Love Times Four My Stepbrothers Are My Mates (Alayah) novel Chapter 95

**When Broken Stars Drift Across Empty Midnight Skies**
**by Troy Mason Venn**
**Chapter 95: Punishment**

**Alayah’s p.o.v.**

“Nikolay, I posed you a question, and your response was merely a question in return,” I assert, turning to face him directly. My tone is firm, yet I can’t help but feel a slight tremor of uncertainty beneath my bravado.

Aunt Mable had shared her concerns with me earlier, recounting how certain females within the Pack displayed a troubling lack of respect for the Mate-bond. She and Uncle Josh had engaged in discussions with them before, but today’s blatant disregard for our traditions was something that could not go unaddressed. Nikolay recounts the events that transpired in the main dining room, and I can sense Topaz’s internal struggle; she seems torn between a growl of anger and a laugh of disbelief. It’s evident to anyone who observes closely that Nikolay is already marked in ways that go beyond mere appearances.

“This matter requires the judgment of our leadership,” Uncle Josh interjects, casting a knowing wink my way. “I believe it’s best that you deliberate on this in your office, Alpha.” With a nod, I motion for the others to follow me to my office within the Alpha residence.

As we walk, I turn to Aunt Mable, asking her if she could arrange for dinner to be brought to my office. I want to tackle this issue swiftly, ensuring it is resolved before the night draws to a close. Once everyone is seated, I direct my attention to Nikolay, inquiring about the number of females present in the living room. I close my eyes momentarily as he informs me that there were five. My heart sinks; I need to ascertain whether these five are the only ones harboring feelings of annoyance or unease.

I allow myself to connect with the emotions of my Pack members, and it doesn’t take long for me to realize that the discomfort I sense extends far beyond just five individuals. “Bastian,” I say, my voice steady but urgent, “I need you to assemble a border patrol team. Choose those you trust—those who will honor the Mate-bond under any circumstances. Inform them that they will replace the current patrols at nine. I want everyone relieved of duty to report to the Pack-house; I will announce their punishment once every member is present.”

Noah pipes up, curious about what the punishment will entail. I turn the question back to him, asking what he considers an appropriate consequence for disrespecting the Mate-bond and their Alpha. His suggestion feels far too lenient, and I glance around the room, seeking input from the others, hoping they might propose something more fitting. Each of them shares their thoughts, yet none resonate with me as adequate. As their voices blend into a cacophony of ideas, I know I need to steer the conversation in a different direction.

Bastian assures me that everything is under control before offering his perspective. “But will these punishments truly prevent them from disrespecting the Mate-bond or me again?” I pose the question, and as they begin to discuss, it quickly becomes apparent that the proposed punishments are merely temporary fixes. Eventually, the offenders will likely forget their consequences and revert to their previous patterns of disrespect.

“Anton,” I inquire, seeking clarity on the matter, “what does the Law dictate regarding disrespect toward the Mate-bond?” He explains that the Alpha has several options, ranging from whipping to banishment. “In cases of disrespect toward their Alpha, the ultimate punishment could even be death,” Anton states, his gaze locking onto mine. I ask him if this applies to the future Alpha as well. For a moment, he simply stares at me, weighing his words before confirming that the gravest punishment in such a scenario would indeed be banishment.

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