Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 77

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 77: Already Met**

**Alayah’s p.o.v.**

The sound of paws thundering against the earth fills the air, a rhythmic beat that grows louder with each passing moment. But as the Lycans break free from the shadows of the trees, their wild sprint transforms into a cautious approach. They lower themselves to the ground, a display of submission that leaves me momentarily speechless, my eyes fixed on this unexpected scene unfolding before me.

“My assumption is that you all are aware of who my Granddaughter is,” my Grandfather announces, his voice steady and commanding. One of the Lycans, seemingly the most confident among them, rises slowly and retreats behind a tree, preparing to shift into his human form.

“My name is Bastian,” he introduces himself, his tone respectful yet firm. “I am indeed familiar with your Granddaughter, which means I also know who you are. You are the rightful heir to the Blood Stone Pack, but I sense that you have declined that position. I can only guess that your youngest son did the same. Did Maxwell know of his heritage before he passed?” Bastian’s gaze is intense as he searches my Grandfather’s face for answers.

Grandfather shakes his head, a hint of sorrow darkening his features. “No, Alayah’s father never knew about his true lineage,” he replies, his voice tinged with regret.

“Alayah,” Bastian continues, his expression softening slightly, “every member of the Pack is aware of your existence. We all hope you will embrace your rightful place among us. If you follow this path, it will lead you to the gate. My brother will be waiting there for you; he will guide you to the Pack-house. Your father, the acting Alpha, is named Josh.” With that, he retreats behind the tree once more, and soon I catch sight of him again, transformed back into his Lycan form, a light brown figure blending seamlessly with the forest.

We pile back into the SUV, the engine humming to life as the Lycans dissolve into the depths of the woods. Following the road as instructed by Bastian, I lean against Noah, my mind swirling with the implications of what I just witnessed—a pack of Lycans bowing in deference to me, the markings on the trees clearly indicating we are now within Blood Stone Pack territory.

Why does this pack require such an expansive territory? It feels almost as vast as the combined realms of Crimson Moon and Autumn Pack. The question gnaws at me, and I realize that I will need to converse with Alpha Josh to uncover the truth behind this enigma.

As we drive, a wrought iron double gate comes into view, grand and imposing. Three Lycans, accompanied by two humans, step onto the road as Nero brings the SUV to a halt. The humans move to open the gate, and one of the Lycans approaches our vehicle with a deliberate pace.

“I take it we are to follow you to the Pack-house?” Nero inquires, his voice laced with authority, while the Lycan nods, his gaze unwaveringly fixed on me, provoking a low growl from my protective mates.

“Don’t mind their growls,” I interject, leaning forward slightly, “they’re just a bit overprotective.”

“I am truly sorry for your loss,” Uncle Josh says gently, wrapping his arms around my mother in a comforting embrace. The gesture earns him a low growl from my father, who watches protectively, but Uncle Josh merely meets his gaze with a calm demeanor.

“Don’t worry,” he chuckles lightly, stepping back, “I have no interest in your mate. Besides, I think my own mate would have my head if I did.” Just then, a petite blonde woman strides towards him, a playful smile dancing on her lips.

“You’re damn straight I would,” she quips, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Then, her gaze shifts to me, and I can see her expression shift to one of surprise.

“We knew you resembled your namesake, but this is truly uncanny,” she whispers, her voice barely above a breath before she introduces herself as Mable.

“This is Bryson, whom you’ve already met, and this is our oldest son, Brock,” she continues, gesturing to the two males who are now approaching us. “Bastian is still out there somewhere; it may take him some time to return, as he’s searching for a young female who ran away from her pack.” She glances at me, and I share that we’ve already crossed paths with him.