Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 94

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 94: Ceremony**

**Mara’s p.o.v.**

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I find myself tumbling from one unexpected revelation to another, caught in a whirlwind of uncertainty. It’s hard to discern which outcome fills me with more dread: Alayah embracing her birthright or turning her back on it. Yet, when she confidently declares her intention to accept the role of Alpha, a part of me feels a sense of relief. It seems she has made a wise choice in selecting her Beta and Gamma. Bastian, with his deep-rooted knowledge of our territory and Pack, is undoubtedly the right fit, while Anton’s rigorous training has prepared him well for the responsibilities that lie ahead.

As the ceremony unfolds, Alayah turns to the Elders, her voice laced with eagerness, and asks if they might consider scheduling her Ceremony last. She is anxious not to miss the other significant moments of the day. My heart swells with pride as Mom steps in to explain Alayah’s unique way of processing information. “With her stepping into the role of Alpha, she’ll be bombarded with an overwhelming tide of emotions and voices,” Mom articulates, her tone both understanding and firm. The Elders nod in agreement, recognizing the wisdom in her words; they assure us it matters not whether her Ceremony occurs first or last.

Anton is the first to step forward for his Ceremony. The current Beta, with a proud smile, guides him through the oath that will solidify his new position. I can’t help but notice Paul’s beaming face as he watches his son transition into the Beta of the Blood Stone Pack. Next, Bastian takes center stage, and Josh radiates pride as he witnesses his brother taking the oath to become the next Gamma. The bond between them is palpable, and I can see the love and admiration reflected in their eyes. Mable, too, is visibly moved, and I know I will be fighting back tears when Alayah’s moment arrives. Each Delta, accompanied by their parents, steps forward to take their oaths, and I can see that Alayah is savoring every second of these ceremonies, her excitement infectious.

When the time finally comes for Alayah, a chalice adorned with the Blood Stone emblem is placed delicately on the desk before us. One of the Elders, donning a glove, retrieves a silver knife, its hilt bearing the same emblem. The Feline Shifter introduces herself as Elder Aimi, who will assist Josh during the Alpha Ceremony. Alongside her are Elder Mathass, the Grizzly, and Elder Dariston, the Lycan, ready to provide support as needed. Alayah is instructed to stand to Elder Aimi’s left, while Josh takes his position on her right.

Josh gently urges Alayah to take his right hand with hers. I catch the slight tremor in her grip, a telltale sign of her nervousness, and I see Josh respond with a reassuring squeeze, his voice steady as he assures her, “I’m with you every step of the way.” He poses the solemn question: will she place the needs of the Pack above her own? Will she protect the vulnerable and guide each member toward their fullest potential for the greater good? Alayah’s response is unwavering, a clear and resolute “I will,” accompanied by a determined smile that lights up her face.

Josh continues, asking if she will uphold the Laws set forth by the Elders and assist them in delivering justice to those who violate these sacred rules. Again, Alayah’s answer is firm and unyielding, “I will,” and I notice her glance shift towards me, filled with determination. A swell of pride fills my chest as I reflect on the remarkable young woman my daughter has become. I resolve to support her in every way possible as she navigates her new role. My thoughts drift to Xavier and the conversation we need to have about our future with the Autumn Pack.

“Alayah, do you accept Blood Stone Pack as your own and commit to restoring it to its former glory?” Josh inquires, his voice steady and full of conviction. She responds without hesitation, her voice ringing clear, “I will.” At this moment, Elder Aimi steps forward, the silver knife gleaming in the light. She explains the significance of what is about to occur, and Alayah nods in understanding, her resolve evident. Josh and Alayah release their hands just enough for Elder Aimi to place the knife between them. As they bring their hands back together, Elder Aimi lifts the knife, the air heavy with anticipation.

With a swift motion, they press their palms together, allowing their blood to mingle and drip into the chalice below. “Alayah, I relinquish the title of Alpha of Blood Stone Pack to you,” Josh declares. The moment feels surreal, and I can only focus on my daughter. Her eyes widen for an instant, and I watch as she begins to lose her composure. But Noah is already at her side, his presence a steady anchor, offering support as the weight of the moment bears down on her. After what feels like an eternity, Josh finally releases her hand.

**1/2**

I sense the Pack’s collective response shifting from shock to surprise, and finally to joy, a wave of emotions coursing through the mind-link as I hear whispers of “Welcome” echoing around me. I can’t be sure if they fully grasp the magnitude of what has just transpired, but for now, that thought barely registers. My focus is on acclimating to the profound feeling of being interconnected with every member of the Pack, the constant hum of their emotions and voices swirling around me.

Topaz, ever the guiding light, helps me navigate the overwhelming sensations, teaching me how to block out the flood of feelings and voices. Gradually, I regain my sense of focus, and I can’t help but smile as I realize I am surrounded by all my Mates, a comforting presence that grounds me.

“Welcome back, Princess,” Nero whispers softly in my ear, his voice a balm to my frayed nerves. I ask him how long I had been out of it, surprised to learn it was less than fifteen minutes. “Being surrounded by your Mates helped tremendously,” Topaz interjects, and I relay this to my Mates through the mind-link.

Each of them reassures me that they will always be there for me, and for a few precious moments, I allow myself to bask in the warmth of their embrace. But eventually, I shift my focus back to the rest of the room. Anton is nestled in an armchair, engrossed in a file. “Elder Mathass handed this to me when I escorted them back to the front door,” he remarks, his eyes still glued to the pages. The expression on his face suggests that whatever information lies within that file is not promising.

I choose not to pry into the contents of the file; my mind still needs time to settle from the whirlwind of events. Instead, I lean closer to Nero, taking comfort in his presence as I survey the room. Most of the Pack members are enveloped in a wave of joy and acceptance, but I can also sense the unease lingering among a few. It reminds me that Nikolay still owes me an explanation, a thought that lingers at the back of my mind as the ceremony continues to unfold.

**2/2**