Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 127

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

**Chapter 127: Argue**

*Alayah’s p.o.v.*

I find myself perched on the front porch, anticipation coursing through my veins as I wait for the arrival of my Pack members. The air is thick with tension, and it’s no surprise that this time, an even larger crowd has gathered. News of the death penalty imposed on certain Pack members must have spread like wildfire, igniting curiosity and dread alike. They all crave a front-row seat to the unfolding drama, eager to witness the consequences of actions that have led us to this pivotal moment.

Before me, the four families kneel in submission, their hands bound behind their backs with silver cuffs—a cruel reminder of their betrayal. As the last of Bronze Crest’s leadership trickles in, I can see Dusya being pulled to her feet, confusion etched across her face. It is clear she does not understand why she is the last to be addressed, and I relish the moment.

“Alpha Ivar,” I begin, my voice steady yet laced with an undercurrent of authority, “I have a question for you and your Mate. I urge you to ponder your response carefully before you answer.” I step closer, positioning myself directly in front of them, ensuring they can feel the weight of my gaze.

“Imagine, if you will, a hypothetical scenario. We all know that you and your Mate share a true Mate-bond. Now, picture this: you’ve just met, and you’re in the early stages of forming your connection. Someone you trust approaches you, claiming that your Mate has been entangled with another individual for quite some time. In fact, they go so far as to say that your Mate has even shared a bed with this person.”

I pause, allowing the gravity of my words to sink in. I watch their expressions carefully, gauging their reactions. “Luna,” I continue, directing my attention to her, “you hear that your Mate has gotten his ‘girlfriend’ pregnant.” My disdain for the term ‘girlfriend’ is evident as I emphasize it with air quotes. “And Alpha, you’re told that your Mate is expecting a child. How would you respond to this revelation?”

Both Alpha Ivar and Dusya respond in unison, their answers echoing each other: they would confront the other with the information and reveal the source of their claims.

I glance over at Nathan, who has been observing Beta Aksel and Gamma Jesper closely, but neither of them shows any sign of engagement with my inquiry.

“Alpha, I have one more question to pose within this hypothetical situation. You also learn that your Mate intends to pass the Pup off as yours. What would you do?” I scrutinize Ivar’s face, searching for any flicker of recognition, but it seems this is a new concept for him, which piques my curiosity.

“I’d have dismissed it as a ludicrous lie,” Alpha Ivar asserts confidently. “Everyone knows that only couples with a true Mate-bond can conceive without having marked one another. Chosen Mates, on the other hand, can only bear children after marking, and even then, it might take years.”

As he speaks, my eyes drift to Beta Aksel, who stands beside him. The realization begins to dawn on him, and I can see the gears turning in his mind. “You lied to me, Dusya. Why would you do this?” His voice trembles with betrayal, drawing the attention of everyone present to her.

“Aroha didn’t deserve you,” Dusya replies, her tone defensive. “She wasn’t a Wolf or a Lycan and wouldn’t have made a suitable Beta female for our Pack. I knew I was better suited for you, but you never noticed me.” Her words hang in the air, heavy with regret and resentment. I’m grateful that Gamma Jesper is quick to seize Beta Aksel by the neck, preventing him from acting on impulse.

Scanning the crowd, I can see the questions swirling in their minds, and I am determined to provide them with the clarity they seek.

I take a deep breath, my gaze locking onto Aksel’s. “If you ever doubted Aroha’s pregnancy or the identity of the child’s father, let me assure you: Aroha was indeed pregnant, and you were the father. However, I also know that her son never learned who his father was.”

Aksel’s expression shifts, and I can see his Wolf pushing to the surface. “Where is my Son? Where is my Pup?” he demands, his voice a blend of desperation and longing.

“You are not my Father,” a new voice interjects, cutting through the tension. “You relinquished that right when you rejected Mom. I don’t care what Alpha Ivar decides to do to you; I’m leaving for Blood Stone Pack with my Mate, and he doesn’t care what kind of shifter I am. I am a Lynx, and I am proud of it.” Taipo strides forward, seeking refuge in Hondo’s arms, his defiance palpable.

“Alpha Alayah, I am deeply ashamed of what transpired within my territory. I hope my Pack members will unite to ensure that such a tragedy never occurs again. As for Dusya and my Beta, I must concur with you: they deserve the death penalty for the torment they inflicted on Aroha. Both of them were fully aware of the potential consequences when Aksel rejected her.”

Taipo’s voice trembles with emotion as he speaks, and I cannot help but feel a pang of sympathy for him. “I’m sorry that you and your family never felt safe enough to disclose the truth about your identities to your leadership.” Alpha Ivar’s voice is steady, filled with a sense of responsibility. “I was always proud of your Grandparents; they patrolled the borders together, and now I understand why. I genuinely hope you and your Mate find happiness, and perhaps one day, you’ll return to visit your Aunt.”

“Sorry, Alpha. I cannot stay either. I cannot bear to live in a place that holds such painful memories alongside the sorrow,” Nako adds, her voice resolute. Alpha Ivar nods, understanding her need to leave without argument.

The weight of their choices hangs in the air, a reminder of the fragile bonds we share and the devastating consequences of betrayal.