Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 73

73 /138

**Chapter 73: Birth Right**

**Alayah’s p.o.v.**

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Just as Nero stepped out the door, a sharp knock echoed through the living room. Nikolay, ever the curious one, rose to investigate, while Nathan seized the opportunity to slide into the spot beside me. His presence was comforting, a silent promise of support amidst the uncertainty swirling in my mind. Crystal entered the room, her gaze sweeping the space as if searching for something—or someone. “Where’s Nero?” she inquired, her tone light yet tinged with an undercurrent of concern. A nagging instinct urged me to withhold the truth, to protect Nero’s secret. “She just missed him,” I replied, my voice steady despite the turmoil within.

In a hushed tone, I relayed my thoughts to my Mates through our mind-link, “Don’t mention that she went looking for Marc. I can’t explain why, but just trust me on this.”

Crystal’s expression softened as she expressed her regret about the earlier incident in the dining room. “I’ll make sure Alpha Randell addresses this during dinner. Your Mate-bond isn’t against the Law; they’re just jealous that you’ve claimed four strikingly handsome Brothers for yourself,” she teased, a playful smile lighting up her face. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks, a deep crimson that betrayed my embarrassment.

“Dad always emphasized the importance of following the Law and upholding it, even when we disagreed. Anyone in our Pack who would dare to act as those in the dining room did would have to answer to my Father,” I replied, my voice firm. “Neither of us would ever obstruct a true Mate-bond, and anyone who thinks it’s acceptable to speak ill of you because of it will have to confront me. They have no idea how well I know the Law and what I can do as the future Luna.”

Crystal continued, her voice steady, “Marc is speaking with his Father about what transpired. Like you, he’s baffled by his Father’s lack of response.” I noticed Noah tense beside me, his body rigid with unspoken thoughts.

Crystal was being candid, but a sense of unease settled in my stomach. I needed to unravel this before she left the room. “Thank you, Crystal. I truly needed to hear that. I’ve been anxious about it. What if Alpha Randell doesn’t step in when someone slanders me or my Mates? I know Marc is my friend, but what if he remains passive?” I asked, my heart racing at the possibility.