Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 9

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 9: Baby Sister**

*Nero’s p.o.v.*

The atmosphere in the room is thick with tension as I sit in Dad’s office alongside my brothers, Nathan and Nikolay, and our friend, Noah. Hours have slipped by since Dad and Mara left, their vague promise of an important matter hanging in the air like a storm cloud. Noah, ever the restless one, fidgets in his seat, his irritation palpable. “Why won’t they just tell us what’s going on?” he mutters, running a hand through his hair in frustration.

I glance at the clock, its ticking echoing the unease that has settled over us. The four of us have been racking our brains, trying to piece together the puzzle of their departure. Each theory we conjure seems more ominous than the last, and with every passing minute, my own agitation starts to mirror Noah’s.

Suddenly, my phone buzzes to life, jolting me from my thoughts. The caller ID lights up with Marc’s name. “Hey, Marc! What’s up?” I respond, ensuring he knows he’s on speaker.

“How much do you enjoy paperwork?” he asks, his tone light but I can hear the groan that escapes Noah beside me. None of us are fans of the tedious tasks that accompany the responsibilities of being part of a Pack’s leadership.

“Sounds like you’re in the same boat as Anton and me,” I reply with a hint of sarcasm. “But I guess there’s a silver lining?”

“Absolutely! Anton’s cousin has graciously offered to handle the financial side of things, which means we can finally breathe a little easier. The downside? Dad is old school with his bookkeeping—everything is on paper. It’s going to take some time to transition to a digital system,” Marc explains, his voice a mix of relief and exasperation.

Nathan chuckles, “Well, at least Alpha Gordon took the plunge years ago and digitalized everything for Autumn Pack. That’ll streamline our finances significantly.”

Marc then asks if I can swing by in a few days to discuss the merging of our Packs. “Crystal and I want your input on a few key issues,” he elaborates, and I nod, agreeing to be there Friday afternoon.

As I hang up, the weight of uncertainty returns, and we resume our anxious speculation about Dad and Mara’s whereabouts. Every theory feels grim, intensifying the tension in the room. Nathan and Nikolay, ever the pragmatists, urge us to remain calm, reminding us that answers will come in due time. But I can’t shake the feeling of dread gnawing at my insides; I desperately hope it’s sooner rather than later.

When the door finally swings open, revealing Dad and Mara, I feel my heart race with a mix of anticipation and impatience. I’m ready to demand answers, but Dad raises a hand, silencing us before we can speak. “I need you four to listen carefully to Mara before you say anything. This isn’t easy for her, and if I had known sooner, I would have ensured you all were informed as well,” he says, his tone serious as he and Mara settle onto the couch by the window.

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