Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 16

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 16: Uncomfortable**

It’s almost amusing to think about how well Nero pays attention to my habits. If he’s noticed that I have a penchant for a latte after my morning coffee, then surely he’s aware that I’ll soon be craving something sweet to accompany it. A smile spreads across my face as I savor the last sips of my latte, the warmth of the cup a comforting presence in my hands. With that delightful drink finished, I redirect my attention to the piles of work before me. The test has run its course, and it seems that I won’t need to sift through another year’s worth of oversight reports. Instead, I can leisurely scan through the remaining files at my own pace.

As I continue my work, the stack of files diminishes rapidly, each one disappearing into the depths of my memory as I process the contents. Just then, a gentle knock interrupts my focus, and I glance up to see Crystal standing at the door. I rise from my chair to let her in, quickly shutting the door behind her with a soft click. “You won’t believe it,” I say, my voice low, “Nero and his brothers are playing a game with me.” I can’t help but chuckle, “The issue is that you gave me such a detailed description of them that I can tell them apart, which is something you said no one else can do.”

Crystal’s eyes widen as she settles into the chair across from me. “Oh, man! I wish I had been here to witness the expressions on their faces when you managed to distinguish between them.” She shakes her head in disbelief. “So, Noah was the first to visit you, huh? Hold on a second—are you telling me you could tell them apart even when they weren’t together?” Her voice rises with incredulity. “How is that even possible? I mean, people have tried for ages, and no one has succeeded!”

I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. “Well, you did give me quite the rundown on their personalities,” I remind her playfully. As we dive deeper into our conversation about my stepbrothers, an Omega enters with a fresh latte for me and a cappuccino for Crystal. With our drinks in hand, we migrate to the cozy sitting area, eager to enjoy our coffee while we chat.

Crystal suddenly leans in, her expression shifting to one of mischief. “So, when are you going to kick Anton’s ass?” she asks, catching me off guard. I nearly choke on the latte I just took a sip of, surprised by her bluntness. “Honestly, I could have done it for years,” I reply, my voice steadying now, “but I’ve never felt the need to prove anything to anyone. Sure, Anton can be a pain sometimes, but he’s never crossed a line that would warrant a physical confrontation.”

We both gaze out the window, sipping our drinks as the world outside continues its hustle and bustle. I can’t help but recall Nathan’s comment about how he couldn’t work in an office with such a distracting view. Then there’s Noah’s earlier question about how much help I received in arranging the furniture. I realize that if I ever decide to showcase my fighting skills, it will only be because my stepbrothers have truly crossed a line with me.

**Nathan’s P.O.V.**

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