Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 134

**Chapter 134: Answers**

*Please take note:*

*This novel contains very explicit sexual content.*

*Everything and everyone mentioned in this novel is fictional.*

*Mature content (18+)*

**Daniel’s P.O.V.**

As I step into the conference room, a palpable tension fills the air. The faces of my Sons light up with anticipation, and I take my place at the head of the table, allowing myself a moment to absorb their expressions before my gaze shifts to the other members present. The weight of leadership is heavy, but their support makes it bearable.

“The Council has summoned me to address a situation concerning a Pack that has reached out for assistance,” I begin, my voice steady. “It seems two of their neighboring Packs are embroiled in conflict, and although this particular Pack has maintained a stance of neutrality, a skirmish erupted within their territory just a few days ago.”

A low growl escapes my Sons, a protective instinct rising within them. I catch a glimpse of my Gamma rolling his eyes at their reaction, clearly unimpressed. “Fortunately, there have been no fatalities,” I continue, “but the Council insists that I intervene to prevent this from escalating further.”

I turn to Brent and Gabe, my trusted allies and sons, and inform them that they will accompany me on this journey. They nod in acknowledgment, the bond we share palpable. They have been by my side since our childhoods intertwined, their fathers having served as my own father’s Beta and Gamma.

As I prepare to leave, I entrust the Pack’s leadership to my Sons. There’s no hesitation in my decision; everyone knows they are more than capable of handling the responsibilities that come with our lineage. Their experience over the years has made it easier for me to answer the Council’s call, freeing me to embark on this mission without worry.

Yet, as I contemplate the journey ahead, a flicker of hope stirs within me—a hope of finding a second chance Mate. It’s a thought I had suppressed for so long after the heartbreak of losing my first Mate. From the moment we first crossed paths, I had sensed the fleeting nature of our time together.

“Dad, where did you go?” Justin’s voice jolts me from my reverie. I glance up to see just the five of us in the room, realizing that Brent and Gabe have stepped out as I had requested prior to the meeting.

“The four of you have posed the same two questions over the years, and I’ve never felt ready to provide the answers you seek. Both inquiries are intertwined, and revealing one will inevitably lead to the other,” I explain, my heart heavy with memories.

“After we lost your Mother, we didn’t want to entertain the idea of a second chance. We chose to remain within the Pack’s territory, fully aware that we wouldn’t find her here. However, everything shifted about five years ago when I unexpectedly reunited with an old friend.”

I pause, letting the weight of my words settle. “He had also experienced the loss of his first Mate, and like me, he was hesitant to seek out a second chance. Yet, fate had other plans when she inadvertently stepped onto his territory. He opened my eyes to what I had been missing in my life, especially if I were to consider stepping down as Alpha.”

With a renewed determination, Joshua and I agreed that we would start searching for that elusive connection while allowing the four of you to shoulder more responsibilities within the Pack. This is the primary reason I am willing to assist the Council whenever they request my help.

Each of my Sons possesses a unique character, and I can only hope they find the women who will complement them, just as their Mother had been my perfect balance. “Dad, I genuinely hope you find her,” Jason whispers, placing a reassuring hand on my shoulder.

We are destined to find our Mates after turning eighteen, but only during the Harvest Moon—a time I eagerly await each year. Unlike my Sons, I am limited to that one night, a bittersweet reality I’ve come to accept. The Council continues to grapple with the reasons behind this peculiar phenomenon, yet the answers remain elusive, much like my own heart.

Jax interrupts my thoughts, inquiring about my departure.

“I plan to leave in the morning, ensuring I get a good night’s sleep beforehand. I sincerely hope this matter can be resolved swiftly; I long to return home in time for the Harvest Moon festival. Who knows, perhaps this year will bring you all some luck,” I respond, a hint of optimism coloring my tone.

My Sons exchange skeptical glances, rolling their eyes in unison. They doubt the likelihood of finding their Mates anytime soon, and I can’t blame them. Gabe and Brent chuckle softly, fully aware of the reasons behind their reluctance toward the festival.

Both Gabe and Brent are still on their quest to find their Mates, yet they seem content with the current state of affairs. They have traveled extensively during the Harvest Moon, seeking two things: to find their Mates and to identify Packs that are accepting of same-sex relationships. Yes, both my Beta and Gamma are gay, and I couldn’t care less about it; they are my friends, after all.

Each year, they select a different Pack to explore, and if the experience proves positive, the other will follow suit the following year. Thus far, they have encountered a handful of Packs that are less than welcoming toward same-sex Mates, but the majority have embraced them with open arms.

This year, however, they have opted to stay home while I attend to Council business, planning to resume their travels next year. They’ve assured me that waiting another year is a small price to pay for the hope of finding true love.