Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 29

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**

**No Reason**

**Alayah’s p.o.v.**

I descend the Omega stairwell, my footsteps echoing in the dimly lit corridor. The last thing I want is to encounter those idiots right now. Have they completely lost their minds? Accusing me of dishonesty, claiming I wasn’t in the gardens when I know I was there the entire time, soaking in the serenity of the flowers. As I gather my laptop and the other essentials, I slip them into my bag with a huff of frustration. I quickly link Alpha Randell to inform him of my whereabouts. His voice carries a hint of surprise, but I reassure him that I also require access to their bookkeeping.

Choosing to walk instead of driving, I send a quick message to my Mom, letting her know I’m on my way. As I stroll toward the border, I catch a few puzzled glances from strangers, but no one dares to speak. My thoughts drift back to the events of this morning. I distinctly remember sneaking out of the Pack-house through the back door, making a beeline for the garden. I had been lost in thought, staring at the rosebush, when Noah’s furious voice broke the tranquility. And yet, here I am, unjustly accused of lying.

“Hold it, Girl.” Topaz’s voice interrupts my reverie. “Do you remember what Grandfather said about your bloodline?” My heart sinks as I recall the weight of those words. How could I have forgotten? Initially, I was overjoyed when Grandfather revealed my lineage, my mind racing with the possibilities of the gifts I might possess. But then Topaz had pointed out the darker side—the target it placed on my back, attracting power-hungry males. That realization had turned my excitement into dread, especially as my eighteenth birthday approached.

I’ve never felt any gifts awaken within me, and for a long time, I doubted I would ever experience such a thing. But now, it seems I might have received a gift after all—the one my Great-Grandfather considered the most valuable: the ability to blend seamlessly into my surroundings. I think he called it the gift of camouflage. “Does that mean you can spy on people?” Topaz teases, and I can’t help but giggle at the thought of eavesdropping on my stepbrothers or Anton.

Damn it, I was angry at them for no reason. They have no idea about my bloodline or the gifts I might be hiding. I used my aura against them for no reason, and after they spent the afternoon worrying about me, I just walked out of the Pack-house without a word. “They could have handled it better. Anton had no right to accuse you of lying,” Topaz growls, and I can’t help but agree. “I’ll send Crystal a message once I reach Autumn Pack,” I respond, hoping to ease the tension.

We fall into a comfortable silence as we continue our walk. I take in the vibrant surroundings, pointing out a perfect spot for our new Pack-house to Topaz. I snap a few pictures, capturing the beauty of the area, and as I approach the border of Autumn Pack, a smile breaks across my face. “Hello, Princess. Have you had enough of your stepbrothers already?” Xavier greets me with a teasing lilt, and I shake my head, trying to suppress a grin.

Just as I’m about to respond, the door to the Pack-house swings open, and I spot a small group stepping onto the front porch. “I was beginning to wonder why you had to pick up one of your Pups at the border, but looking at her, it makes sense. You must be Alayah, Mara’s Daughter,” one of them remarks, and Xavier informs me that they are my stepbrothers’ friends.

“Great, just what I needed—more people who think they’re the best,” Topaz growls in my mind, irritation bubbling up.

“And why wouldn’t Xavier need to pick up one of his boys? I doubt they could find their way out of a paper bag if you asked them,” I retort, my annoyance flaring. I hear my Mother giggle as she steps out onto the porch. “What did they do to upset you, Baby Girl?” she asks, concern lacing her voice.

“Ask me what they didn’t do, and that list will be a hell of a lot shorter,” I mumble, casting a sidelong glance at Xavier, who chuckles beside me. Their friends stand there, wide-eyed, taking in the scene with a mix of confusion and amusement.