Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 20

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**

**Chapter 20: Question**

Just as I was about to respond, Alpha Randell’s voice boomed across the room, announcing that dinner was ready. With a sigh of relief, I wriggled free from Nathan’s embrace, feeling an inexplicable mix of gratitude and disappointment as I stepped away from him. My heart raced a little as I made my way to my seat, thankful to escape the intensity of his gaze and the emotions he stirred within me. I was acutely aware that Marc hadn’t yet formally invited Noah, Nathan, and Nikolay to become our Deltas, but with them being the future Gamma’s Brothers, it felt as if we were all bound by an invisible thread, sitting together at the same table. I couldn’t help but notice several unmated females from our Pack sneaking glances at my Stepbrothers, their curiosity palpable.

My Stepbrothers, however, seemed blissfully unaware of the attention they commanded. They were too engrossed in peppering Marc and Anton with questions about me, their enthusiasm infectious. I caught Crystal’s eye as she was asked how she could differentiate between them, but she merely shrugged, a playful smirk dancing on her lips, evading their inquiry. Laughter and chatter filled the air as we dined together, enjoying each other’s company, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of Topaz’s gaze flitting between my four Stepbrothers, a silent observer taking in the dynamics of the evening.

I tried to concentrate on the food before me, but my Stepbrothers were determined to pull me into their lively discussions. Anton, in particular, had joined their banter, and I found myself feeling a mix of amusement and apprehension. What would others think if they learned that Topaz felt a connection to all four of them? I was uncertain about how I should process this revelation, and a nagging worry crept in—would this complicate the already delicate relationship I had with my Mother?

I had no doubt that Grandma would stand by me no matter what, but the rest of the family was a different story. I couldn’t help but wonder how they would react to the notion of a Mate-bond forming among Stepsiblings. Would Marc and Crystal still want me as a Beta if it turned out I was mated to my Stepbrothers? Would they accept this unusual bond, or would they try to intervene, doing everything in their power to prevent it from happening?

These swirling questions consumed my thoughts as I picked at my dinner, barely aware of the conversations buzzing around me. At times, I noticed someone had to repeat their question, and I felt a twinge of guilt for being so distracted. I attributed my preoccupation to my job, and to my surprise, everyone seemed to accept my absent-mindedness, though I could feel Grandfather’s curious gaze lingering on me.

Whenever one of my Stepbrothers directed a question my way, I took my time to respond. It was a tactic I had developed to guard my innermost thoughts. So far, Topaz hadn’t been able to connect with their Lycans, but she believed it was because there was no bond between us yet. She assured me that once a Mate-bond—or even a sibling bond—was established, she would be able to reach out to them.

In cases where siblings share at least one parent, a family bond naturally forms, allowing their Wolves or Lycans to connect with one another. Stepsiblings, however, operated similarly to a Mate-bond; it required time for that connection to grow. Once it was established, we would be able to link with one another through our family ties. Our Lycans would also be able to reach out, just as blood siblings could. I found comfort in this thought, knowing that my Stepbrothers would instinctively know where to find me when the time came.

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