I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 108

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn**

Talya’s simmering anger acted as a shield against the icy grip of fear that had paralyzed her the day Liam had seized her. In that moment, she felt an immense sense of gratitude for her own fierce resolve. With determination coursing through her veins, she began to implement the self-defense moves she had practiced tirelessly, each step etched into her muscle memory. Yet, despite her efforts, Brandon’s arms remained unyielding, a fortress she could not breach.

“Are you even trying?” he sneered, his breath hot against her ear, sending shivers down her spine. “Want to know what I did last night?” he whispered, his tone dripping with malicious glee. Talya had no desire to hear about his escapades. She turned her mind away from his taunts, focusing on the sound of her own heartbeat, which thundered in her ears. “She was more than eager to come into my bed, unlike somebody else I used to date,” he added, his voice laced with venom.

She chose to ignore his jab, feeling a surge of frustration. All she wanted was for this torment to end. The pressure behind her eyes intensified, and she sensed the dam holding back her tears beginning to crack. If she didn’t escape his clutches soon, she feared she would break down, and the thought of crying in front of him filled her with dread and humiliation.

Blinking rapidly, she fought against the wave of emotions threatening to overwhelm her. Anger coursed through her—anger directed at him for his cruelty and at herself for allowing this situation to unfold. She gathered her strength and attempted to wriggle free once more, but Brandon only tightened his grip, as if sensing her desperation. Just then, a whistle pierced the air, cutting through the tension like a knife.

“Everybody gather around,” Liam’s voice boomed, commanding and authoritative. It was a tone that demanded respect, one no one dared to defy. Talya noticed Brandon hesitating, his arms slowly dropping, but he eventually released her. She quickly stepped away, rubbing her arms as if to erase the imprint of his hold. As she joined the others, she positioned herself at the back, hoping to blend into the crowd.

“Talya and Brandon up front,” Liam called out, his voice sharp and unexpected. Talya jumped at the sound, unaccustomed to such a commanding tone from him. Without thinking, she moved forward, her heart pounding. Brandon sauntered up beside her, a smug grin plastered across his face, as if relishing the attention. Liam’s gaze flicked to her, and she noticed his eyes darken, a storm brewing beneath the surface. Talya swallowed hard, sensing the fury radiating off him like heat from a fire.

“Talya, were you able to break Brandon’s hold on you?” Liam asked, his voice cutting through the air, addressing the entire class.

She caught a glimpse of Brandon’s triumphant smirk and felt a wave of shame wash over her. “N-no,” she stammered, hating the tremor in her voice that betrayed her vulnerability.

Liam turned to the class, his expression serious. “Talya is facing what many of you may encounter in real life. She’s small, and Brandon is a big guy. She can’t overpower him, so what does she do? What do you do when the techniques you know aren’t effective?” He paused, his eyes narrowing as he focused on Brandon. “I’m going to be Talya now, so you can see what to do. Brandon, come here and grab me just like you did Talya.”

Talya watched as Liam’s confidence radiated, and she felt a flicker of hope. Brandon approached, a hint of hesitation flickering across his face before his cocky demeanor returned. He wrapped his arms around Liam, who was several inches taller, creating an awkward hold. “Tighter,” Liam instructed, his voice steady. Brandon complied, his grip becoming even more constricting.

“Now,” Liam said, addressing the class with an intensity that commanded their attention. “What do you do when what you know to do doesn’t work? Improvise.”

In an instant, Liam drove his elbow into Brandon’s stomach with a force that left the class gasping. Before anyone could react, he swung his hand back, striking Brandon’s nose with a swift motion. Without losing momentum, he twisted, seizing Brandon’s arm and yanking it upward as he pushed Brandon to the ground, wrenching his arm behind him in a painful hold.

Liam bent over Brandon, a picture of calm authority, and glanced at the class. He hadn’t even broken a sweat. “See? You improvise.” The room erupted into applause, while the football team stood in stunned silence, their quarterback writhing on the floor in shock.

“You broke my nose!” Brandon howled, his voice a mix of disbelief and pain. Liam, unfazed, pressed him back down as he stood tall, arms crossed, watching Brandon with a cool detachment. Coach Stanley approached, his expression stern as he stood beside Brandon.

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