Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 42

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**Chapter 42: Own Decisions**

**Alayah’s p.o.v.**

As I sit there, a swirl of thoughts racing through my mind, I can’t help but voice my curiosity. “Why didn’t you send Crystal to a Mate meeting before?” I inquire, my tone laced with genuine confusion. Just as the question hangs in the air, a sharp knock disrupts our conversation. Dad rises from his seat, the weight of his responsibilities evident in his posture, and strides over to the door to welcome the Omega who has brought our coffee.

In the brief silence that follows, I watch as she carefully places each steaming cup on the coffee table. Her demeanor shifts slightly, an unspoken tension creeping into her movements. I catch her glancing at me, her eyes flickering with concern. Each time our gazes connect, I offer her a reassuring smile, though I can feel Topaz’s presence pushing forward, a silent reminder of our rank. Dad follows the Omega to the door, ensuring it closes securely behind her. I notice her eyes darting back to the tray she used to carry in our drinks. The moment the door clicks shut, Topaz surges forward, eager to inspect the tray.

She had set it against the side of the couch, and under normal circumstances, I wouldn’t have given it a second thought. However, Topaz’s instinctive suspicion raises my own. As she flips the tray over, Dad gestures for silence, placing a finger to his lips. “I was really in need of some coffee. What about you, Jacob?” Mom’s voice cuts through the tension, but I can see Dad and Alpha Gordon are lost in a mind-link, both of them fixated on something beneath the tray. I lean in, trying to catch snippets of their conversation with Mom and Beta Jacob, who are discussing potential new names for the Packs.

I can sense the shift in the atmosphere when Alpha Gordon pulls Mom and Beta Jacob into a deeper mind-link. “Do you think they will build another Pack-house, Baby Girl?” Dad inquires, his voice tinged with curiosity. I nod, admitting it had crossed my mind as well. “I even found a perfect location for a new Pack-house, but I fear the real challenge lies in agreeing on the layout. Knowing Anton, he’ll drive everyone crazy before we even decide on the basics,” I share, feeling the weight of the situation.

“How many funerals must we endure before seeing a new Pack-house? With so many diverse personalities in our leadership, reaching a consensus on the design or location won’t be easy,” I add, my voice steady despite the underlying anxiety. Dad listens intently, while Beta Jacob and Alpha Gordon pick up the thread of conversation. Meanwhile, Mom links with me through our family mind-link, gently explaining that we’ll leave the tray where it is for now. We can revisit my question on the Gamma floor after dinner.

About thirty minutes later, we step out of the Alpha office, the air thick with unspoken thoughts. Mom and I ascend to the Gamma floor, flanked by two Warriors standing guard at the landing. Dad’s protective nature is evident; he’s not willing to take any chances with either of us. Though I often resent the guards stationed at the door, I understand his intentions—he simply wants to ensure our safety.