Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 19

**Chapter 19: Trouble**

As I delve deeper into the Pack’s financial records, I find myself making significant headway. Each budget line item reveals its secrets, and I’m meticulously scrutinizing where every dollar is allocated. My mind races with thoughts of unnecessary expenditures that might need addressing. Alpha Randell and Marc will have to hear about this. Just as I finish reviewing the kitchen budget, I hear my Grandfather’s voice echo in my mind, “Dinner will be served in half an hour, Alayah.” A wave of relief washes over me; I had just closed my laptop and was ready to transition from numbers to the comfort of home.

I shut down my laptop and rise from my chair, making my way up the stairs to the Beta floor. The anticipation of dinner fills the air, and I decide a quick shower is in order before slipping into something cozy. I rummage through my closet, finally settling on my favorite two-piece sweatsuit. The pants are wide-legged, flowing comfortably, but they cling just enough around my thighs to feel flattering. The long-sleeved sweater, adorned with buttons, is a rich sapphire blue, perfectly complemented by matching wedges. There’s something about wearing sweatsuits that brings me a sense of peace; they wrap me in warmth, ideal for a night of unwinding.

As I step out of my bedroom, I spot Crystal waiting for me, a mischievous smirk dancing on her lips. “I think I finally know how to keep those Brothers apart,” she announces as we start our descent down the stairs. Her words spark my curiosity, but she remains tight-lipped about her plan, leaving me in suspense until dinner. Just as we reach the landing, an unwelcome voice pierces the air—a female presence neither of us wishes to encounter. She has always been a thorn in Crystal’s side, and I can feel the tension rising.

I instinctively grasp Crystal’s arm as we approach the main dining room, my pulse quickening when I sense Topaz growling in my mind at the sight of Chantel with her claws dangerously close to Noah. “I will show you around the territory and introduce you to the Pack. As the future Gamma, you will need to know who the high-ranking members are, and I’m close friends with all of them,” Chantel coos, inching closer to Noah, her intentions all too clear.

“She’s no friend of mine,” Topaz growls, echoing my thoughts. Crystal chuckles softly beside me, her amusement palpable. Chantel, noticing our reaction, turns towards us with a saccharine smile plastered on her face. “Hello, Crystal and Alayah! I just offered to show Nero around the territory, just to ensure it doesn’t interfere with your busy schedules. After all, both of you are so preoccupied with your little trips to the mall,” she says, her gaze lingering on Noah with a hint of possessiveness.

Crystal tightens her grip on my arm as we make our way to the Alpha table, but Chantel steps in front of her, blocking our path. “You two can sit at the table in the back. Nobody wants you anywhere near the Alpha table. You’re just Marc’s latest conquest, and he’ll tire of you soon enough,” she sneers, her words dripping with disdain.

Suddenly, a thunderous roar erupts from the doorway, rattling the windows and sending chills down my spine. “Marc, calm down,” Alpha Randell commands, though we all know his words may fall on deaf ears. Only Crystal has the power to soothe him, and she doesn’t hesitate to rise to the occasion. My eyes remain fixed on Chantel, and I can see the shock etched on her features—clearly, she hadn’t anticipated this.

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