tried to wiggle free from Patrick’s protective embrace, but he held me firmly against him, refusing to let go.

William rushed toward us, his face draining of all color when he spotted me on the ground. My heart clenched—my parents had died in a car accident years ago, and seeing me in a similar situation must have triggered his worst fears.

His chest heaved as he struggled to breathe, his eyes wide with terror.

"Victoria!" he shouted, his voice breaking with panic.

I looked up at him, my wolf Nora whimpering anxiously inside me. "Grandfather, I’m fine! I’m not hurt at all," I called out, desperate to reassure him. "It’s Patrick who’s injured. He can’t move, but I swear I’m okay!"

Patrick grimaced through his pain. "Alpha Lancaster, don’t worry. I’ll be alright—just can’t move at the moment."

William paced frantically beside us, his normally commanding Alpha presence reduced to helpless worry. My wolf howled in distress, sensing his fear.

Within minutes, police and paramedics arrived. The EMTs carefully transferred Patrick onto a stretcher, finally allowing me to scramble to my feet. I rushed to William’s side, steadying him as his body trembled.

"Grandfather, look at me," I urged, wrapping my arms around his tall frame. "See? I’m perfectly fine. Please don’t worry."

Tears slid down his weathered cheeks. "Victoria, you scared me half to death. You’re my only family left. How could I face your mother if anything happened to you?"

He pressed his palms together, looking skyward. "God, please protect my precious granddaughter. Take my life instead if you must, but let her be safe."

My throat tightened. "Don’t talk like that. I need you to live a long life, to be with me until I’m fifty. I’m okay, and you need to be okay too."

He nodded weakly, wiping his tears. "Alright."

The shock had clearly aggravated his already fragile health. His heart was racing dangerously fast—I could smell the change in his scent, that bitter edge that came with distress in our kind. I escorted him to the hospital, making sure he was examined first before checking on Patrick.

Thank the Moon Goddess Patrick had pushed me out of the way. Otherwise, I might have ended up crushed beneath those wheels. The thought made Nora growl protectively inside me.

Patrick remained in the emergency room for what felt like eternity before being moved to a private room.

The doctor pulled me aside, her expression grim. "The patient’s injuries are severe, particularly to his legs. There’s a possibility he may never walk again."

Her words hit me like a physical blow. My wolf howled in distress, clawing at my insides. Patrick was the only son of the Wagner family, brilliant and accomplished. If he lost his ability to walk because of me... I would never forgive myself.

"Isn’t there anything you can do?" I pleaded, my voice breaking. "He’s so young. There must be a way to help him walk again!"

The doctor’s eyes softened. "You’re his girlfriend, I presume? We’ll do everything we can."

"I’m not his girlfriend," I corrected automatically. "Just a friend. But whatever it costs, whatever specialists we need to bring in, please try everything possible. You can help him, can’t you?"

My chest felt constricted, each breath a struggle. How could this happen? Why did it have to be Patrick? I would have preferred being hit myself than watching him sacrifice so much for me.

"We’ll do our best," the doctor assured me. "You should visit him now. After experiencing trauma like this, patients often face significant psychological pressure. He’ll need support and encouragement."

I nodded numbly and made my way to his room, my feet feeling leaden with each step. When I entered, Patrick smiled at me as if nothing was wrong, seemingly unaware of his grave prognosis.

My heart sank further at the sight of him. His legs were immobilized in casts, his feet swollen to nearly twice their normal size.

"Victoria, you came," he greeted me, his voice surprisingly cheerful.

I could see the pain behind his smile, though. Patrick was putting on a brave face, but the tension around his eyes told a different story. Nora whined softly, sensing his distress beneath the facade.

"I’m so sorry, Patrick," I whispered, guilt washing over me in waves. "This is all my fault. I should have been paying attention."

He shook his head firmly. "Don’t be silly, Victoria. This was my choice. Whether as children or now or in the future, I’ve always wanted to protect you. How could I stand by and watch you get hurt? Seeing you safe makes me happy. These are just minor injuries—I’ll be fine in a few days. Though I might need to trouble you to look after me for a while."

I stared at his immobilized legs. If Patrick knew he might never walk again, would he still wear that brave smile? I couldn’t keep this from him—he deserved to know the truth about his condition.

"Patrick, I’m so sorry," I said softly, my voice trembling. "Your legs... the doctor says they’re severely injured. There’s a chance you might never walk again."

His expression froze, the smile vanishing from his face.

"What... what did you say?" he stammered, his scent shifting to one of shock and fear.

My heart broke watching his reaction. I reached for his hand, squeezing it gently.

"I promise I’ll bring in the best specialists in the world to treat you," I vowed fiercely. "We’ll make sure you walk again. Your legs will heal, I swear it."

Patrick’s face had gone pale, his eyes distant. "Victoria, please leave me alone for a while."

The devastation in his voice made my wolf whimper. I nodded silently and backed toward the door, each step away from him feeling like a betrayal.

As soon as I closed the door behind me, an anguished roar erupted from his room. The sound cut through me like a physical pain. Patrick must be shattered, his future suddenly uncertain because of me.