Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 95

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies**
**by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 95: Punishment**

**Alayah’s p.o.v.**

“Nikolay, I posed you a question, and your response was merely a question in return,” I assert, turning to face him directly. My tone is firm, yet I can’t help but feel a slight tremor of uncertainty beneath my bravado.

Aunt Mable had shared her concerns with me earlier, recounting how certain females within the Pack displayed a troubling lack of respect for the Mate-bond. She and Uncle Josh had engaged in discussions with them before, but today’s blatant disregard for our traditions was something that could not go unaddressed. Nikolay recounts the events that transpired in the main dining room, and I can sense Topaz’s internal struggle; she seems torn between a growl of anger and a laugh of disbelief. It’s evident to anyone who observes closely that Nikolay is already marked in ways that go beyond mere appearances.

“This matter requires the judgment of our leadership,” Uncle Josh interjects, casting a knowing wink my way. “I believe it’s best that you deliberate on this in your office, Alpha.” With a nod, I motion for the others to follow me to my office within the Alpha residence.

As we walk, I turn to Aunt Mable, asking her if she could arrange for dinner to be brought to my office. I want to tackle this issue swiftly, ensuring it is resolved before the night draws to a close. Once everyone is seated, I direct my attention to Nikolay, inquiring about the number of females present in the living room. I close my eyes momentarily as he informs me that there were five. My heart sinks; I need to ascertain whether these five are the only ones harboring feelings of annoyance or unease.

I allow myself to connect with the emotions of my Pack members, and it doesn’t take long for me to realize that the discomfort I sense extends far beyond just five individuals. “Bastian,” I say, my voice steady but urgent, “I need you to assemble a border patrol team. Choose those you trust—those who will honor the Mate-bond under any circumstances. Inform them that they will replace the current patrols at nine. I want everyone relieved of duty to report to the Pack-house; I will announce their punishment once every member is present.”

Noah pipes up, curious about what the punishment will entail. I turn the question back to him, asking what he considers an appropriate consequence for disrespecting the Mate-bond and their Alpha. His suggestion feels far too lenient, and I glance around the room, seeking input from the others, hoping they might propose something more fitting. Each of them shares their thoughts, yet none resonate with me as adequate. As their voices blend into a cacophony of ideas, I know I need to steer the conversation in a different direction.

Bastian assures me that everything is under control before offering his perspective. “But will these punishments truly prevent them from disrespecting the Mate-bond or me again?” I pose the question, and as they begin to discuss, it quickly becomes apparent that the proposed punishments are merely temporary fixes. Eventually, the offenders will likely forget their consequences and revert to their previous patterns of disrespect.

“Anton,” I inquire, seeking clarity on the matter, “what does the Law dictate regarding disrespect toward the Mate-bond?” He explains that the Alpha has several options, ranging from whipping to banishment. “In cases of disrespect toward their Alpha, the ultimate punishment could even be death,” Anton states, his gaze locking onto mine. I ask him if this applies to the future Alpha as well. For a moment, he simply stares at me, weighing his words before confirming that the gravest punishment in such a scenario would indeed be banishment.

Bastian and Anton had voiced their agreement with Nero’s strategy, believing it wise to identify those who might oppose their Alpha. Alayah had merely shaken her head during our discussions, offering no explanation, simply urging us to be patient. As she steps onto the front steps alongside Uncle Josh, murmurs ripple through the crowd, but one authoritative glance from him silences them instantly.

He greets the Pack members, expressing gratitude for their presence. “Do you all remember my announcement regarding your rightful Alpha?” he asks, and as heads nod in acknowledgment, I catch sight of several females casting glances in my direction, while others focus on my brothers. Their faces contort with disdain as Uncle Josh introduces Alayah as the rightful Alpha of the Blood Stone Pack, and I can distinctly hear one voice mutter that he would never accept a female Alpha.

Uncle Josh then invites those who oppose a female Alpha to step to his right. To my dismay, seven Lycans—three males and four females—move to that side. Next, he asks those who believe Alayah should not accept a true Mate-bond with her stepbrothers to step forward, and this time, a larger group, comprising seven males and nine females, joins the first group. A total of twenty-three Lycans now stand to Uncle Josh’s right, a minuscule number considering we are the largest Pack at this moment.

Each female who has aligned herself with Uncle Josh’s side has been ogling me and my brothers, showing blatant disregard for the sanctity of the Mate-bond. I even notice two other females staring at them in horror, their expressions mirroring the disbelief I feel. Dad wraps an arm around Mara, sensing her distress without me needing to ask why. “How can you oppose a true Mate-bond? How can you defy a connection between Lycans who are not bound by blood?” one of the females demands, her voice filled with incredulity.

“Mom, they are siblings due to the bond formed between their parents. It’s appalling to think she deserves four Mates who are better suited for other females,” a brunette retorts, her tone dripping with disdain. Suddenly, a roar erupts from a male being restrained by four others, and as the mother of the brunette begins to speak, the pieces finally start to fall into place. “Do you know why your father and I were forced to leave our Pack?” she asks, and the brunette shakes her head in confusion, as does another female beside her.