Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 60

**Chapter 60: A Lot Better**

**Nero’s p.o.v.**

“What’s your next move, Angel?” Noah’s voice resonates with a calmness that belies the worry simmering just beneath the surface. His concern is palpable, and I can sense the weight of his words. “You left the Crimson Moon Pack because you’re furious with your family for hiding the truth from you. We’re all still trying to make sense of this tangled web we find ourselves in, but if it turns out there’s a genuine Mate-bond among the five of us, know that we will stand by you, no matter what it takes.” Alayah responds with a gentle smile, but I catch the flicker of uncertainty in her eyes, a shadow that hints at her internal struggle. “I don’t know how the Pack members here will react to our potential Mate-bond, and honestly, I’m hesitant to find out. But going back to the Crimson Moon Pack isn’t an option for me,” she admits, her voice quivering with anxiety.

I contemplate whether it would be prudent to bring Alpha Gordon into our discussion about this precarious situation. Just as I’m about to voice my thoughts, the door to our floor swings open with an unsettling creak, and an involuntary growl escapes my lips as the unmistakable scent of Lily fills the room. It’s not just her natural scent; it’s the sickly sweet perfume she insists on wearing, a fragrance that Miku detests with an intensity that I can almost taste. “What the hell is she doing here?” Lily’s voice cuts through the air like a knife, sharp and accusatory, her finger jabbing at Alayah with venomous intent. Noah, unable to contain his fury, rises to his full height, unleashing a roar that reverberates through the space, a warning that Lily has no right to treat another Wolf or Lycan with such blatant disrespect.

Lily’s gaze flickers between me and Alayah, as if she anticipates me to come to her aid. But this is her mess, and she must find her own way out of it. “Alayah has more of a right to be here than you do,” I assert firmly, my voice unwavering. “She deserves respect as the daughter of your Gamma female. Furthermore, Crystal has invited her to become her Beta, given that she is the granddaughter of the former Beta of the Crimson Moon Pack. If her father hadn’t declined the position, she would have been the future Beta of the Crimson Moon Pack anyway.” Noah’s growl rumbles in agreement, his protective instincts flaring like a raging fire.

Lily visibly recoils, intimidated by Noah’s imposing presence, yet her eyes dart toward me, searching for an ally in this battle of wills. “Angel, I need you to help calm Miku. He’s becoming increasingly agitated with Lily here,” I communicate through our mind-link, my thoughts racing with urgency. Almost instantly, I feel Alayah’s arms wrap around my neck as she settles onto my lap, her warmth a comforting balm against the tension. “Calm down, Miku. I’m right here, and I won’t leave you,” she murmurs softly, pressing her forehead against mine. I can sense Miku’s agitation dissipating, the soothing presence of Alayah pushing Lily’s scent into the background like a distant storm.

“Noah, could you come over here?” Alayah requests, her hand reaching out to him with a gentle urgency that speaks volumes. As he approaches, Lily tumbles to the floor when he pulls his aura back, and I can’t help but hear Nikolay and Nathan stifling laughter at the sight of her dramatic fall. “No!” she screams, her voice filled with indignation, echoing in the room like a siren. I can tell others have entered the living room, but I refuse to break my gaze from Alayah’s eyes, captivated by the strength and resolve I see within her. I doubt anyone else in the room is concerned with the unfolding chaos.

“What’s happening here?” Alpha Gordon’s authoritative voice slices through the tension like a hot knife through butter, and I brace myself for Lily to seize this moment. I’m uncertain how he will react to the four of us sharing a true Mate-bond with Alayah, but honestly, I’m beyond caring, and I know my brothers feel the same. “She’s trying to seduce her stepbrothers! She wants to trap one of them into a false Mate-bond!” Lily exclaims, her voice dripping with malice, an accusation that hangs heavy in the air. To my astonishment, Alayah bursts into laughter, her joy cutting through the tension like a ray of sunlight, illuminating the room with her spirit.

In the aftermath of the confrontation, a palpable shift occurs within our group. Alayah, once burdened by uncertainty and fear of rejection, now radiates strength and confidence, her laughter echoing through the room like a beacon of hope piercing the darkness. The tension that had gripped us moments before dissipates, replaced by a newfound solidarity among the five of us. Noah’s protective instincts, Nikolay’s unwavering support, and my own fierce determination to stand by Alayah coalesce into a powerful bond that transcends the chaos surrounding us. With Alpha Gordon’s blessing, the weight of secrecy begins to lift, allowing us to embrace the truth of our connection without fear.

As we share this moment of relief and unity, I realize that we are no longer just individuals navigating the complexities of our relationships; we are a family forged in the fires of adversity. The looming shadows of doubt and judgment fade into the background, replaced by the warmth of acceptance and love. Alayah’s presence, once a source of apprehension, now feels like home, and I am filled with a profound sense of belonging. Together, we will face whatever challenges lie ahead, knowing that our bond is unbreakable, and that even in the darkest of nights, we will shine brighter than the stars scattered across the midnight sky.

In the next chapter, tensions are set to rise as the ramifications of Alpha Gordon’s decision begin to unfold. With the air thick with uncertainty, Alayah must navigate her newfound status within the pack while simultaneously confronting the lingering animosities stemming from Lily’s accusations. The dynamics of their relationships will be tested as they face not only the external pressures from those who oppose their Mate-bond but also the internal struggles that come with such a powerful connection. Will Alayah’s strength as an Alpha shine through, or will the weight of expectations prove too heavy to bear?

As the group grapples with the fallout from Lily’s outburst, they will have to rally together to protect their bond from those who would seek to tear them apart. Secrets long buried may resurface, and alliances could shift as loyalties are questioned. With the looming threat of gossip and discontent within the pack, the stakes have never been higher. Can they fortify their unity against the whispers of betrayal, or will the shadows of the past cast a dark cloud over their future? Expect revelations, confrontations, and perhaps an unexpected ally as they strive to assert their place in a world that seems determined to keep them apart.