Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 71

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**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies**
**by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 71: Lunch**

**Alayah’s p.o.v.**

The clock ticked softly, marking the passage of time, and Anton’s voice cut through the air. “Alright, everyone, it’s time for lunch,” he announced, his tone light yet commanding. As he strode towards the door, I couldn’t help but roll my eyes, fully aware he wouldn’t catch the gesture. We all trailed after him, stepping out of the office and making our way up the staircase toward the dining room. It was only then that I noticed the group of females gathered at the top of the stairs, their eyes fixated on my Mates. Topaz, my fierce inner wolf, began to emit a low, warning growl as we ascended each step.

“Hello, Nero! Welcome home! If you need anything at all, just come find me, and I’ll be more than happy to help,” one of the women chirped, her gaze lingering on Nikolay, the words dripping with insincerity.

“STAY AWAY FROM OUR MATES!” Topaz roared, her voice echoing in the corridor, causing the female to drop to her knees in shock. “By the way, that is Nikolay,” I added coolly as I passed her, Nikolay closely following behind me. I could feel the tension in the air, thick as fog, and I sensed this confrontation was far from over, especially when I caught the look of disgust etched on the woman’s face.

We had barely crossed the threshold into the dining room when hurried footsteps echoed behind us. “Alpha Randell, this is absolutely outrageous! She can’t possibly be mated to her brothers! She’s lying! The Goddess would never permit this, and neither can you as our Alpha!” a female voice shouted from the rear, laced with indignation.

Suddenly, the entire dining room fell silent, the atmosphere charged with tension. I felt Topaz pushing forward, her instincts ready to defend, but thankfully, my Mates were close enough to keep her in check. “Topaz, calm down. It’s best if no one discovers you’re an Alpha, at least not until you and Alayah have made a decision,” Noah urged through our mind-link, his voice steady and reassuring. Nikolay pressed his forehead against mine, searching my eyes for reassurance, while Nathan and Nero each held one of my hands, grounding me in the moment. Topaz was reluctant to settle, her anger simmering just beneath the surface, but she understood Noah’s wisdom.

Around us, the murmurs of Pack members began to rise, a cacophony of opinions swirling in the air. Most echoed the sentiment that we couldn’t be mated to one another simply because they were my stepbrothers, while a few dared to suggest there was nothing inherently wrong with our Mate bond. I caught snippets of whispered judgments, voices suggesting I should reject them, that I was unworthy of my Mates, and that there were more suitable females within the Pack. Each whispered word was a dagger, driving deeper into my resolve, and I could feel Topaz’s agitation escalating. I knew it wouldn’t be long before I lost the battle to keep her calm.