Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 64

**Chapter 64: Marking 2**

**Alayah’s p.o.v.**

As I settled into the familiar space of the living room, a tempest of thoughts churned within me, each one heavier than the last. The question I was grappling with loomed large, casting a shadow over my heart. To alleviate the pressure, I busied myself with the coffee table, my fingers dancing over the clutter of cups and magazines. The rhythmic clinking of porcelain and the rustle of pages filled the air, providing a welcome distraction. Surprisingly, Nathan’s presence in the kitchen, rather than being a source of annoyance, wrapped around me like a warm blanket. I couldn’t help but stifle a laugh as I playfully warned him about the consequences of his antics should my mother find out. The grin that tugged at my lips betrayed my attempt at seriousness.

In a flash, he pulled me closer, his breath warm against my ear as he teased, “You better watch out, or I might just have to give you a very rosy bottom!” The heat rushed to my cheeks, painting them a deep crimson, a hue that surely rivaled the cherries resting on the kitchen counter.

Then, in a spontaneous burst of energy, he lifted me off the ground, and a thrill raced through me. I was acutely aware of the precariousness of the moment, yet it was a delightful kind of trouble that I was more than willing to embrace. I relished every second, even as I sensed the curious glances from our friends. Their playful smirks only deepened my embarrassment, but Topaz’s voice broke through, reminding me that such displays of affection would soon become the norm in our lives. That thought was both exhilarating and daunting. I had always imagined sharing my heart with a single Mate, someone to whom I could devote all my love. Yet here I was, entangled with four remarkable individuals, each igniting a different spark within me.

As I pondered my next question, another one began to bubble to the surface, but I knew I had to focus. I needed their insights, their wisdom, before I could navigate the intricate web of our futures. “If you had the choice, what would you prefer? To ascend as the Alpha of the strongest Pack in existence right now, or to remain within the safety of your birth Pack and support its future leadership?” My gaze swept over their faces, searching not just for answers but for guidance, recognizing that while they couldn’t choose for me, their perspectives could illuminate the path ahead.

Noah was the first to respond, his expression thoughtful and unwavering. “You have to grapple with whether you can forgive your family and friends for keeping such a monumental secret from you. Remember how furious Grandma was when she learned what Grandfather had hidden from both of you? She was especially distressed about the Blood Crescent Pack lurking near the Crimson Moon Pack without her knowledge, all while knowing you had a target on your back. We all know their ruthless reputation, the horrific actions they’ve taken against Wolves and Lycans who dared to venture into their territory.”

He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle in the room. “The Elders have consistently warned every Pack to be vigilant regarding the Blood Crescent. Over the years, they’ve investigated countless reports of Pack members vanishing, and each time, the trail always led back to the borders of Blood Crescent. While I don’t condone Grandfather’s choice to keep this from you, I can understand his reasoning. You’ve talked about the vow every Alpha takes; perhaps he believed it was in your best interest.”

His words resonated deeply within me, stirring a tumult of understanding and frustration. I could see the rationale behind their choices, yet I still struggled to fully accept them. “What if he had confided in you sooner? What if you had sought to connect with your family? They might have tried to shield you from coming home, and then we wouldn’t have met. Or worse, you could have ended up with a chosen Mate if our paths had crossed differently. Maybe Grandfather intended to tell you after you found your Mate,” Noah continued, sincerity lacing his voice.

I let his answer swirl around in my mind as I nestled closer to Nathan, seeking his warmth and reassurance. “Perhaps you’re right about Grandfather,” I mused aloud. “With your Mate by your side, the Blood Crescent Pack would find it challenging to keep you within their territory.” Topaz interjected, her tone both serious and supportive. “We need to confront Grandfather about this. I want to understand why he chose to keep this from me. We can decide whether to forgive him after he answers my questions.”

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