Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 14

**Chapter 14: Difference**

As I ponder the peculiar bond that seems to exist between Topaz, Nero, and Noah, I can’t shake the feeling that she’ll likely experience a similar connection with Nathan and Nikolay. The thought sends a ripple of anxiety through me. How on earth am I supposed to broach this sensitive topic with Grandma without arousing her suspicions? It’s a delicate dance, one I’m not entirely sure I’m equipped to perform.

“What do you think he was testing?” Topaz’s voice cuts through my thoughts, drawing me back to the moment. I find myself mulling over her question, a myriad of possibilities swirling in my mind. “Perhaps they wanted to see if I could distinguish between them,” I reply slowly, weighing my words. “Or maybe they were curious about whether they’d share a Mate. Honestly, I’m left with even more questions than I had this morning.”

With that, I return my focus to the final files I need to review in preparation for our meeting on Monday. One of the pressing topics I plan to address is the need for a new Pack-house. Maintaining both existing houses is becoming increasingly costly, and I believe consolidating into one central Pack-house in our new territory would be far more efficient. It would certainly make it easier to manage the kitchen expenses, which have been creeping upward lately.

I’ve already jotted down a few ideas for the new Pack-house, and I sincerely hope Marc and Crystal will see the merit in my suggestions. This new place needs to be larger than our current one; with so many Pack members, it’s essential. I can’t help but wonder if the Autumn Pack has a dining room that rivals ours. I know Crystal hasn’t had the chance to see it yet, and I’m hopeful that we’ll be able to enjoy lunch and dinner in that space today. Perhaps I should bring it up with Marc.

Just then, an image of Noah’s bewildered expression flashes through my mind, and I realize it’s nearly time for me to take a break. I could really use a latte macchiato to clear my head and step away from the relentless glow of my laptop. I glance at the last stack of files I’m working on and grin to myself, feeling a surge of optimism. If I can just avoid interruptions, I might actually finish everything today.

As I continue to sift through the documents, I allow my software to run a preliminary test with the information I’ve gathered so far. It’s crucial that I have enough data for my oversight. If I don’t, I’ll be forced to dig through files from over two years ago, an endeavor that would undoubtedly spill into my weekend. The thought of sacrificing my precious Sunday dinner with my family is unbearable. Grandma’s cooking is something I cherish, and I’ll do anything to avoid missing it.

**Noah’s p.o.v.**

Nathan watches intently as Nero presses a few buttons on the display, and I notice the puppet icon changing color. Pink, I assume, is set for Alayah’s preferred coffee. This little detail will undoubtedly make it easier for any of us to whip up her favorite drink. When I inquire about it, Nero confirms my suspicion; the pink puppet is indeed designated for her coffee choice.

Nikolay has been trying to pry information from me about my visit with Alayah, but I remain tight-lipped. I’m curious to see how their interactions unfold and whether Yuma and Khal feel a connection with Alayah’s Lycan as well. We’ll soon discover if Eiji sensed the same bond once we all pay her a visit. I retreat to the living room as Nero prepares her coffee, the very reason Nathan is heading into her office.

I sink into an armchair, leaning my head back and closing my eyes. Eiji and I replay our encounter with Alayah in our minds, and I can’t help but smile at the memory of her expression when I first walked into her office.

She recognized me the instant I entered, of that I am certain. But how? What was it about me that made the difference so clear?