Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 13

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 13: Testing**

**Noah’s p.o.v.**
Ever since Nero shared the news about Alayah and Miku’s unexpected reactions, Eiji has been more withdrawn than usual. It’s as if a shadow has settled over him, and I can sense his disappointment. He had always hoped that one of us would be the first to discover our Mate, but now, it seems fate has chosen my youngest brother to take that honor. It’s not that I’m unhappy for him; rather, it’s a strange mix of pride and a twinge of envy. Eiji pointed out that perhaps Alayah might be destined for all of us, considering the bond we share as quadruplets—intertwined in ways that go beyond mere appearance.

We are often mistaken for one another, especially from a distance. Dad struggles to tell us apart, and it’s only up close that he and Grandpa can differentiate between our features. Nero is leading us to the Gamma floor after giving us directions to Alayah’s office. He believes she’ll be there, buried under a mountain of paperwork, trying to gain a clear understanding of the finances. I can’t help but feel a rush of anticipation at the thought of being the first to visit her.

Nero has affectionately dubbed her “Angel,” a nickname that has stuck, and so far, she hasn’t asked him to drop it. It’s amusing to think how such a simple term can carry so much weight. I recall that her office was sparsely furnished when Nero last saw it, with new furniture scheduled for delivery on Monday. Regardless of what transpires in her office, I plan to return to the Gamma floor afterward and share my findings with my brothers. Nathan will be next in line to visit her, armed with a steaming cup of coffee, and after him, Nikolay will arrive with a special treat we’ve brought along.

What we’ll do after the three of us have had our turns remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: we will not let her slip away if there’s any indication that she is our Mate. If she turns out to be Nero’s Mate, we’ll be their staunch supporters, ready to fend off anyone who dares suggest that they should ignore the bond simply because they are step-siblings. Eiji and I will stand guard, ready to defend our family at all costs. No one will dare to mess with one of my siblings—not now, not ever.

Strangely, we encounter no one as Nero guides us to Alayah’s office, nor on our way up to the expansive Gamma floor. He was right; this floor is enormous, and I can’t help but wonder why they designed it to be so vast. “Feel free to choose any room you like; the master suite is mine,” Nero announces with a grin, gesturing toward a door at the end of the hallway. I decide to explore the first door on my right, and as I step inside, the reason for the Gamma floor’s size becomes immediately apparent.

The room is tastefully decorated, featuring a cozy couch and a couple of armchairs, all positioned to showcase a breathtaking view of the surrounding forest. I venture further into the space, discovering a door to my left. Curiosity piqued, I open it and find myself in a bedroom that mirrors the beauty of the sitting area. The floor-to-ceiling windows on my right allow natural light to flood the room, while to my left, two more doors await—one leading to a walk-in closet and the other to a bathroom. It’s clear that a family could thrive here without ever feeling cramped, and I can envision myself settling into this new environment quite comfortably.

**Alayah’s p.o.v.**
The sudden creaking of the door startles me, and for a split second, I feel an urge to scold whoever has dared to enter my office without knocking. But as soon as I catch sight of the familiar blond hair and piercing ice-blue eyes, I relax. However, the moment he steps further inside, I realize this isn’t Nero—it’s one of his brothers. A wave of realization washes over me: Nero is testing my reactions. He calls me “Angel,” just as Nero does, and that tells me they’ve conspired together, though I’m not fooled in the slightest.

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