Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 43

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 43: Childhood Stories**

**Alayah’s p.o.v.**

As I slowly peel my eyes open, a sense of disorientation washes over me. This isn’t my familiar sanctuary; instead, I find myself nestled within the confines of Noah’s room. The soft light filtering through the curtains casts gentle shadows on the walls, and I can’t help but feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. Just like the previous two nights, I had been ensnared in a dream, but, as before, the details elude me like wisps of smoke. Topaz, my ever-vigilant companion, is becoming increasingly exasperated with our collective inability to grasp the dream’s essence.

I can confidently assert that it wasn’t a nightmare; there’s no lingering dread gnawing at my insides, unlike the aftermath of those harrowing dreams that leave me trembling. Yet, the frustration mounts, clawing at my patience. Last night, I had drifted off with a peculiar weight on my heart, a sensation intricately tied to Alpha Gordon’s decision to withhold Crystal from attending the Mate meeting earlier.

The only reason she was permitted to attend this time was due to the absence of the individual who had previously thwarted Alpha Gordon’s agreement. Ironically, this same person is the one pilfering from both Alpha Gordon and the Pack. I had voiced my thoughts to Noah, explaining how it made perfect sense for her to want to keep Crystal away from finding her Mate; it would inevitably lead others to scrutinize the financial records, potentially unearthing the secrets of her past misdeeds.

Now, we can only hope that she remains blissfully unaware of the danger lurking in the shadows, allowing her to siphon more funds from the accounts she has access to. Today, however, is intended for something far more personal. I will be spending quality time with Mom and Dad, an opportunity to bridge the gaps that time has created between us. Mom has already apologized countless times for not being the mother I needed during my formative years, for seemingly prioritizing her stepsons over me. Initially, I accepted her apologies, thinking it was what she needed to ease her own guilt.

But Xavier had pointed out that her incessant apologies stemmed from a fear that I would hold her past against her. Last night, as I prepared for bed, I finally found the courage to express my feelings. Did I wish I had a more present mother while growing up? Absolutely. Yet, I also recognize that without Grandma’s unwavering support, my childhood could have been infinitely worse. Did I wish Mom had processed Dad’s death more swiftly? Certainly. I longed for the motherly affection she so freely gave to my stepbrothers.

However, I have come to terms with the life I was destined to lead, and I find solace in the family I have. My anger towards Mom faded as I delved deeper into my psychology classes. I began to understand the complexities of grief, especially within the Wolf and Lycan communities, where the loss of a Mate can leave scars that never fully heal. Ultimately, Mom did what was necessary for her own healing, paving the way for a better relationship with me. I could see the tears glistening in her eyes when I told her how proud I was of her for finally prioritizing her own well-being.

This is why we decided to dedicate today to family. I find myself missing Sunday dinners with Grandma, and this is Mom’s heartfelt attempt to make up for that absence.

We share a few hearty laughs at Nathan’s expense, and after several hours of witnessing various groups train, we decide it’s time to head back to the Pack-house. After a quick shower, we change into our dinner attire, eagerly anticipating Anton’s arrival. In the meantime, I send Dad another message, expressing my concern. “Has anyone heard from Dad?” I ask my brothers. “I’ve sent him a few messages to check in, but he hasn’t replied.”

My brothers quickly grab their phones, mirroring my concern, yet they too find themselves met with silence. The fact that Dad hasn’t even read our messages adds to our unease. Noah takes the initiative to call Beta Jacob to uncover what’s happening, and we soon learn that Dad isn’t at the Pack-house. Instead, he’s taken Mom and Alayah out to dinner at Jesse’s diner. Beta Jacob promises to nudge Dad to respond to our messages, even if it’s just with a curt “None of your business.”

Following Anton, we make our way to Grandma’s house, and I can’t help but admire the expansive garden in the back. It’s spacious enough to accommodate the entire family and then some, a safe haven for the younger pups to frolic without fear of running into anything dangerous. Uncle Rex regales us with tales of Alayah’s childhood antics, while Grandfather interjects with amusing stories of Anton’s youthful escapades, with Grandma chiming in from the kitchen, her laughter echoing through the air.

**10:10 Sat, Nov**
**Chapter 44: Our Accusations**