Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 49

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 49: Connection**

**Topaz’s p.o.v.**

The moment I felt the unmistakable connection to Nero, a wave of exhilaration surged through me. It was as if the universe had finally aligned, revealing the male destined to bring joy into our lives. I wouldn’t say we were unhappy before—life had its moments of bliss—but the realization that our Mate was now within reach filled my heart with hope. With Nero poised to become the future Gamma of our united Pack, the prospect of spending countless hours together was a tantalizing thought that danced in my mind.

Of course, the fact that Nero was our Stepbrother added a layer of complexity to our budding relationship. It was a tiny complication, yet it loomed large in my thoughts. I knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that I would never let him go, not if our connection blossomed into something deeper—a Mate-bond.

As he returned to the Autumn Pack to gather his things and pass on his responsibilities to Nikolay, I felt an ache in my chest. I missed him terribly, more than I had anticipated. What I hadn’t expected, however, was the sudden awareness of a connection to all four Brothers. At first, I thought it might be the beginnings of a sibling bond, and a flicker of disappointment coursed through me.

That was until Nathan and Noah wrapped their arms around us, enveloping me in warmth and comfort. In that moment, everything shifted; the confusion that had clouded my mind dissipated. This was the genesis of a true Mate-bond, yet it left me conflicted, torn between the desire for a Mate-bond and the weight of societal expectations pressing down on us.

I couldn’t shake the nagging doubt that many would struggle to accept a Mate-bond involving us and our Stepbrothers. But then, my worries were soothed by Mom’s unwavering support. Our time spent in the Autumn Pack was transformative, allowing me to embrace the truth: I craved a Mate-bond, and I wanted all four Brothers in my life. Yet, amidst this revelation, I had to consider my Human.

My Human was fragile, wounded by the disbelief of her friends and family. They had turned away from her when she needed them most, unable to accept her abilities that had only just begun to manifest. We had both been blindsided by her powers, which seemed to erupt all at once. The ability to blend seamlessly into her surroundings, the gift of heightened hearing—these were blessings that we cherished. Yet, they also revealed a darker truth: someone was unhappy with our presence, and the uncertainty of what this meant for our future loomed ominously over us.

It was heartbreaking to watch my Human grapple with the realization that those she cared for thought she had been deceiving them. Even though she had done nothing wrong, they were unaware of the intricacies of our bloodline. Still, she was ready to forgive them for their lack of belief, a testament to her kind heart.

Her camouflage ability had emerged after we overheard Noah’s disheartening comment about not feeling a connection to any female yet. Despite his attempts to explain his words to the girl with him, the insinuation that our bond might be false ignited a fire within both of us, leaving us seething with frustration.

To add fuel to the fire, Noah’s lies about not wanting the Blood Stone Pack to be invited only deepened my resolve. I was left questioning what more I could do to support my Human. She was the one enduring the pain time and again, and I feared that if this continued, it would ultimately explode, leaving devastation in its wake. The moment we sensed through the mind-link that Grandma was being dishonest, I knew chaos was on the horizon.

I doubted anyone anticipated her reaction, but while I didn’t fully agree with her outburst, I understood her feelings. She deserved to know the truth, especially when it directly affected her life.

We needed distance from our friends and family to determine our path. If that meant venturing to the Blood Stone Pack for answers, then so be it.

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