I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 112

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

“Tell me, what did the wolf say in your dream?” he inquired once more, his curiosity piqued.

Talya paused, her mind racing to capture the fleeting memories of her dream. “Oh,” she began, her brow furrowing in concentration. “I can’t quite recall. It was something about how our minds are one-dimensional, yet they’re far more complex than we realize. Or something along those lines. I just can’t remember the specifics.” She stole another glance at Liam, but he appeared to be lost in a labyrinth of his own thoughts. A comfortable silence enveloped them as Talya turned her attention to the world outside the window, watching the scenery drift by. Before long, they arrived at the school parking lot. Liam parked neatly against the curb.

“Thank you so much for the ride. I’ll see you in class tomorrow,” she said, her smile brightening her face.

“I’ll swing by to pick you up after school and take you to work,” he corrected her, his tone leaving no room for argument.

“You really don’t have to do that, Liam. I don’t mind taking the bus,” she protested gently, but Liam was already shaking his head, resolute.

“Not after what happened last night. I’m taking you. I’ll be here at three,” he stated, his voice firm and final.

“Okay,” Talya replied, feeling a mix of gratitude and confusion. “Have a good day, then,” she added, unsure of how to navigate the unexpected warmth of their exchange.

His expression softened as he met her gaze. “You too. I’ll see you after school,” he said, a hint of warmth in his eyes.

Talya smiled, feeling a flutter of something unnameable in her chest, and closed the door behind her. She began to make her way toward the school’s entrance when suddenly, Sage appeared beside her, seemingly out of thin air.

“You scared me!” Talya exclaimed, placing her hand over her heart in surprise.

“Sorry! I didn’t mean to interrupt your private moment,” Sage replied, her grin wide and mischievous.

“Oh, come on,” Talya laughed, dismissing Sage’s teasing.

“Seriously, what’s going on with you two? He picked you up for school?” Sage pressed, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.

Talya sighed, remembering the tumultuous events of the previous night. “I had a rough experience last night. Liam came to my rescue and took me home. Because of that, he insists on driving me now,” she explained, a hint of gratitude creeping into her voice.

“What happened? Are you alright?” Sage asked, concern etched on her face. As they walked towards their lockers, Talya recounted the harrowing details of her night, her heart racing as she relived the fear. “Wow, that’s terrifying! I’m so relieved you’re okay, and even more grateful that Liam was there for you,” Sage said, her voice low.

Talya nodded, but a sense of unease crept in. “It’s a bit strange, though, isn’t it?” she mused.

“Which part?” Sage inquired, tilting her head.

“Well, the fact that Liam just showed up out of nowhere to save me. I mean, what was he doing out at that hour?” Talya questioned, her brow furrowing in thought.

Talya quickly wiped the smile away, her heart racing. “Nothing,” she replied, her voice steady.

“You think this is a joke? You think it’s funny that idiot broke my nose?” Brandon challenged, his tone dripping with menace.

“No, I’m not laughing at your injury, but I’m not sorry he put you in your place,” Talya shot back, standing tall and resolute. “You were being a complete jerk to me. He saw it and did something about it.” The fire of defiance ignited within her; she was tired of being a doormat for him to walk over.

Brandon glanced around the hallway, his expression darkening as he stepped closer. Talya felt a wave of unease wash over her as she realized that Trevor had positioned himself behind her, effectively blocking her escape. She crossed her arms defiantly and met Brandon’s gaze head-on. “He’s not here to save you now, is he?” Brandon taunted, his voice low and threatening.

“I don’t need him to rescue me,” Talya asserted, her heart pounding with determination. “I can stand up for myself.”

She was done being the victim of his bullying. For nearly three years, she had allowed him to push her around, but no more.

Brandon advanced, a predatory glint in his eyes. “Can you?” he challenged, grabbing her arms and attempting to spin her around, just as he had in class. But Talya was not going to let that happen. She fought back fiercely. “What is wrong with you?” she shouted, her anger boiling over. Without a second thought, she kneed him as hard as she could in the groin.

He doubled over, gasping for breath, but she didn’t stop there. In a swift motion, she kneed him in the face, connecting solidly with his already broken nose.

A scream of pain erupted from him, and blood sprayed everywhere, painting the hallway in a vivid reminder of her defiance.