Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 50

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

**Nikolay’s p.o.v.**

As I stirred awake this morning, a wave of frustration washed over me. The absence of dreams featuring our Angel weighed heavily on my heart. I longed for a vision that would keep her memory alive within me. Instead, I found myself watching her as she climbed into the SUV alongside Dad and Mara, the sunlight glinting off the vehicle’s surface, casting fleeting shadows that seemed to echo my discontent.

None of us had dared to share with Dad the profound bond our Lycans felt towards her. Yet, Alayah had bravely opened up about the connection she sensed with each of us. I could tell that neither of them was particularly upset to discover that their Pups shared such a unique link. Still, Mara had been adamant, declaring her unwavering loyalty to Alayah. I couldn’t shake the feeling that Dad would be more than willing to take drastic measures against us if he thought we ever caused her pain.

In a way, I found a strange comfort in the fact that Grandfather had kept the truth from Alayah. Had she known her rightful place as the Alpha of Blood Stone Pack, she might have left us behind, never to cross paths with us as we did now. The thought of her taking on a chosen Mate before we had the chance to truly connect was a chilling one. It would have been nearly impossible for our Lycans to forge the bond we now shared if she had been surrounded by others who could claim her heart first.

But then, the memory of her pained expression when she uncovered Noah’s deception about Blood Stone Pack pierced through my thoughts like a dagger. It shattered my heart into pieces, and I could almost hear Khal howling in anguish within my mind. Since that moment, he had grown distant, and I feared he was purposely shutting me out, blaming me for Alayah’s potential departure from our lives once more. The relief we both felt upon seeing her in the Alpha office had been fleeting; we both understood the precariousness of our situation when she reacted to Nero calling her Angel.

Never before had I encountered a woman who spoke with such raw, unfiltered emotion, as if every ounce of feeling had been stripped away from her. It made me ache to wrap my arms around her, to reassure her of my unwavering protection. I wanted to tell her that I would always stand by her side, that she could lean on me for anything she needed. But now, it seemed that possibility was slipping away, leaving me to hope against hope that one day she would find it in her heart to forgive us.

**Nathan’s p.o.v.**

Yuma’s revelation about the connection between Alayah and me had left me bewildered at first. But the moment I enveloped her in my arms, it felt as though I had finally returned home. The warmth of her presence was intoxicating, and I never wanted to let her go. I craved that closeness, yearning to feel the Mate-bond solidify between us. And oh, the dream I had about her! If that dream was a glimpse into our future together, I would embrace it without a second thought. My heart still ached for that life with Alayah.

I had truly messed things up in ways I couldn’t even begin to count, and the only person I could hold accountable was myself. I knew we all felt the weight of not telling Alayah about the connection our Lycans shared with her. And the response I had given Mara about keeping it a secret? I couldn’t even fathom why those words had escaped my lips. If I had taken just a moment longer to think, I would have realized the harm it could cause to Alayah and Topaz. Instead, I had blurted out the first thought that came to mind.

The gravest error I made was lying to Dad about why I hesitated to invite Blood Stone Pack. Alayah had seen through my deception, and she knew Grandma had been dishonest with her as well. I couldn’t recall Grandfather instructing us to keep this a secret from Alayah, and I found myself wondering why he had stopped Uncle Paul and Grandma from sharing the truth with her. Perhaps he feared she might desire the Alpha title.

Eiji and I doubted she would want the burdensome responsibilities that came with being an Alpha. After all, she had already declined the position of Beta and still hadn’t accepted Crystal’s offer to become her Beta. Some might argue that her silence implied acceptance, but I believed she simply cherished her current role. That was likely why she had offered to assist Marc and Anton with the paperwork.

“If Grandfather didn’t tell us to keep this a secret, then what are we still doing here?” Eiji asked, and I couldn’t help but be grateful for his insight. It was time for us to return home and reveal the truth to Alayah. We needed to share everything Grandfather had entrusted to us and explain what it meant for her. I turned to my brothers, determination in my voice, “We’re going home. Don’t tell anyone where you are.”