Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 75

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

**Chapter 75: Night**

**Nero’s p.o.v.**

As I step outside, a wave of surprise washes over me at the sight of Dad’s SUV parked just beyond our territory. Alayah had mentioned earlier that she’d invited them to accompany us, and it seems Alpha Gordon had graciously allowed Dad the time to join this journey. I can feel Alayah leaning into me, her presence a soothing balm, as if she instinctively understands the turmoil brewing within me and Miku. With each passing mile away from the Pack territory, the tension eases slightly, and I dare to hope that I can hold it together until we reach Blood Stone territory, where I’ll finally be able to let Miku stretch his legs.

“Pull over, Noah,” I growl, my voice low and strained, teeth clenched tightly together. Controlling Miku is a monumental effort, and I’m grateful that Noah understands me so well, his instincts sharp as ever.

“Miku, you better hold it until you’re out of the SUV and away from your Mate,” Noah responds, his growl firm yet reassuring. His words help me maintain a fragile grip on Miku’s restless energy. However, as soon as I step out of the SUV, Miku surges forward, forcing the shift. “I’ll explain everything later, just keep driving toward Blood Stone territory. We’ll be close behind,” I communicate through our mind-link, but Noah surprises me by reaching out to Grandma.

“Grandma, can you go with Alayah? We’ll keep an eye on Miku,” he instructs. The moment Grandma nods in agreement, the three of them quickly shed their clothes, and a heartbeat later, I find myself surrounded by my brothers. We wait patiently until the others are back on the road, and then Miku bolts into the forest, the thrill of the run igniting a fire within him. I ride along in the back of his mind, feeling the anger coursing through us, fueled by the betrayal we feel towards Marc. It gnaws at me, the realization that I never truly knew my friend.

If I understood Grandfather correctly, Anton discovered this revelation at the same time as the rest of us, and Marc fears that one day his childhood friend might decide he wants to claim the title of Alpha for himself. As I speak, the entire Beta family shifts into their Lycans, the air thick with tension. Alayah growls softly, her distress palpable, while Noah cradles her in his arms, whispering reassurances that we will find a way through this. Yet, the comfort seems to elude her, and I watch as Nikolay leans down, kissing her marking spot—a primal instinct to calm their Mate, unbothered by what our parents might think of such actions.

I pull out my tablet from the SUV, eager to find our next destination. Luckily, a motel is only a half-hour drive away, giving us enough time to let the tension simmer down. “Why don’t we let our Lycans out for a run? I think we could all use it to shake off some of this anger,” I suggest, hoping to ease the mood.

For the next hour, we race through the forest surrounding the abandoned building, the wind rushing past us, carrying away our frustrations. When we finally return, I see that Mara and Dad have already shifted back, waiting for us with fresh clothes for those who needed to let their Lycans out. The rest of the journey is spent in a heavy silence, each of us lost in our thoughts as we make our way to the motel just in time for dinner. Afterward, we all retreat to our rooms, seeking solace in the quiet of the night.