Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 117

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 117: Riding**

**Hondo’s p.o.v.**

As I stroll back to my room, the weight of the night ahead settles in my chest. I pull out my phone and dial Taipo’s number, the anticipation buzzing through me like static. He picks up on the second ring, his voice breaking through the silence, “What do you need, Hondo?”

“A bed to crash in for the night and a chance to do some sneaking around in Bronze Crest Pack,” I reply, stepping into my room and locking the door with a soft click. “Alpha Alayah needs a few answers before she makes her way down there, but rest assured, she will be coming.”

The line falls silent for a moment, and I can almost hear him processing my words. “Alpha Ivar has agreed to your sleepover,” Taipo finally responds, and I can’t help but smile as I toss my phone onto the bed and grab an overnight bag. I begin packing three sets of clothes; it’s a precaution I can’t afford to overlook. The last thing I want is to shift and end up exposed, vulnerable, and—let’s face it—naked.

As a Lycan, I’ve never been one to shy away from nudity, but there’s something about the way women gaze at me when I’m bare that makes me uncomfortable. So, I always pack enough clothes to avoid any awkward situations. Alongside my clothes, I toss my laptop into the bag; it’s crucial for showing Taipo the reasons behind my investigation into the Bronze Crest Pack. I know he’ll be eager for answers, possibly even blood.

“Dave has been stripped of his title as Head Tracker and has been banished from our territory. He has one hour to leave, or he’ll be killed on sight. The same punishment applies if he ever steps foot on our land again,” Alayah’s voice echoes in my mind through the Pack-wide link, a reminder of the stakes involved.

With a determined mindset, I slide into my SUV and start the drive toward Bronze Crest Pack. If luck is on my side, I’ll arrive before dinner, giving me ample time to brief Taipo on my mission and to see if he has any insights about the families I’m investigating.

Upon reaching the gate, a Warrior asks for my name. After showing my ID, he gestures me through with a nod. Following the directions Taipo provided during our earlier conversation, I can’t help but grin as a cottage comes into view, nestled away from prying eyes.

I pull my phone from the seat beside me and see a text from Taipo: “Make yourself at home, I won’t be long.” I enter the cottage, dragging my bag behind me, and take a moment to admire the cozy interior. His grandparents have truly created a lovely sanctuary here.

Vallin, my inner Lycan, has been pacing in my mind since I stepped inside, and I can sense an unfamiliar scent lingering in the air. “It reminds me a bit of Janina,” Vallin comments, and I take a deep breath, realizing he’s right.

I venture upstairs in search of a room to drop my things, and as I ascend, the scent grows stronger—it’s definitely a Feline, but not a Leopard. The singular scent fills the cottage, raising a multitude of questions in my mind.

Just as I’m lost in thought, the front door creaks open. I’m in the kitchen, flipping burgers, when I sense Taipo approaching. “Hello, Taipo. Had a nice run?” I call out, my focus still on the sizzling patties. Cooking isn’t my forte, but I’ve mastered the art of baking a burger.

When he doesn’t respond, I turn to face him, nearly dropping the spatula in shock. Vallin’s voice rings in my head, alerting me to the connection I can feel between us. Taking a cautious step forward, I notice Taipo retreating slightly. “I know you’re a Feline shifter, but you’re not a Leopard,” I say, locking eyes with him.

“How… How…” he stammers, his surprise evident. I can’t help but smile at his reaction. “Our Gamma is forming a Mate-bond with a Leopard, and our Beta is forming a Mate-bond with a Bear,” I clarify, answering the unspoken question that lingers in the air.

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