Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 15

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 15: Dumbfounded**

I find myself pondering the imminent encounter between Alayah and Noah. How will she react upon seeing him? Will she possess the keen insight to distinguish between Nero and Noah, or will she, like so many others, mistakenly assume he is Nero? The thought sends a ripple of anxiety through me, a fluttering uncertainty that I can’t quite shake off.

After a quick shower, I slip into fresh clothes, mirroring the outfit that Nero wore during his last visit. Nikolay and I share a knowing glance; we believe this subtle mimicry will further confuse Alayah. Perhaps it will add an element of intrigue to her perception of us.

As I stand by the window in my sitting room, I relish the comforting solitude this space offers. The ability to retreat into my own room, away from my brothers, is a luxury I often take for granted. Back at home, our Pack-house is far more cramped, making such escapes nearly impossible. I can’t help but think that relocating our future leadership here would be a wise decision; this Pack-house offers a more expansive and welcoming environment.

The sound of the door creaking open pulls me from my reverie, and I catch Noah’s voice floating through the air. He assures me that he won’t breathe a word about what transpired earlier, but he does make an astute observation: Alayah bears no resemblance to Mara. I can’t help but picture a scenario where a woman, perhaps Alayah herself, would be able to hold her own against Noah. The image of Yuma laughing uncontrollably at the absurdity of such a thought fills my mind. It’s hard to believe there exists a woman capable of besting any of us.

Following Nero into the kitchen, I watch him skillfully prepare the coffee that I intend to bring to Alayah—a perfect latte macchiato, rich and inviting. As I step out of the kitchen, I spot Noah lounging in the living room. I can’t help but wonder about Alayah’s office. Noah had remained tight-lipped about its appearance, and earlier, when I inquired with Nero, he admitted he was clueless about her preferences. Now, I must feign familiarity.

Descending the stairs to the ground floor, I make my way toward her office. An Omega passes by and greets me with a cheerful, “Good morning, Nero. I think Alayah will appreciate the thought.”

“At least someone can’t tell the difference,” I mutter under my breath to Yuma, nodding politely at the Omega before pushing open the door to Alayah’s office. I take extra care not to spill the coffee as I enter. “Hello, Angel. I thought you might enjoy a latte to take your mind off that screen,” I say, my voice warm as I step further inside. After placing the mug on her desk, I turn toward the window, noticing that she enjoys the same stunning view that I do from my sitting room.

If I were in her position, I doubt I could concentrate on work at all. The breathtaking scenery would be far too distracting. In the reflection of the glass, I see her lift the mug to her lips, and I can’t help but smile as a look of delight spreads across her face after she takes that first sip, her eyes fluttering shut in pure enjoyment.

Crystal’s vivid descriptions of Nero’s brothers replay in my mind, and a sense of intuition washes over me. If I trust this feeling, I suspect this must be Nathan. I can’t help but wonder if Nikolay will soon make an appearance as well. There’s something about Nero that makes me feel safe and cozy, while Noah’s presence makes me feel like a little girl in need of guidance. But Nathan? Nathan feels like a kindred spirit, a partner in mischief, and I find myself intrigued.

Curiosity bubbles within me about what Nikolay’s presence will evoke. This playful dynamic among them is beginning to entertain me, and I wonder if there’s a way for me to turn the tables on them. As I take another sip of my latte, savoring the moment, Nathan moves toward my sitting area, and I relish the brief escape from my laptop screen.

He seems to understand my unspoken thoughts, and though it should unsettle me, it doesn’t. I can tell he would never harm me. Our eyes meet, and I sense his sincerity. “It’s called prioritizing, Nathan,” I reply, noting the look of bewilderment on his face—a mirror of the expression Noah wore earlier. I have a feeling he will leave my office without uttering another word.

As I watch him exit, I can’t help but wonder what Nikolay will bring to this unfolding narrative. “I’m hoping for a treat,” Topaz comments, and glancing at the clock, I find myself agreeing with her sentiment.