Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 29

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

**No Reason**

**Alayah’s p.o.v.**

I descend the Omega stairwell, my footsteps echoing in the dimly lit corridor. The last thing I want is to encounter those idiots right now. Have they completely lost their minds? Accusing me of dishonesty, claiming I wasn’t in the gardens when I know I was there the entire time, soaking in the serenity of the flowers. As I gather my laptop and the other essentials, I slip them into my bag with a huff of frustration. I quickly link Alpha Randell to inform him of my whereabouts. His voice carries a hint of surprise, but I reassure him that I also require access to their bookkeeping.

Choosing to walk instead of driving, I send a quick message to my Mom, letting her know I’m on my way. As I stroll toward the border, I catch a few puzzled glances from strangers, but no one dares to speak. My thoughts drift back to the events of this morning. I distinctly remember sneaking out of the Pack-house through the back door, making a beeline for the garden. I had been lost in thought, staring at the rosebush, when Noah’s furious voice broke the tranquility. And yet, here I am, unjustly accused of lying.

“Hold it, Girl.” Topaz’s voice interrupts my reverie. “Do you remember what Grandfather said about your bloodline?” My heart sinks as I recall the weight of those words. How could I have forgotten? Initially, I was overjoyed when Grandfather revealed my lineage, my mind racing with the possibilities of the gifts I might possess. But then Topaz had pointed out the darker side—the target it placed on my back, attracting power-hungry males. That realization had turned my excitement into dread, especially as my eighteenth birthday approached.

I’ve never felt any gifts awaken within me, and for a long time, I doubted I would ever experience such a thing. But now, it seems I might have received a gift after all—the one my Great-Grandfather considered the most valuable: the ability to blend seamlessly into my surroundings. I think he called it the gift of camouflage. “Does that mean you can spy on people?” Topaz teases, and I can’t help but giggle at the thought of eavesdropping on my stepbrothers or Anton.

Damn it, I was angry at them for no reason. They have no idea about my bloodline or the gifts I might be hiding. I used my aura against them for no reason, and after they spent the afternoon worrying about me, I just walked out of the Pack-house without a word. “They could have handled it better. Anton had no right to accuse you of lying,” Topaz growls, and I can’t help but agree. “I’ll send Crystal a message once I reach Autumn Pack,” I respond, hoping to ease the tension.

We fall into a comfortable silence as we continue our walk. I take in the vibrant surroundings, pointing out a perfect spot for our new Pack-house to Topaz. I snap a few pictures, capturing the beauty of the area, and as I approach the border of Autumn Pack, a smile breaks across my face. “Hello, Princess. Have you had enough of your stepbrothers already?” Xavier greets me with a teasing lilt, and I shake my head, trying to suppress a grin.