Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 62

**Chapter 62: Twenty Questions**

**Alayah’s p.o.v.**

As twilight enveloped our home, a palpable shift settled in the air. My parents, with an air of purpose, descended the staircase, their voices blending with the gentle creaks of the house, which seemed to breathe in unison with us. They were headed out for an important dinner with Alpha Gordon, a gathering that carried a weight of significance, both formal and charged with unspoken expectations. Meanwhile, my Mates and I opted to remain on the Gamma floor, a cozy refuge where we could shed the burdens of the outside world and forge our bonds away from prying eyes and incessant inquiries. I felt a thrill of anticipation at the thought of peeling back the layers of their personalities, eager to uncover the stories that lay hidden beneath their surfaces.

Nikolay, with his ever-enthusiastic spirit, suggested we engage in a game of twenty questions. As he began to toss out his inquiries, I quickly sensed that some of my Mates were not entirely at ease with the more intimate questions. It was intriguing to observe their reactions—the subtle pauses, the fleeting glances that hinted at deeper histories. Though they were all experienced men, none had shared their beds with females from either the Autumn Pack or the Crimson Moon Pack. It was a curious contradiction, one that made me wonder about the untold tales of their pasts.

The game progressed, revealing a delightful array of culinary preferences. Each of my Mates had a unique favorite, and I found joy in discovering that our tastes often aligned. “It really depends on my mood,” I explained with a playful grin. “Some days, I crave something hearty, while other days, I lean towards something light. But spicy? No, thank you! My stomach has a mind of its own!” Laughter erupted around me, their amusement at my aversion to fiery flavors a balm to my heart.

Then came Noah’s question, which took me by surprise. “What’s the first memory that pops into your head when you think of your childhood?” His gaze was intense, and suddenly I felt a wave of nostalgia wash over me, a bittersweet blend of joy and sorrow.

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, the memory surfacing vividly in my mind. “It was shortly after my parents marked each other,” I began, my voice softening. “Dad created a breathtaking flowerbed in our backyard. He sculpted a gentle slope to plant flowers of all heights, choosing Mom’s favorite colors—purple, red, and pink. I remember her lying beside it, lost in thought, staring at those blooms for hours. It was her way of feeling close to Dad, even when he wasn’t around.” My voice trembled slightly, the emotion evident.

Noah’s expression softened, and he gently pulled me onto his lap. “I’m sorry for bringing that up, Angel,” he murmured, concern etched across his features. I shook my head, reassuring him with a smile that there was nothing to apologize for.

Nikolay then shared his own cherished memory, recounting the mornings spent watching his mother prepare breakfast, her every movement infused with love and care. Nero chimed in, his eyes sparkling with mischief, as he recounted the time Mom scolded Noah for racing down the stairs. Their laughter filled the room, a testament to the deep bond they shared. Nathan and Noah reminisced together about the day Nero was born, their laughter ringing like a melody, echoing the warmth of their camaraderie.

However, the tone shifted when Nathan posed a question that demanded introspection. “What trait in a Wolf or Lycan do you despise the most?” I could see the anticipation flicker in their eyes as they awaited my response. Without hesitation, I spoke my truth. “Dishonesty. It’s the trait I loathe above all else, closely followed by superficiality.”

They nodded in agreement, and I sensed a collective understanding enveloping us. Noah and Nero voiced their disdain for jealousy, noting how it often intertwined with superficiality. Nathan expressed his aversion to egotistical individuals, while Nikolay admitted his frustration with impatience.

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