Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 6

**Chapter 6: Become Luna’s Beta**

**Alayah’s p.o.v.**

Sitting at my small, cluttered desk in Grandma’s cozy cottage, I pull out a notepad, eager to jot down everything I wish to transfer to my new room. The thought of having my own space, a sanctuary for studying, fills me with anticipation. I envision my desk nestled against the window, sunlight streaming in, creating the perfect atmosphere for concentration.

“You know, you could always study at Grandma’s cottage. It’s much quieter there, and nobody will bother you,” Topaz suggests, her voice thoughtful. I nod, considering her words. The idea has merit; solitude often breeds clarity. But as I pen down my list, the door swings open, and Anton strides in, a grin plastered across his face.

“Marc and Crystal just arrived,” he announces, his tone laced with excitement. “Marc asked me to bring you along. He thinks we might scare off his Mate.” I can’t help but chuckle at that. I understand Marc’s concern; my cousin can be a real handful at times.

Anton, like me, lacks a filter. However, I’ve learned the art of discretion over the years, something Anton seems utterly incapable of—unless, of course, he’s in a formal meeting. Among family and friends, he lets his thoughts spill out without a second thought, and I’ve found myself cringing at his comments more times than I can count.

He’s known me for just over five years, yet it feels as if he’s unearthed all my secrets—though I often wonder if I really have any worth sharing. His playful remarks have the uncanny ability to turn my cheeks a deep crimson, and just when I think the embarrassment is over, he compliments me on the lovely shade of red adorning my face.

Gamma John has been my mentor since I first stepped into the world of my father’s family, and he eagerly awaits the day I finally serve Anton a slice of humble pie. Topaz is just as eager for that moment, her eyes sparkling at the thought. Grandfather has even challenged me to warn the entire Pack when that day arrives, keen on placing bets regarding how long it will take me to knock Anton off his high horse. I can feel the anticipation radiating from nearly every Pack member, all waiting for the day they can declare a winner.

“Alayah! You made it!” Marc’s enthusiastic voice pulls me from my thoughts, and I can’t help but smile as he approaches, a blonde woman by his side.

“Marc, you summoned me to meet your Mate, and as your friend, I believe it’s only fair I give her a heads-up about a few things regarding you,” I reply, wrapping my arms around him in a quick hug. I turn to Crystal, her gaze flitting between Marc and me, and I give her a reassuring smile. “Don’t worry, I’m just here to help.”

“I’m genuinely glad he found his Mate, and even more relieved it’s not me. I doubt he’d survive more than twenty-four hours in my company,” I tease, and Crystal bursts into laughter at the sight of Marc’s mock pout.

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