Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 58

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**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 58: Stiffen**

**Alayah’s p.o.v.**

“But as the Alpha, you have the power to alter the rules, Baby Girl,” Dad says, his voice steady yet laced with an undertone of concern. I can feel the weight of his words settling heavily on my shoulders, and I realize there’s a multitude of thoughts swirling in my mind, each one vying for attention.

“Why don’t we allow Alayah to ponder everything at her own pace?” Mom interjects gently, her eyes filled with warmth and understanding. “This is her journey, and it impacts her more than anyone else. We’ll be right here if she needs to confide in us. For now, let’s keep her heritage under wraps. By the time the Alpha and Luna Ceremony arrives, Alayah might have come to some conclusions of her own.”

As I sit there, my thoughts race like a wild stallion galloping through an open field. Right now, I genuinely despise the chaos that has become my life. I once believed that discovering my father’s hidden family would be the hardest challenge I would face. Yet, that revelation turned out to be manageable. Then came the shocking news that I was the rightful Beta of the Crimson Moon Pack. As I sought out Anton, I naively assumed he would hand over the title without a struggle. But deep down, I never wanted that position. It was surprisingly simple to convey to Anton that I had no desire for power, and that he was the one who rightfully deserved the title.

When Grandfather revealed the truth of my bloodline to me, I had pleaded with him to keep it a secret, unless it was absolutely necessary to disclose. I knew I had to confront the reality that, upon reaching my eighteenth birthday, I would gain an ability—or perhaps more. Yet, part of me felt a strange sense of relief when I didn’t manifest any powers. I had heard tales of Wolves and Lycans who possessed abilities, and while they led lives that seemed normal, the emphasis on ‘seemed’ was crucial.

They ventured outside their territories only when absolutely required, and always under the watchful guard of an escort. The Council of Elders ensured that every individual found their true Mate-bond, as that bond provided them with unparalleled protection. I was never quite certain if I wanted the Council to know about any potential abilities I might acquire. However, I was acutely aware that if I revealed my bloodline to them, they would shield me at any cost.