Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 114

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 114: Accept**

**Bastian’s p.o.v.**

The atmosphere in the room shifts dramatically as Jarrom halts his restless pacing. A thunderous roar pierces the tension, pulling my attention away from the comforting warmth of Janina’s neck, a spot I had clung to since we entered the main living room. My gaze travels to the doorway, where a furious female figure stands, her presence commanding immediate respect despite the fact that she is no longer the Alpha.

“HAVE YOU LOST YOUR FUCKING MIND, THESEUS?” she bellows, her voice echoing with authority and anger. It’s clear she is not one to be trifled with. “I thought I made it abundantly clear that your Mate has no say in how our family governs this Pack. The last time she dared to voice her opinion, it nearly jeopardized an alliance that has lasted nearly two centuries.”

Her eyes narrow as she steps closer to Theseus, the tension palpable in the air. “Did you even bother to inform her of the consequences if she ever interfered with our way of running this Pack?” The question hangs heavy, and the look on Theseus’ face betrays him; it’s evident he failed to prepare her for this confrontation.

“April, you are no longer in charge of this Pack. Theseus and I have the authority to shape it into what we envision,” Luna Carmen interjects, her tone dripping with defiance. I can hardly believe the level of disrespect she is showing toward her mother-in-law. Theseus appears ghostly pale, and I find myself frozen in place, an unwilling spectator to this unfolding drama, much like the rest of our Pack.

“Carmen, this will always be my Pack until my last breath. If necessary, I will strip the Alpha title from my Son and bestow it upon my Daughter. You are merely a Luna in name; nothing more,” April growls, her words laced with a fierce determination as she turns her focus back to her Son.

It’s rare for a Luna to wield no power within a Pack, and such a situation typically arises only when a Luna has overstepped her bounds with her Mate or has shown a lack of commitment to the Pack’s welfare before assuming the Luna role. Given what is transpiring before us, it seems evident that we are witnessing the latter.

In the short time we’ve been here, I’ve observed that only the Omegas seem to heed her commands, and I suspect that’s more out of fear than respect. She speaks down to everyone, and Theseus appears paralyzed, unwilling to intervene. Or perhaps he is calculating, trying to navigate this treacherous landscape.

Reflecting on everything I’ve learned since our arrival, it seems that Theseus made an attempt to rein her in but faltered, leaving him to rely on either his Mother’s intervention or her threat’s fulfillment.

“Mom, I’ve had numerous discussions with Carmen about this matter. She is well aware that I hold the true power here, yet that hasn’t deterred her from attempting to drive some of our Pack members away from our territory. She knows she lacks the authority to command them, and she understands I will never side with her on this issue. Thus, she has resorted to bullying and intimidation tactics,” Theseus explains, his voice steady despite the chaos.

“No one has left our territory, and they won’t. If she manages to sow doubt in any Pack member’s mind about their welcome here, they come to me first, and I am eternally grateful for that. We’ve had to outsmart Carmen every single time, but she isn’t quite as clever as she believes,” he continues, his frustration evident.

“What the fuck do you mean? I won’t lead a Pack filled with abnormalities!” Carmen snarls back, her fury palpable.

I can’t help but observe the dynamic between the two Mates, my mind racing with curiosity about Theseus’ strategy. He remains unnervingly calm for someone who has just confronted his Mate about her schemes. “I, Theseus, reject you, Carmen, as my Mate and Luna,” he declares, his words reverberating through the room and leaving us all in stunned silence.

I am acutely aware that the Blood Stone Pack has always been comprised solely of Lycans, yet I know that neither Janina nor Harper would ever be turned away. In the past, if another shifter had sought refuge within the Blood Stone Pack, Grandpa and Dad would have welcomed them, and now Alayah stands ready to accept any shifter wishing to join our ranks.

“You are partially correct, April,” I hear Elder Mathass interject, responding to a question I did not catch. “There hasn’t been anyone capable of commanding a male or female to accept a rejection for quite some time, but that has recently changed.” His words catch my attention, and I glance at Alayah, understanding precisely what he means.

“Alayah can order Carmen to accept Theseus’ rejection. She hails from the Royal bloodline, and historically, they have been the only ones with the authority to give such an order,” Elder Mathass clarifies, noting April’s stunned expression. The glimmer in Alayah’s eyes suggests that someone is about to regret crossing her.

“Alayah, you must remember that this information will circulate, and I feel it is my duty to warn you. Many males and females will approach you seeking the dissolution of their bonds, but I urge you to listen to both sides of the story before making any decisions,” Elder Mathass advises, while my mind races to find the best way to navigate this complex situation.

“That is perfectly fine, Elder Mathass. Some individuals truly deserve their bonds to be severed, and I will begin with Theseus and Carmen. Could you please ask someone to bring her to the front porch?” she requests, her gaze fixed on Theseus. I notice a faint smile tugging at his lips before he turns to the male beside him.

We wait on the front porch for Carmen to be summoned before Alayah, and when she arrives, a wide grin is plastered across her face. “Did you change your mind, Theseus?” she inquires, but he remains silent, his disinterest evident. The discomfort in her demeanor grows as she realizes all eyes are fixed upon her.

Theseus reiterates his rejection, and before Carmen can respond, Alayah interjects, “Accept his rejection.” There is no need for her to raise her voice; just enough of her Alpha command laces her words to compel Carmen to comply.