Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 34

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

Nikolay’s p.o.v.

“No, Grandma. We’re curious about what the law states regarding a Mate-bond between Stepsiblings,” Noah interjects, settling himself beside her. I can almost see the gears turning in her mind; if there’s any insight to be had, it’s likely buried deep within the recesses of her vast knowledge. “Absolutely nothing, because Stepsiblings don’t share blood. Consequently, it’s just as valid a Mate-bond as any other,” she replies, her voice steady yet inquisitive. “But why do you ask, Noah?” Her gaze sharpens, and I can’t help but marvel at how she can distinguish between us so effortlessly.

“First of all, how on earth can you tell us apart? No one in our Pack has ever managed to do that, and within just two days, we’ve encountered five people who can differentiate us,” I remark, my incredulity spilling over. Grandma bursts into laughter, her joy infectious yet maddening. “This isn’t funny, Grandma,” Nathan whines, his frustration only fueling her amusement. It takes a good while for her to regain her composure, her chuckles echoing in the room.

“Nathan, you make me feel like I’ve found a partner in crime. Nero, you inspire me to want to wrap you up in a blanket and cuddle with you all day long,” Grandma beams, her smile radiating warmth. Nero looks at her, his expression a mix of confusion and disbelief, as if she’s just suggested something utterly absurd. “And Nikolay, you make me want to share all my secrets with you because I trust you to keep them safe. Noah, on the other hand, you make me feel like I’ve done something wrong and that you’re about to deliver a punishment,” she finishes, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

Noah’s face flushes a few shades deeper, and I suspect that was Grandma’s intention all along; she knows precisely how to phrase things that sound innocuous yet carry an underlying punch. “Now that I’ve addressed your query, it’s your turn to respond to mine,” Grandma states, her tone shifting to one of authority. Without a moment’s hesitation, we each recount our version of events, including our theories on why Alayah seems so furious with us.

Nathan expresses his worry that Mara will never allow Alayah to embrace the Mate-bond, but Grandma is quick to reassure him. “Mara would never interfere with a Mate-bond,” she asserts confidently. “You see, Mara had a friend from her childhood, and I’m not talking about Maxwell. This girl came into our Pack when she was just two months old, having moved here with her mother, who had found a second Mate. He had a son too—a one-year-old boy at the time.

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