Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 12

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**

**Chapter 12: Family**

*Nero’s p.o.v.*

As I drive away, I steal glances at Alayah through my rearview mirror, my heart heavy with the weight of separation. Each moment she fades from view pulls at a thread of longing within me, and Miku, my wolf, sulks in the recesses of my mind. He’s not pleased about leaving her behind. I can feel his frustration simmering beneath the surface. I’m relieved that Dad supported my decision to remain with Marc for now. It’s crucial for me to forge a bond with Marc and Anton as their Pack’s Gamma. This time spent together will also allow me to explore the undeniable connection I feel with Alayah. If this bond turns into something deeper, something like a Mate-bond, what will I do then? The thought lingers in my mind like an unanswered question.

Miku’s voice breaks through my thoughts, resolute and unwavering. “If this connection grows into a Mate-bond, I won’t let her go, no matter what anyone says. I would choose her over our family.” His conviction is palpable, and I know he speaks from a place of truth. Throughout history, Wolves and Lycans have made that choice, often placing their Mates above all else. The only exception is a Pup; a Pup will always come first.

When I finally return home, the house is quiet. Dad and Mara have already turned in for the night, but my Brothers await me, their expressions a mix of curiosity and concern. I had asked them to stay up, needing to discuss something important that simply couldn’t wait until morning. We had agreed to gather in my office, ensuring no one would overhear our conversation. Nathan had already speculated that my news involved my Mate, but I remained tight-lipped, letting the suspense build as each of my Brothers pressed for answers.

“Alright, Nero. What the hell is going on?” Nathan’s impatience is evident as he leans forward, eyes narrowed with interest. I take a deep breath, knowing this is the moment to share my revelation. “I might have found my Mate,” I confess, and Nathan immediately sticks out his tongue at Noah in mock defiance.

Nikolay raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued. “What’s the issue here?” For a brief moment, I hesitate, unsure of how to articulate the complexities of my feelings. “Just tell him. No need to dance around it,” Miku urges, and I decide to heed his advice. “Miku sensed a connection with Alayah,” I admit, tilting my head back to avoid their gazes, fearing their reactions.

“Miku felt a connection with Alayah?” Nathan’s voice rises in disbelief. I nod, my eyes still fixed on the ceiling, bracing myself for the inevitable fallout. “Yes, that Alayah—our Stepsister.” I confirm his suspicion, and the room falls silent, the weight of my admission hanging heavily in the air.

“Mara mentioned she has a degree in Psychology, but I doubt she knows everything about her Daughter,” I continue, my voice steady. “Alayah has accepted the role of Crystal’s Beta, even though she could easily strip Anton of his position. Plus, she’s going to manage the Pack’s finances.” I can feel the tension in the room as I speak, my Brothers processing the information.

“I doubt there are many Packs left with Deltas. Most have divided those extra responsibilities between the Gamma and Head Warrior. In larger Packs, having a Delta or two could ease the workload for a Gamma, allowing them to delegate some tasks. Why do you ask?” Noah inquires, a hint of curiosity in his tone.

“Marc will have a Delta named Erick, who will take over from his Father. Their other Delta is single and has no Pups, so I’ll need to see if Erick and I can manage all the responsibilities post-merger. Perhaps I should ask Marc if anyone in his Pack can step in for Delta Chris; it might lighten my load,” I suggest. Nikolay chimes in, reminding me that my workload is already lighter with Alayah managing the paperwork.

As morning breaks, we gather to discuss our plan with Dad and Mara about the four of us visiting the Crimson Moon Pack. Mara beams when she hears Noah express his desire to meet Alayah. “I don’t think it’s fair for Nero to have the chance to turn her against us,” Noah teases, a playful glint in his eyes. “He’ll do just that if he spends too much time with her.” Mara laughs, assuring him that Alayah is strong-willed and will always make her own decisions.

As we pack my belongings into my car and Noah’s SUV, we finalize our strategy to see if Alayah can differentiate between us. This will reveal whether a connection exists among the five of us. We load everything up and prepare for bed, but like every night since I met her, my dreams are filled with visions of her striking emerald green eyes.

Dad and Mara bid us farewell in the morning, and as we drive closer to the Crimson Moon Pack, I can feel Miku’s tension dissipating, replaced by a sense of calm. Even Nikolay notices the shift in my demeanor and prompts me to share more about Alayah and her family. The rest of our journey is filled with stories of Alayah, Grandma, Uncle Rex, and the vibrant lives of Mara’s family within the Crimson Moon Pack.