Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 63

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 63 Marking 1**

**Noah’s p.o.v.**

How did Nikolay come up with such a profound question? We are the Sons of a Gamma; our destinies were always meant to be intertwined with that legacy. “That’s the crux of his question, you blockhead. What if the Crimson Moon Pack had a Gamma ready to step in? It would mean Nero wouldn’t ascend to the Gamma position. What would you do with your life then?” Miku’s voice reverberates in my mind, and for a fleeting moment, I feel as though the ground beneath me has crumbled away. The idea had never crossed my mind. My heart and soul are bound to my role; I thrive on the responsibility of safeguarding our territory and ensuring the safety of every single member of our Pack.

From the very beginning, my brothers and I were raised to embrace the title of Gamma, and I can’t remember any of us ever considering an alternative path—at least, not until this very moment. I delve deep into my memories, searching for anything that has ever ignited my passion as much as shadowing Dad, absorbing the wisdom and lessons that come with being a Gamma. Perhaps I could see myself in a role that involves training, or maybe I’d venture into the world of security.

What if I started a security firm, either collaborating with my brothers or going solo? It could offer our Pack members an extra source of income. They aren’t exactly struggling, but let’s face it—sometimes it’s a challenge for them to indulge their Mates or provide for their Pups in a way that feels special. If I had to choose an alternative career, that’s the path I would most likely pursue. I suspect my brothers might feel the same way; it’s the only life we’ve ever known.

A delicious aroma wafts through the air, pulling me back from my spiraling thoughts. To my surprise, a plate of food has magically appeared on the coffee table in front of me. “You do realize Mara is going to have a fit about this, right?” Nathan remarks, his gaze darting between his plate and Alayah. She strides out of the living room, and after a brief interlude, she returns, a playful grin lighting up her face. “She isn’t here, so put on your big boy pants and start eating, Nathan,” she quips, plopping down on the floor and diving into her dinner with unrestrained joy.

Nathan stares at her, bewildered by her carefree attitude, and I struggle to keep a straight face as Nikolay bursts into laughter. Nero merely observes Alayah as she savors her meal, and before he can interject, she hops up to fetch another heaping plate from the kitchen. “I chose accounting because I have a knack for numbers, but I also relish the challenge of playing with them—checking to see if they add up, identifying flaws in budgets and bookkeeping,” Alayah explains, her enthusiasm radiating from her.

“I appreciate both traditional and modern bookkeeping methods, but if I had to pick, I’d lean toward the old-fashioned way. There’s something fascinating about how budgets were constructed back in the day, and I love seeing how things were documented before the digital age took over,” she continues, finishing the last bites of her lunch. A comfortable silence envelops us for a moment. “As for me, I think I’d dive into security or training; it’s the aspect of being a Gamma that truly excites me. I might even consider starting my own business,” I respond to Nikolay’s earlier question.

Alayah nods in agreement, her expression one of understanding, and I notice that my brothers share my sentiments. This conversation has ignited a flicker of curiosity within me; we might need to explore this idea further. What if Alayah chose to become the Alpha of Blood Stone Pack? The legacy of the original Beta and Gamma bloodline still reigns within that Pack, and I can’t imagine she would relish the thought of the four of us hovering around her daily. I certainly wouldn’t want that for myself either.

As an Alpha, she would be embroiled in the complexities of Pack business and dealings with other Alphas. Patience is not my strong suit when it comes to arrogant Alphas and their Lunas, let alone their offspring who presume they know everything already. If Alayah opts out of that position, we may need to discuss this with Marc. It could present our burgeoning Pack with another source of income, and I believe we could seamlessly integrate that with our responsibilities as Deltas of Autumn Moon Pack.

Now it’s Alayah’s turn to pose a question, and I can see the gears turning in her mind as she contemplates what she wants to know about us. In the meantime, she begins clearing the plates from the coffee table. Nathan follows her into the kitchen, carrying the last remnants, and soon the sound of running water fills the air. “Nathan, just toss them in the sink. We need to rinse them before they go in the dishwasher, and Mom is going to lose it if she finds out you didn’t rinse the plates,” Alayah chides him, her tone playful yet firm.

In the quiet aftermath of laughter and playful banter, a sense of clarity washes over me. The weight of legacy and expectations that once seemed so suffocating now feels lighter, as if the very air has shifted with the possibilities that lay ahead. The conversation with my brothers and Alayah has sparked a new awareness within me—an understanding that there are paths to explore beyond the confines of our inherited roles. As I watch Nathan and Alayah share a moment of intimacy, I realize that our bonds are not merely defined by duty but also by the love and respect we cultivate among one another. The prospect of forging our own identities, while still cherishing our shared history, fills me with a sense of hope and excitement.

As Alayah prepares to address the future, I recognize the importance of this moment for all of us. Her question carries the weight of our collective dreams and aspirations, and I can feel the anticipation building within the room. We are at a crossroads, where the choices we make will shape not only our destinies but also the very fabric of our Pack. The laughter, the playful teasing, and the shared vulnerabilities have woven a tapestry of connection that binds us together, stronger than any title or legacy ever could. In this space, amid the drifting shadows of uncertainty, I find comfort in knowing that whatever path we choose, we will navigate it together, united by love, loyalty, and the promise of brighter tomorrows.

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the upcoming chapter, readers can expect an intense exploration of Alayah’s pivotal decision regarding her future within the Pack. With her question hanging in the air, the atmosphere is charged with anticipation as each brother grapples with their feelings and thoughts on the matter. Will Alayah choose to embrace the mantle of leadership, stepping into the role of Alpha for the Blood Stone Pack, or will she carve out a different path that allows her to remain closer to her newfound family? The dynamics of their relationships will undoubtedly shift as they delve into the personal stakes involved, revealing hidden insecurities and desires that have yet to surface.

As the conversation unfolds, tensions may rise, leading to unexpected revelations that could alter the course of their intertwined destinies. Noah’s internal struggle with his own identity as a potential Gamma will clash with Alayah’s aspirations, creating a rich tapestry of conflict and camaraderie. Additionally, the playful banter and romantic tensions between Nathan and Alayah will add layers of complexity, compelling the brothers to confront their feelings about sharing a Mate in a way that could either strengthen their bonds or threaten to unravel the very fabric of their relationships. Readers should prepare for a chapter filled with emotional depth, unexpected twists, and the hard decisions that will shape their futures.