Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 32

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

**Chapter 32: Night Night**

**Alayah’s p.o.v.**

As I awaken, my breath comes in rapid, shallow gasps, a lingering haze of confusion clouding my thoughts. It takes a few moments for clarity to seep in, and when it does, I realize with a jolt that I am not nestled in the comfort of my own bed. Yes, I recall visiting my Mom, but this is neither the bed nor the room where I drifted off to sleep last night. The unfamiliar surroundings send a shiver down my spine.

It dawns on me, with a mix of disbelief and embarrassment, that I am sprawled across Nero’s bed. Why on earth am I feeling so breathless? I squeeze my eyes shut, hoping to grasp the remnants of a dream that slips away like sand through my fingers. Frustration bubbles within me as I come up empty-handed. With a resigned sigh, I swing my legs over the edge of the bed, the cold floor jolting me into full wakefulness.

Nero’s room is situated far from mine, yet paradoxically, it is the closest to my Mom’s room. The thought of navigating back to my own space without alerting either Mom or Xavier fills me with dread. I know the rooms are soundproof, but I can’t shake the paranoia that any noise might betray my movements. Pressing my ear against the door, I hold my breath, nearly leaping out of my skin when I detect two distinct snores resonating from the other side. I focus intently, confirming that I am not imagining things.

With cautious determination, I crack the door open, straining to listen for any signs of waking. The snores remain steady, a comforting rhythm that allows me to slip out and make my way back to my room unscathed.

After a refreshing shower, I still find myself unable to recall the elusive dream that haunted my sleep. With a frustrated groan, I abandon the effort and turn my attention to getting ready for the day ahead. Just as I am about to lose myself in thought, a soft knock on the door interrupts me. It’s Mom, and I hurry to open it, greeted by her warm smile.

“Good morning, Baby Girl! Breakfast is almost ready. I hope you’re hungry because Xavier has gone all out, cooking as if a small army is about to join us,” she teases, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

“I heard that!” Xavier’s voice booms from the kitchen, and Mom rolls her eyes in mock exasperation.

She wasn’t exaggerating. Xavier has prepared an impressive spread, enough to feed seven people, and I can’t help but feel a surge of joy as I spot all my favorite dishes laid out before me. By the time I finish, I’ve sampled at least a bite from each dish, my taste buds dancing with delight.

As I sit back, satisfied, I catch the amused gazes of both Mom and Xavier. “I wasn’t kidding last night,” I assert, a grin spreading across my face.

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