Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 17

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 17: A Cuddly Bear**

The moment Nero shared that Miku felt a connection to Alayah, I was struck with disbelief. What the hell? I mean, don’t get me wrong—I’m genuinely thrilled that my little brother has found someone who seems worthy of becoming his Mate. But the fact that she is Mara’s daughter raises a million questions in my mind. Why hadn’t he noticed her before? After all, he has spent a considerable amount of time at the Crimson Moon Pack over the years.

Khal, equally bewildered, shares my curiosity. We both find ourselves pondering how it is possible that Alayah and Nero had never crossed paths until now. The Packhouse isn’t some vast estate; it’s relatively cozy. Surely, during his numerous visits, he should have encountered her at some point. Alayah has been part of the Beta family, living in the Packhouse her entire life. Mara had only ever shared snippets about her struggles after losing her first Mate, Maxwell, and how she had, unfortunately, neglected Alayah because she reminded her too much of him.

When Mara recounted the day she witnessed Maxwell’s death, I could see the raw agony etched into her features. It was as if that day was a wound that never healed, reopening every time she laid her eyes on Alayah. Part of me feels a deep-seated anger towards her for the emotional scars she inflicted on Alayah, yet another part understands that pain can warp a person’s actions. If Alayah is willing to forgive her mother, who am I to hold onto her past mistakes? Khal and I have reached a mutual understanding: should Mara ever hurt Alayah again, we will stand by her without hesitation.

As we draw closer to the Crimson Moon Pack, I notice Nero’s tension begin to dissipate. Khal observes that even Miku seems to be relaxing. It’s a surreal experience, watching Nero go through the same emotional turmoil that Dad faced with Mara. Dad had loathed being apart from Mara, just as Nero detests being away from Alayah. I can’t help but wonder how much more intense this will become if Alayah decides against forming a Mate bond with him.

Noah is the first to spot Alayah when we arrive, and I decide to take a quick shower before meeting our little stepsister. Although Nero insists she stands at 5’7″, she still feels petite compared to the four of us towering at 6’5″. When we stand side by side, we form an impenetrable wall, one that every Warrior in our Pack has attempted to breach—unsuccessfully, of course. It’s always entertaining to watch someone try to reach for the prize hidden behind us, and Dad has turned it into a friendly competition over the years.

With a grin on my face, I step out of the bedroom just in time to hear Noah telling Nero and Nathan that Alayah doesn’t resemble Mara. My heart sinks a little when he refuses to divulge any details about his time with her. I had hoped Nathan would provide more insight, but he returns with nothing to share either, and I feel a surge of irritation when he dismisses me after settling into an armchair.

As I meticulously go over the kitchen budget, my office door swings open again. This time, I don’t need to guess who it is; a smile spreads across my face as I spot the cookie jar in Nikolay’s hands. He has brought me a jar brimming with grahams, and as I lift the lid, the delightful aroma of chocolate and peanut butter wafts through the air, confirming they are indeed my favorites.

Nikolay strolls around my office, taking in the surroundings and the view, and I can’t help but wonder what questions he might have for me. Topaz, ever the curious one, seems eager to see if Nikolay will wear the same bewildered expression as his brothers have in the past.

Crystal had once asked me how I managed to keep them apart, and when I probed her about her feelings when near Nero, she laughed and said that he felt like a cuddly bear to her. We both burst into laughter at that, and I confessed that he has a similar effect on me.