Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 25

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 25: Mate Meeting**

“Why did you tell Dad we had to leave?” I inquire, my gaze fixed on Noah. As soon as the words escape my lips, I watch his smile vanish, replaced by a look that sends a shiver down my spine. I can almost see the cogs turning in his mind, and I dread the direction they’re likely to take. It’s a thought that has lingered in my mind since breakfast, and I can’t shake off the feeling of dread it brings. The very notion that Anton could distinguish between us makes the idea of Alayah being our Mate feel increasingly distant—almost impossible. Miku, my inner wolf, definitely doesn’t want to entertain that possibility.

“Besides Alayah, there are now three other people who can tell us apart,” Noah replies, his voice steady yet laced with concern. I remain silent, absorbing his words, my heart sinking further. “Marc looked at each of us as he mentioned our names, and he locked eyes with the right brother every single time. It might be time for us to accept that the bond our Lycans feel might be more akin to that of siblings than anything else. I despise that idea just as much as Eiji does, but I fear we might have to attend the next Mate meeting.”

Noah’s words hang in the air like a heavy fog, suffocating and thick. As future Gamma and Deltas of our Pack, we are expected to find our Mate soon. The pressure is mounting, and I can’t shake the anxiety gnawing at my insides. “We better hope it happens before we take over Autumn Moon Pack,” he continues, his voice tinged with frustration. “The next Mate meeting is still four or five months away, and honestly, I can’t say I’m looking forward to it. In fact, I absolutely loathe the thought of it.”

I hear Miku whimper in my mind, a sound that echoes my own reluctance. Deep down, we both understand Noah’s reasoning. Having our Mate—or Mates—by our side would undoubtedly strengthen not only us but also our Pack. Yet, the very idea of attending that Mate meeting is enough to send Miku into a fit of agitation. The Mate meeting, initially intended by the Council of Elders to help us find our destined partners, has morphed over the years into something far less desirable. It has become notorious for the number of chosen couples it produces, and none of us are willing to settle for a Mate selected by anyone but fate.

Most females who opt for a chosen Mate are driven by ambition, and they rarely handle their newfound status with the grace it demands. The stories we’ve heard from Alpha Gordon about chosen couples who met at the Mate meeting are cautionary tales, and they are part of the reason he hesitated to let Crystal attend. Yet, for her, it turned out to be the best decision she could have made.

One particular story he shared still haunts me, even though the outcome was ultimately positive. An old friend of Alpha Gordon had tragically lost his Mate and, after nearly a decade of solitude, he decided to give the Mate meeting a chance, hoping to find a Luna who could support him like his first Mate had. He returned home with a Mate, but the Pack soon learned it was a forced mating. She had ensured that several witnesses saw her leaving his room at dawn, claiming they had mated. The Council of Elders called for witnesses, and, of course, there were plenty.

“Nero,” Noah interrupts my spiraling thoughts, nudging my arm gently. “Where the hell did you go?” His question pulls me back to reality, and I admit, “I was reflecting on the stories Alpha Gordon shared with us.” I take a deep breath before continuing, “I think none of us should ever attend one of those meetings alone. We need to protect each other. I’m not sure how we can prevent anyone from tricking us into a forced bond, but we need to discuss this, especially since we might attend a Mate meeting.” I lower my voice to a whisper, the weight of the topic heavy on my heart.

Last weekend, I spent time observing Alayah, and I know she’s the kind of woman who would never dream of deceiving a male. She would rather remain single for the rest of her life than manipulate someone into a bond.

“You’re right, Nero. We need to address this,” Nikolay agrees, his eyes downcast as he fiddles with his hands. I can sense the turmoil within him; it would hit him the hardest if it turns out that the bond we feel with Alayah isn’t that of a Mate-bond or if only one of us shares that connection with her.