Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 47

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

**Blood Stone Pack**

This morning, I found myself waking up in the familiar confines of my own bed, and an unexpected wave of emotions washed over me. Disappointment? Relief? I couldn’t quite pinpoint what I felt. The remnants of sleep clung to me as I shuffled to the bathroom, the cool water from the shower invigorating my senses. Afterward, I began to prepare for the day ahead.

I chose an army green pencil skirt that hugged my curves and fell just below my knees, adorned with large buttons that ran down the left leg—a detail that added a touch of charm to the ensemble. Next, I slipped into a white halter top, its fabric delicately wrapped around me, with two slender spaghetti straps draping over my shoulders. I completed my look with white ankle-strap shoes featuring block heels that clicked against the floor as I walked. With a few deft twists, I styled my hair into a loose Grace Kelly roll, a nod to timeless elegance.

After applying a light touch of makeup—just enough to enhance my features without overwhelming them—I stepped into the living room. The moment I entered, I felt the weight of my parents’ gazes upon me. Mom’s eyes sparkled with approval while Dad shook his head in disbelief.

“Are you trying to kill someone?” Dad’s teasing tone broke the silence, and I glanced down at my outfit, feigning confusion as if I had no idea what he was implying. But Mom, ever the supportive one, chimed in, “You look absolutely stunning, sweetheart.”

As I stepped outside, the Warriors stationed at our door let out a low whistle, their admiration evident. Dad shot them a glare that could have curdled milk, as if it were a grave sin to even look in my direction.

“Dad, come on! The Goddess gave them eyes for a reason,” I quipped, my tone playful. Mom erupted into laughter, her joy infectious, while Dad stared at me, his jaw nearly hitting the floor.

“What? That’s something Grandma always says!” I defended, but I could tell that wasn’t the response Dad had anticipated.

“Is your mother a few fries short of a happy meal?” he shot back, and I couldn’t help but burst into laughter. Uncle Rex often used that phrase with Grandma, and it seemed to fit perfectly in this moment.

After Dad nearly lost his composure when Beta Jacob and Alpha Gordon also whistled at my outfit, we finally settled down for breakfast on the Alpha floor. The same familiar Omegas were there, serving with their usual efficiency. The conversation flowed easily as we speculated on what Alpha Gordon and Beta Jacob might do once they retire.

“I’ve been an Alpha for quite some time now, and while I adore taking care of my Pack, I’m looking forward to enjoying some peace and quiet,” Alpha Gordon remarked, his voice tinged with a hint of nostalgia.

Mom nodded in agreement, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “I can’t wait to take care of my Grandpups,” she declared, and the room fell silent as everyone turned to stare at her. “What! I’m serious! Alayah is twenty-two, and the boys are even older. It’s high time Xavier and I get to spoil some little ones and send them back to their parents at the end of the day,” she continued, her enthusiasm palpable.

Mom’s eyes widened as she asked how Grandma reacted to my note. “Oh, she went into overdrive with her protectiveness! I could barely step into the backyard without her telling me where she was going. Every time she left me alone, she’d insist on letting me know her whereabouts. Even Uncle Rex followed suit until I threw a tantrum. I was fed up with them constantly telling me where they were going and declared that if they didn’t stop, I would move to the Pack-house,” I recounted, a grin spreading across my face as I remembered the stubbornness of my younger self.

Mom nodded knowingly, recalling how adamant Grandma had been about keeping tabs on me.

Instead of driving to Crimson Moon Pack with Alpha Gordon, I opted for the comfort of my parents’ company. The three of us made our way to the Pack-house, exchanging greetings with everyone we encountered. I proudly led Mom and Dad to my office, and their impressed expressions filled me with warmth.

As we stepped out, I overheard one of the Omegas thanking Noah. Knowing the Omegas as I did, I was certain nothing inappropriate had happened. I guided my parents into the Alpha office, just as Alpha Randell summoned everyone else in.

Nero seemed taken aback when I instructed him to call me by my name. I could see the curiosity in Noah’s eyes, as if he wanted to say something, but a single glance from Dad was all it took to silence him.

Marc and Crystal expressed their desire for a modest ceremony, yet they acknowledged that they would need to invite a multitude of Alphas. When Alpha Gordon mentioned the Blood Stone Pack, the atmosphere shifted dramatically, and chaos ensued.