Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 3

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies**
**by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 3: Silver Lining**

*Nero’s p.o.v.*

The moon hung high above, casting a silvery glow over the vast expanse of the forest as I sprinted through the underbrush, my Lycan instincts guiding me with precision. The air was crisp, filled with the earthy scent of pine and damp soil, a perfect backdrop for our nightly patrol. I could feel the presence of my fellow Lycans trailing closely behind—three of them, their powerful forms just a heartbeat away. A second group was lagging about ten minutes behind, maintaining a vigilant watch over our territory.

Night patrols had become my favorite ritual. The darkness enveloped me, allowing my thoughts to flow freely, unraveling the day’s events like a well-worn tapestry. It was in these moments that I could reflect, analyze, and ultimately find clarity in the chaos of life. Dad often joked that my brothers and I were meant to be quadruplets, claiming we shared an unspoken bond that allowed us to anticipate each other’s needs before a word was uttered. Even our Stepmother, who had only been part of our lives for a mere four years, echoed his sentiment, a testament to the connection we all felt.

As I finally returned to the Pack-house, my heart raced—not just from the run, but from the excitement that buzzed through the air. I could hear animated voices drifting from the main living room, the distinct tone of my eldest brother, Noah, rising above the rest, though the words remained elusive to me.

“What on earth is happening in here?” I inquired, stepping into the room, my eyes quickly scanning the familiar faces of our leadership and my brothers, all gathered with a palpable energy.

“Crystal found her Mate at the meeting!” Alpha Gordon announced, his grin wide enough to light up the room. Yet, beneath his joy, I sensed an undercurrent of tension, a hint that there was more to this revelation than met the eye.

“Her Mate is Marc of the Crimson Moon Pack,” Dad interjected, effortlessly answering the unvoiced question hanging in the air. Instantly, my mind raced with the implications of this union. There was much to discuss and prepare for before the day’s end.

“I’ll take a quick shower and change into something clean. When I return, we can tackle whatever it is that’s weighing on your minds,” I stated, glancing from Alpha Gordon to my father, then finally resting my gaze on Beta Jacob.

Bounding up the stairs, a smile crept across my face at the thought of spending more time with Marc. I had always believed he would make an exceptional Alpha one day, and our Pack would undoubtedly flourish under his leadership.

“You mean, our Packs,” Miku, my Lycan, chimed in, his voice laced with enthusiasm. “It’s safe to say that both Packs will merge. Crystal doesn’t have a sibling to succeed Alpha Gordon, and Marc is in the same boat with Alpha Randell.” I pondered this as I showered, the water cascading over me, washing away the remnants of the night. By the time I emerged, dressed and ready, I realized Miku was absolutely right.

Noah stood outside Alpha Gordon’s office, a plate of food in hand. “Thought you might appreciate some breakfast,” he said, offering it to me. I accepted gratefully, and together we entered the office, the atmosphere thick with anticipation.

“How is this going to work?” Beta Jacob asked, his brow furrowed in confusion. It was evident that his question lingered in the minds of us all.

“Miku believes merging both Packs is the best course of action. After all, neither Alpha has pups to take over, and I concur with him. That just leaves us pondering the roles of Beta and Gamma,” I replied, my voice steady as I laid out our predicament.

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