Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 10

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 10: Kiss**

Nero’s p.o.v.

As the pieces of the puzzle began to fit together, I quickly discovered that the newcomer was none other than Marc’s Delta, a guy named Erick. Just like me, he was unmated, and there was something about him that instantly appealed to me. Perhaps it was his serious demeanor, reminiscent of Noah that made me feel a strange sense of comfort.

“Nero, I don’t think I need to introduce you to my Beta,” Marc remarked casually, just as Anton approached. His face was lit up with a broad grin, radiating warmth. “Nero, thank the Goddess you are here!” he exclaimed, his exuberance palpable. I noticed Crystal and another female rolling their eyes at his enthusiasm, a silent exchange that hinted at a familiar camaraderie. “We need another male on our side before my cousin wipes the floor with me,” Anton continued, his tone half-joking, half-serious.

Crystal was practically doubled over with laughter, and I could see the other female—Alayah, as I would soon learn—was about to interject, but Anton was quicker on the draw. “Alayah, don’t even think about threatening me with paperwork. You are Crystal’s Beta, so there’s no escaping that responsibility,” he said with a mock sternness.

“But I can still make you help me,” she shot back teasingly, her eyes glinting with mischief. Anton’s smile faltered, the weight of her words sinking in, and I couldn’t help but chuckle at the playful banter.

“Fuck, she is Mara’s Daughter,” Miku growled in my mind, his voice laced with frustration. I felt the tension rise within me as he recalled the moment he first laid eyes on her, sensing an undeniable connection. Now, the revelation that she was our stepsister added a complicated layer to the situation.

“Hello, Nero. It’s really nice to meet you. I look forward to getting to know you and the rest of my stepbrothers,” Alayah said, her voice warm yet cautious. Around us, I heard a collective murmur of disbelief, punctuated by the expletive that slipped from several lips.

As she approached, I noticed a flicker of uncertainty in her expression. I reached out to take her outstretched hand, feeling the warmth of her grip. “It’s a pleasure to meet you too. Noah, Nathan, and Nikolay are eager to meet you as well. We’re all anticipating getting to know our stepsister,” I replied, trying to lighten the mood. “I just hope you’re ready to handle having four older brothers,” I added with a playful smirk. Marc raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued by our exchange.

“Your father summoned me to his office on Monday morning. My mother was there, and she wasn’t alone,” Alayah began, her tone shifting to something more serious. “During my studies in psychology, I uncovered many answers about my mother’s behavior, and when I finally confronted her, I received even more clarity. She is mated to Nero’s father. I told her I wouldn’t shut her out of my life, and I know she spoke to Grandma too.”

Anton’s expression soured at her words, his displeasure evident, while Miku growled in my mind, shaking his head in disbelief.

“She thinks she can just stroll back into your life after everything she put you through? I won’t be welcoming her with open arms,” he declared, his voice low and firm. Alayah turned to him, her brow furrowed in discontent.

As we gathered around the dinner table, I found myself stealing glances at the captivating beauty beside me. Her hair cascaded down her back, and her green eyes sparkled with mischief as she spoke. I was constantly asking Miku if he still felt the connection with Alayah, and each time he assured me it was there, I felt an unsettling confusion. After all, she was my stepsister.

I knew I needed to discuss this with my brothers, and for that very reason, I felt a sense of relief knowing I would be heading home soon. Alayah had kept a certain distance from me since Friday, and I couldn’t help but wonder what was happening beneath the surface. Yet, despite the tension, she still treated me normally.

“Nero, when will you be back?” Grandma inquired, her voice cutting through my thoughts. It reminded me of my responsibility to warn my brothers. I had attempted to address her by her first name when Alayah introduced us, but she had quickly made it clear that I should refer to her as Grandma.

“Probably Wednesday. I need to pack up, and I also have to ensure everything is handed over to Nikolay. Noah and Nathan are too busy with their duties as Head Warrior to take on my workload, but Nikolay should be able to manage it,” I replied, deliberately omitting any mention of Alayah. I wasn’t quite sure how to navigate this situation yet, and I needed my brothers’ advice on how to proceed.

After our family dinner, Alayah, Anton, and I made our way back to the Pack-house. Once Anton had said his goodbyes and stepped inside, I turned to Alayah. “Okay, Angel. I’ll see you Wednesday,” I said, pulling her in for a warm hug.

“Stay out of trouble and don’t tease Anton too much. I want to be around to witness that,” I added playfully, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead before reluctantly stepping back and climbing into my car.