Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 27

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**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 27: Alayah Left**

A profound realization dawns upon me as I reflect on Erick’s words about the unbearable weight of solitude in this struggle. I can truly grasp the depth of his sentiment now. Thankfully, Marc has graciously offered us the roles of Delta; while it may not carry the same weight as being a Head Warrior, it certainly comes with its own set of responsibilities that I am eager to embrace. After we’ve all had a refreshing shower to wash away the remnants of the morning, we find ourselves with a precious hour before lunch. We decide to take advantage of this time and head towards the main living room, hoping to introduce ourselves to some of the Pack members.

As we approach Alayah’s office, we notice the door firmly shut, a clear signal that she is not to be disturbed. I sink into a plush armchair positioned by the expansive floor-to-ceiling window. The view outside is a blend of vibrant greens and the soft blue of the sky, but my attention is divided as I listen to the chatter of my fellow warriors. The atmosphere is light and filled with laughter, until a curious female voice breaks through, inquiring whether Noah has a mate.

Noah’s response is swift and firm. He explains that none of us currently has a mate, and I can’t help but notice the gleam of interest in the woman’s eyes. “Great, just what we need—a power-hungry She-wolf,” Yuma mutters under his breath, shooting me a sidelong glance. “Do you think she realizes who she’s talking to?”

Before I can respond, the woman makes a critical error by referring to Noah as the future Gamma. His reaction is immediate and fierce. “I am not the future Gamma,” he declares, his voice low and menacing. “And even if I were, I would never choose a mate like you. It’s clear that you’re only interested in power and status, not the true character of the male you would claim as your mate. I warn you, stay away from me and my brothers, or you will deeply regret it. Is that understood?”

With a startled expression, the female retreats from the living room, her bravado crumbling under Noah’s intensity. “Wow, Noah,” Anton chimes in, settling beside him. “You didn’t waste any time figuring out her game. I bet she’s tried this with every high-ranking Lycan in our Pack, and not one of us has fallen for it.”

“By the way, Grandma is demanding your presence at Sunday dinner,” he adds with a grin, clearly amused by the situation.

Nero had already briefed us on Grandma’s expectations for Sunday dinner, emphasizing that she wouldn’t accept any excuses. It seems he wasn’t exaggerating. Just as we begin to settle into our conversation, an Omega enters, announcing that lunch is ready. As we make our way to the dining room, I notice that Alayah’s office door is now wide open, but to my dismay, she is nowhere to be found. A wave of unease washes over me as I observe the puzzled expressions on everyone’s faces; it’s unusual for her not to be present when lunch is served. I can see Marc and Anton attempting to link with her, their brows furrowed with concern.

“Beta Paul has asked the Warriors to search the gardens,” Marc announces, his voice steady. Anton quickly joins them, his determination evident. “I warned the border patrol to keep an eye out for her,” Alpha Randell adds, a hint of worry creeping into his tone. I feel a flicker of relief knowing that others are actively searching for her, but that relief is short-lived. Within minutes, Anton returns, shaking his head grimly. “She isn’t in the gardens,” he reports.

In unison, my brothers and I rise from our seats, a sense of urgency propelling us forward. We exit through the front door, but Yuma insists that we should check around back. “I can feel her nearby,” he insists, his voice tinged with desperation. “She’s close; I just know it.”

Noah echoes Yuma’s sentiments, and soon Nero and Nikolay chime in, all of us sharing the same frustrating sensation of being unable to locate her. “Yuma, are you certain she’s nearby?” I ask, my heart racing.

“Yes, but it feels like something is blocking her presence. It’s as if I’m on the outside, and she’s trapped within,” Yuma replies, his eyes narrowing in concentration.