Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 11

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 11: Connection**

**Alayah’s p.o.v.**

As soon as his arms enveloped me, a warm sensation surged through my mind, and Topaz began to purr softly, a sound that resonated with comfort and familiarity. She relished the closeness to Nero, and I found myself in a delicate dance of emotions. Hours later, seated in my office, I had to remind her, with a hint of exasperation, that he is our stepbrother.

The moment she confessed to feeling a connection with him, I nearly spiraled into a frenzy. I had worked hard to maintain a respectful distance from Nero throughout the weekend, but the family dinner proved to be a formidable challenge. Grandma, with her unwavering insistence, had made it clear that Nero was to join us. “After all, he is family,” she had said, her voice laced with authority.

From the many lessons Grandma taught me, I knew that a connection could be a powerful force, one that was not easily resisted, especially when both Wolves or Lycans felt it. I held onto a fragile hope that this bond was merely one-sided. I yearned for Topaz to dismiss any lingering feelings when Nero returned on Wednesday. My desire to cultivate a relationship with my stepbrothers was strong, but I couldn’t shake the apprehension about how Mom and Xavier would react if a Mate-bond were to blossom between me and Nero.

This morning had brought a semblance of progress; the furniture for my office finally arrived, and I was eager to transform the space. It would take me several hours to arrange everything just right. I had chosen light colors for the walls and flooring, creating an airy atmosphere. My desk, a deep ebony, stood proudly in the corner, flanked by a four-drawer chest on the right and another drawer underneath on the left. It offered ample space for the files I needed to tackle. A bookshelf loomed behind my desk, effectively dividing my office into two distinct sections and creating a cozy sitting area.

On the back wall, I had mounted a screen that would display presentations of Pack finances. I envisioned plush armchairs scattered throughout the seating area, with a coffee table nestled in the center. I had also selected a few side tables to place between the armchairs, each equipped with a charging station. The thought of seeing the final results filled me with excitement. By the time Crystal linked me for lunch, I had completed the sitting area and just finished setting up the bookshelf. I planned to tackle the remaining tasks after we ate.

I hoped to have everything in order by dinner time. One silver lining of the day was that I hadn’t let thoughts of Nero consume me, and I wished to keep it that way. During lunch, Marc casually mentioned that Nero had asked to bring his brothers along, eager to meet me and see where he would be living. Crystal chimed in, her eyes sparkling with mischief, revealing that they all bore a striking resemblance to each other. “They all have the same blond hair as their father and their mother’s ice-blue eyes,” she remarked, her tone playful.

Just before dinner, Mom called, and I settled into the chair behind my desk to speak with her. “Nero will be there Wednesday morning; he can help you set up your office,” she suggested, her voice filled with maternal concern. I reassured her, “Don’t worry, Mom. Everything is already in place.” I described my office to her, and she eagerly requested pictures once I finished decorating. “I will, Mom. Talk to you soon,” I replied before severing the connection.

I felt a wave of relief wash over me at the thought of not needing Nero’s assistance to set up my office. I hoped that my workload would be sufficient to minimize my interactions with him. However, as I lay in bed that night, Topaz began to stir, her thoughts swirling with images of Nero. She understood my need for distance, yet her longing for her Mate was palpable. If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t feel this level of reluctance.

After dinner, I dedicated a few more hours to my office, scanning files and contemplating decorations. I ordered small table lamps for the side tables, decorative cushions for the armchairs, and various other items to bring life to my workspace.

As the clock approached midnight, I finally turned in for the night. In the depths of my dreams, I found myself ensnared by the piercing gaze of Nero’s ice-blue eyes, a reminder of the connection I was desperately trying to resist.