Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 5

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 5: Offer**

**Alayah’s P.O.V.**

Last night, after a rather uneventful dinner, I had mustered the courage to approach Uncle Paul, requesting him to arrange a meeting with Alpha Randell. Now, as I walk alongside Uncle Paul toward Alpha Randell’s office, I can feel an electric mix of anticipation and anxiety coursing through me. The air is thick with unspoken questions, and I know Uncle Paul is brimming with curiosity about my motives for wanting this meeting. I had assured him that patience was key, promising I would unveil my reasons once we were seated in Alpha Randell’s office.

I had also taken the liberty of inviting Luna Vicky, Gamma John, and Anton to join us for this crucial discussion. It felt right to have them there, a small circle of support as I prepared to make my case. As we approach the office, an Omega steps out, a welcoming smile on their face, and I can already sense the aroma of coffee wafting through the air, a comforting prelude to our meeting.

“Good morning, everyone! Thank you all for being here today,” I announce cheerfully, grabbing my cup of coffee and settling down next to Anton. The warmth of the mug seeps into my palms, grounding me as I take a sip, savoring the rich flavor while I wait for the others to find their seats and pour themselves a cup.

A moment of silence envelops us, the kind that feels heavy with anticipation. I can feel Anton’s tension radiating from him, his anxiety palpable as he shifts in his seat. He clearly remains unconvinced that I have no intentions of usurping the Beta position from him.

“Alpha Randell,” I begin, my voice steady, “my grandfather has explained that with the merging of Autumn Pack and Crimson Moon Pack, we will become the largest Pack in existence.” I pause, gauging the reactions around me. “He also mentioned that managing such a vast Pack will entail an overwhelming amount of paperwork, far more than what either Grandfather or Uncle Paul has ever had to handle. I know how much Grandfather despises the current workload, and he is already feeling the strain of it alongside Uncle Paul.”

As I speak, I notice Anton rising from his seat, pacing anxiously behind the couch where I sit.

“Anton, please, just take a breath,” I urge gently. “I’m not trying to take the Beta position. I simply want to lend my assistance. Ever since I graduated at sixteen, I’ve immersed myself in accounting. Currently, I work for an accounting firm from home, and in my spare time, I’m pursuing my master’s degree in accounting. If I were to manage the financial aspects of our Pack’s business, it would allow Marc and you to concentrate on other critical areas of running such a large Pack.”

I can see Anton’s expression shift from anxiety to confusion, and I can’t help but stifle a giggle at his bewildered look. “I can keep you both informed about our financial status. Of course, Marc will still need to approve any major financial decisions, but you won’t have to deal with the numbers or the daily grind of paperwork,” I add, maintaining eye contact with him.

Alpha Randell chuckles, nodding in agreement. “That might just be the most sensible solution I’ve heard all day. Marc and Anton are both notoriously allergic to numbers,” he remarks, prompting a hearty laugh from Luna Vicky, who seems to find the whole situation amusing.

“I believe I can speak for Marc as well when I say you have a deal,” Anton finally concedes, though his expression suggests he’s not entirely convinced. “But I do have one condition,” he adds, his tone shifting to a more serious note.

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. “What’s your condition?”

“You need to move to the Beta floor. It’ll be easier for you to work late or if we need to get an early start.” His request hangs in the air, and just as I’m about to respond, Grandma’s voice echoes in my mind, urging me, “You better take him up on that offer. I think I’m ready to accept Rex’s invitation to move in with him and enjoy the remainder of our years together.”

An hour later, I find myself standing on the Beta floor with Anton and Grandfather. The excitement bubbles within me as I realize I get to choose my own room. I already have my eye on a specific one, a space that has remained untouched and empty for over twenty-two years. It’s high time it welcomed a new occupant.

“I only stay on the Gamma floor when I work late. Other than that, I reside in the cottage that belonged to my parents. There are simply too many memories up there for me. With Nero set to take over my position in the future, I think it’s best if I clear out all my belongings,” he explains, his voice tinged with a bittersweet melancholy.

I can’t help but feel a pang of sympathy for him, but I also recognize the truth in his words. Watching him walk away from the Pack house, I feel a heaviness settle in my chest.

As we enter my new room, I startle the Omega who is busy cleaning. She has already changed the bed linens, and I notice another Omega measuring the curtains.

“There’s no need to take those down unless they’re worn or torn,” I say, trying to ease her worries. “I’ll have my eyes closed at night, and the neutral color is fine for me.”

The walk-in closet stands empty, waiting for my belongings. I begin to unpack my bag, considering what to place in my new space.

“Stick to the basics,” Topaz advises. “If we find our Mate, we’ll be moving in with him anyway, so fully decorating would be a waste of time.”

Her words stun me momentarily. I know she’s right, but the reality of finding our Mate could take months, even years. I desire to make this room feel like home, even if just for a little while.