Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 136

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 136: Beating The Gamma**

**Daniel’s POV.**

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As I swing the door open, a wave of the most tantalizing aroma envelops me, igniting a spark of hope deep within my chest. In that instant, I realize I’ve stumbled upon a chance to reclaim what was once lost—my second chance.

The sight of another man’s hands on what rightfully belongs to me sends a primal growl rumbling from my throat. My Lycan, a fierce embodiment of my inner strength, reacts violently at the sight of three men encroaching upon my Mate. The growl that escapes him is more feral, more desperate, resonating with the urgency of protecting what is ours.

Then, I hear her voice—a young girl speaking with an audacity that is almost shocking when directed at an Alpha. Confusion washes over me until her next words hit me like a punch to the gut. She calls my Mate “Mom,” and in that moment, a storm of rage and heartbreak surges within me. My Mate has either moved on without me or, perhaps, I am her second chance as well.

As the Mother and Daughter share their intertwined history, I feel my Lycan clawing at the edges of my restraint, desperate to leap forward and assert our claim. I want my Mate to understand that no matter her past, I embrace her completely.

A rush of warmth floods my cheeks as my Mate turns crimson at Hunter’s teasing words. I can’t help but smile at the thought of her fiery spirit. Just then, one of my men links me, breaking my reverie. “Alpha, what about the girl?” I quickly relay instructions to Gabe, ensuring he keeps a watchful eye on her.

“I find myself at a disadvantage,” I say, turning to face her fully. “You know my name, thanks to your Daughter, but I am left in the dark about yours.”

“My name is Aspen,” she replies, her deep-brown eyes pulling me in like a whirlpool. I can feel the pull of destiny as I lean down, capturing her lips with mine. The moment my tongue brushes against her bottom lip, she gasps, granting me the opportunity to deepen the kiss. One hand weaves through her hair while the other trails possessively down to her waist.

I pull her closer, ensuring she feels the undeniable evidence of my desire, but our moment is abruptly interrupted by a throat clearing nearby. Reluctantly, I break the kiss, drawing her head against my chest, wanting to shield her from the outside world.

“Apologies for the interruption, Alpha. It seems the girl is less than pleased with Gabe’s presence,” Brent comments, and I can’t help but relish the sound of my Mate’s laughter. That sound is intoxicating, and I vow to hear it echo through our lives repeatedly.

“You find this amusing, Beautiful?” I tease, and she beams up at me, nodding vigorously. “This is Brent, my Beta. Gabe is my Gamma, and whether she likes it or not, he’ll be keeping an eye on her,” I inform her, and her laughter bursts forth anew.

“I wish him luck,” she chuckles, and both Brent and I exchange incredulous looks. “Hunter is fourteen, and she’s as stubborn as they come. Alpha Malcolm began her training when she was just eleven, and she can outmatch his best Warriors.”

Suddenly, a link from a Warrior cuts through the chatter. “Alpha, you better get out here.” I sense a brewing storm, and it seems we are about to uncover the truth behind Hunter’s prowess. I clasp Aspen’s hand and lead her out of the Pack-house.

I am torn between fury and amusement as I step outside, opting for laughter as I witness Gabe sprawled on the ground, Hunter’s boot firmly planted on his neck. Aspen and Brent join me, their expressions a mix of disbelief and mirth as Gabe struggles to escape her grip.

“Hunter, can you please let my Gamma go?” I request, half-laughing, half-breathless. She glances at me, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “This is your Gamma? Maybe you should consider replacing him if he can’t handle a fourteen-year-old girl.” Gabe’s expression shifts from shock to realization as her words sink in.

She finally steps off him, extending a hand in a gesture of goodwill, but Gabe is too mesmerized by her to react. With a shrug, she walks away, tossing over her shoulder, “See you later, Mom.”

Gabe shakes himself back to reality, scrambling to his feet, still staring after Hunter. “Alpha, who is that girl?” he asks, and I take a moment to introduce him to Aspen. I plan to explain their story later, but for now, I reveal, “Hunter is Aspen’s Daughter.”

In a flash, I rush forward, catching her before she tumbles off her chair. “Take it easy, girl! You could have hurt yourself,” I admonish gently, noticing the tears of laughter shimmering in her eyes. I pull her into a comforting embrace, murmuring apologies for startling her.

She shakes her head against my chest, pulling back to meet my gaze. “You didn’t startle me; it’s just that it’s always been just me and Mom. No one else cared for me, no one else was there to catch me if I needed it.”

“Hunter, I promise I will always catch you. I will always be there whenever you need me—never doubt that,” I vow, feeling the weight of my own past pressing down on me. “I once had the fortune of finding my fated Mate, but she was taken from me long ago. She left me with four grown sons when she passed away.”

I pause, the memories flooding back, before continuing, “After years of solitude, I dared to hope for a second chance, and with your mother, I found it. We all carry our pasts, whether they are fresh wounds or scars that have long since healed.”

Aspen wraps her arm around my waist, and Hunter rests her hand against my cheek, a silent affirmation of our newfound bond.

In that moment, for the first time since losing my first Mate, I feel whole again, and I share that feeling with both of them.

**Hunter’s POV.**

As Daniel shares stories of his first Mate and his sons during dinner, my heart races with excitement. I can hardly contain my eagerness to meet them. No longer am I an only child, and the realization seems to leave Daniel momentarily speechless.

“Well, you’re stuck with me now, Dad,” I tease, and he reaches across the table, playfully ruffling my hair. Mom’s laughter fills the room, and I can’t recall ever seeing her this joyful before.