Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 30

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

**Training**

Alayah’s p.o.v.

“What? You’ve never encountered a girl who didn’t want to jump into a fray?” I quip, turning towards the group. Amidst them, a girl is doubled over with laughter, her joy infectious. “Oh my God! Those boys should count their lucky stars that you didn’t grow up here. You would have wiped the floor with them ages ago!” she exclaims, her voice still tinged with amusement.

After she manages to compose herself, she introduces herself as Isla. There’s an undeniable spark of camaraderie between us, and I can tell Topaz shares my sentiment. Xavier, my steadfast guide, leads me deeper into the Pack-house, ensuring Isla has confirmed my attendance for dinner tonight. She’s eager to share some insider details about my stepbrothers, and I can’t help but feel a flutter of curiosity.

Mom and Xavier usher me up to the Gamma floor of the Pack-house, and as we walk, Xavier points out the various rooms that belong to his sons. It’s as if he assumes I’m on the edge of my seat for this information. I drop my bags onto the bed, and with a sense of urgency, I open the door to my walk-in closet. Pulling out my phone, I shoot a quick message to Crystal, updating her on my whereabouts at Autumn Pack. I make sure to reassure her that I’ll be back by Monday morning, armed with all the details we need for our upcoming meeting.

Glancing around my new room, I immediately grasp what Nathan meant when he described his quarters as small. This space feels nearly half the size of my own room back home. A single window is situated to the right of my bed, and there’s barely enough room for a desk or an armchair. I can’t help but think I would much prefer the layout of our Pack-house. It’s a crucial consideration for the new Pack-house design; I wonder if the accommodations for the Omegas and unmated Lycans here are just as cramped.

“Baby Girl, Alpha Gordon would like to see you,” Mom announces, pulling me from my thoughts. I nod, assuring her I’ll be out shortly after a quick freshen-up. Topaz, nestled in the recesses of my mind, is fast asleep, and if I’m honest, I’m feeling quite drained myself—likely a side effect of exerting my gift. Peering into the living room on the Gamma floor, I can’t help but notice its inviting, cozy atmosphere. Yet, I question whether it’s truly adequate for a family of six, especially considering my four stepbrothers, who are all rather large, like Xavier.

As I mentally note these considerations for the new Pack-house, I’m not quite sure how to weave them into the design just yet. I know I’ll figure it out eventually, but for now, I’ll set it aside and focus on my immediate responsibilities. I’m grateful Mom has a firm grip on my arm as we descend the stairs; my distracted mind could have easily led to a misstep.

“Alpha Gordon, this is my daughter Alayah,” Mom introduces me as we enter the Alpha’s office. “Welcome, Beta Alayah,” he responds, earning a bemused glance from both Xavier and my mother. Whether he’s oblivious or simply chooses to overlook their expressions, he gestures for me to take a seat and asks how he can assist me.

“Thank you, Alpha Gordon, but I’m not Crystal’s Beta just yet. I would like access to your bookkeeping, as I need to integrate it with the Crimson Moon Pack’s records. This will facilitate our meeting on Monday morning and help us identify areas where we can either cut back or invest more resources,” I explain, my tone steady and professional.

“Excuse me,” I call out to an Omega passing our table. She stops and turns to me, curiosity in her eyes. “Where is the rest of my food?” I ask, and a chorus of giggles erupts around me.

“Miss, this is the portion they serve us females. You don’t need to eat as much as the males do, after all, you’re not training or fighting like them,” a woman at another table informs me, her tone dripping with condescension. I turn to stare at her, incredulous, as if she’s lost her mind, before slowly pivoting back to Isla. “Is that girl serious, Isla?” I growl, and the look in her eyes confirms the unsettling truth about the food and the training.

Rising from my seat, I fix my gaze on Alpha Gordon, who is watching with an amused expression. “Alpha Gordon, how am I, as the future Beta of Autumn Moon Pack, supposed to function, train, or even run border patrol with this meager serving?” I challenge him, the murmurs of surprise and chuckles echoing around the room.

“Alayah, I’ve often pondered that same question, and today, I believe I’ve found the answer. The females in my Pack seem to think they can lounge around all day, relying on the males to protect them,” he replies, a hint of exasperation in his voice.

Surveying the dining room, I lock eyes with Isla and assert, “Well, they have a choice right now. Either they start training and running border patrol, or they can find another Pack that will allow them to remain idle. In Crimson Moon Pack, training and border patrol are mandatory for everyone aged sixteen and older, regardless of gender. The only exception is when the Pack doctor informs the Gamma that someone can’t train due to injury; otherwise, everyone participates.”