Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 123

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 123: Pack-house**

**Anton’s Perspective**

As I settle into my thoughts, the atmosphere in the Pack-house buzzes with an undercurrent of anticipation. Nathan, with a serious expression, hands Harper the hefty Law book, its spine cracked from years of use. The chapter on the Mate meeting is particularly crucial, and I lean in closer, eager to absorb every word as Harper begins to read aloud. She articulates the Elders’ rationale for holding these meetings, emphasizing their frequency and the open invitation extended to anyone wishing to attend. Just as Elder Tom had mentioned, the doors are wide open for all.

Yet, as I listen, a gnawing frustration builds within me. The Law is conspicuously silent on a vital point: there is no stipulation that Alphas or future Alphas are required to report Pack members who haven’t yet discovered their mate connections, regardless of how long it has been since they turned eighteen. There’s not a single line that grants the Elders the authority to issue mandatory invitations. It’s clear to me now why Alayah is so adamant about wanting the entire Law to be erased from existence.

“What the hell,” Harper mutters under her breath, her eyes widening as she hands the book over to Janina. Bastian leans in, peering over her shoulder, searching for any additional insights, but it’s evident that this is all the Law has to say about the Mate meeting. “Why did Alayah even look up this part of the Law?” Harper inquires, her brow furrowing in confusion.

“Alayah didn’t dig into it; that was me. After you shared why you left the Crystal Blood Pack, I felt compelled to uncover why we were never educated about this aspect of the Law. Once I read it, it became painfully clear that misinformation had been circulating among the Packs. We can’t allow this to continue, and Alayah wasn’t joking when she declared she would withdraw her support for the Elders,” I reply, my voice steady.

“Alright, let’s focus on the Bronze Crest Pack for now. We need to clear that mess up first, and maybe on our way back, we can swing by your old Pack. It’ll be interesting to ask your former Alpha and his son where they got their misguided intel,” I suggest, pulling Harper onto my lap, feeling her warmth seep into me.

She beams at me, nodding in agreement. I can’t help but think how much I’d enjoy watching that confrontation unfold. I’m sure it would be quite the spectacle.

Hours drift by until Noah and Alayah finally return to the Pack-house, and we can all sense that Topaz has settled down, which must have been the purpose of their run.

In the dining room, Maxwell zips around, dodging everyone’s reach like a playful little sprite, while Cassandra follows him with her watchful gaze. “Maxie, eat!” Cassandra calls out, and he halts in his tracks, a radiant smile plastered across his face.

With determination, he attempts to climb onto his chair, but Cassandra’s protective instincts kick in. “Papasss, help Maxie!” she pleads, glancing at Nero. With a gentle lift, Nero places Maxwell in his chair, and Cassandra’s expression transforms into one of sheer delight.

As we gather for dinner, the conversation flows effortlessly around our upcoming trip, excitement bubbling from both Maxwell and Cassandra. “We go! We go!” they chant in unison, and I can’t suppress a chuckle, burying my face in Harper’s neck to stifle my laughter, hoping Alayah doesn’t catch me in the act.

“Alayah tries to explain to the twins that they can’t join us because they’re too young,” I think, watching as Maxwell’s face scrunches up in protest. “Oh, crap,” I whisper to myself, sensing the impending chaos.

Maxwell stands up in his chair, looking directly at his mother with unwavering determination. “Maxie big, Maxie go!” he declares. Following suit, Cassandra places her hands on her hips, mirroring her brother’s stance. “Cass big, Cass go!” she proclaims, and I can’t help but burst into laughter, unable to contain my amusement at their stubbornness.

Five adults engage in a comical tug-of-war, trying to reason with the two little Lycans who are adamant about joining us. The laughter among the Pack members grows infectious, and I can’t help but think about how challenging it would be to explain to my own child why they couldn’t come if they displayed such tenacity.

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