Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 35

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

**Alayah’s p.o.v.**

Standing just outside the Alpha’s office, Xavier catches my eye. There’s something in his gaze that momentarily reminds me of Noah, though I quickly shake off any sense of intimidation. “Alayah,” Alpha Gordon begins, his voice steady and authoritative, “I’ve arranged everything you need in the Luna office. It’s the only space that remains untouched, and a few of our Warriors are already waiting for your instructions on where to place your things.” He gestures for me to follow him, and I can’t help but feel a mix of gratitude and bemusement.

“Thank you, Alpha,” I reply, genuinely appreciative of the gesture, even though I can’t help but think that a simple table in the kitchen would have sufficed. It’s not like I need much to get started.

As we enter the Luna office, Mom and Xavier linger close by, keeping me company while the Warriors hustle about, arranging the furniture. I can sense Xavier’s disapproval of my outfit; it’s palpable, and I brace myself for the inevitable commentary. “Alayah,” he begins the moment the last Warrior exits, his tone serious, “I know I’m not your father, but I feel compelled to tell you that this outfit is a bit much.” His eyes scan my attire, and I can practically feel his disapproval radiating off him.

With a playful smirk, I stride past him, heading toward the living room. “Tell me how my outfit can be too much when the majority of the Pack members here strut around like we’re in a brothel,” I retort, gesturing toward the women lounging in the living room. Mom’s approving glance tells me she’s on my side. “If I start dressing like that, then you can reprimand me, Dad,” I add, savoring the way his expression shifts, a mix of shock and amusement.

It’s the “Dad” comment that silences him, halting his pursuit as I retreat back to my office. Topaz can hardly contain her laughter, recalling the incredulous look on his face, and I can’t help but wonder which of my remarks triggered such a reaction. Just as I settle into my chair, a soft knock on the door interrupts my thoughts. An Omega enters, balancing a latte on a tray. “Gamma Mara said you could use this while you work,” she informs me, placing the warm mug on my desk.

“You do realize you just made a lot of enemies, right?” The Omega raises an eyebrow, and curiosity piques my interest. “How do you figure that?” I ask, intrigued.

“Four of the females in the living room are the Mates of Gamma Xavier’s Sons. They’ve already threatened to toss you into the dungeons the moment they return home,” she explains, rolling her eyes dramatically. We share a laugh, the tension easing.

“I’m not afraid of my stepbrothers,” I assert confidently. “Besides, I outrank them. Crystal asked me to become her Beta. I’m the daughter of a Beta, my uncle is a Beta, and my cousin is too. They can threaten all they want, but in the end, it won’t matter. You know as well as I do that my stepbrothers are on a quest to find a Mate their Lycans approve of.” I take a few sips of my latte, feeling a sense of satisfaction wash over me.

We chat for a few more moments, and I learn that the four females she mentioned have been spreading gossip since Wednesday. I make a mental note to send Crystal a message to warn them. Once I’m alone again, I dive into the Autumn Pack’s financial records. As I sift through the budgets for the training grounds, the Warriors, the Pack-house, and the territory, everything appears to be in order. However, the figures for the kitchen and the Alpha family stir a sense of unease within me.

Mom is struggling to contain her laughter as an Omega sets down plates of food, while Isla is practically rolling on the floor. I glance at Mom and add, “Or she might show them the book on how to pleasure a female.” I can practically hear the collective gasp from the males, and I know Grandma has that book tucked away somewhere, ready to unleash it if she thinks they need a lesson.

As the realization sinks in, I turn to Xavier, who looks utterly flabbergasted. “Your Grandmother has what?” he exclaims, disbelief etched across his face.

I meet his gaze, unable to suppress my grin. “A book on how to ple—” His hand swiftly covers my mouth, halting my words, and suddenly, laughter erupts from several males around the table.

“Don’t you dare finish that sentence, Baby Girl,” Xavier growls, his tone half-serious, half-amused. I nod slowly, relishing the moment.

As he removes his hand, I can’t help but glance at Mom, and the sight of her barely contained laughter sends me into another fit of giggles. Talking about Grandma’s antics is one of the few ways I’ve seen Mom truly come alive, and I can’t help but think that Grandma pulls these stunts on purpose, just to elicit a response from her. It’s moments like these that create cherished memories—ones I hold dear as I navigate the complexities of our lives.