I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 113

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

Trevor lunged at Talya from behind, catching her off guard. A rush of adrenaline surged through her veins, igniting a fire within. She was fed up, utterly exhausted from the relentless bullying. Without a moment’s hesitation, she spun around, her fist connecting squarely with Trevor’s face. The satisfaction of that punch was fleeting, however, as she quickly realized he wasn’t going to just brush it off.

Fury flashed in Trevor’s eyes, and he retaliated with a forceful strike that sent Talya’s head snapping back. Stars exploded in her vision, and she staggered, disoriented. The chaotic sounds of shouting and commotion filled her ears, but all she could focus on was the pain radiating from her cheek. Suddenly, she felt herself being yanked backward, the principal’s voice booming through the chaos. “What is the meaning of this?” he demanded, his tone sharp and authoritative.

“Talya attacked us,” Brandon chimed in, his voice dripping with false innocence. “We were just minding our own business on our way to lunch. Look what she did to me!” He turned to display his bloody nose, a pathetic attempt to garner sympathy.

The principal’s gaze shifted to Talya, his expression a mix of anger and disbelief. “Is that true?” he asked, his voice rising.

“No, they…” Talya attempted to defend herself, but her words were cut short.

“Did you do that to his nose?” he interrogated, his eyes narrowing.

“Well, yes, but…” Talya’s explanation was abruptly halted as the principal pointed toward his office.

“My office. Now.” His command was firm, and Talya felt her heart sink. She glanced around, searching for Sage in the crowd, but her friend was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps it was better this way; she didn’t want Sage to get dragged into this mess.

As she walked, Talya became acutely aware of the warm trickle of blood seeping through her fingers, staining her shirt. Panic rose within her as she realized her blouse was ruined, several buttons missing. She clutched the fabric together with one hand while the other instinctively reached up to touch her cheek. A sharp wince escaped her lips as she felt the jagged cut left by Trevor’s punch. In the heat of the moment, she had barely registered the pain, but now it was all-consuming.

Upon reaching the principal’s office, he extended a phone toward her. “Call your parents for a ride. You’re suspended for three days,” he stated matter-of-factly, as if delivering a mundane announcement rather than a life-altering consequence.

Talya’s heart dropped, disbelief washing over her. “But I didn’t…” she started, only to be interrupted.

“Would you prefer it to be a week?” he challenged, his tone unyielding.

“No, sir,” she mumbled, feeling defeated. The truth was, she had no parents to call. But she was good with numbers and had memorized Liam’s phone number. With a flicker of hope, she dialed, praying he would be available to rescue her.

“Hello?” came his voice, warm and inviting, instantly bringing tears to her eyes.

“Hey, um, Mom?” Talya stumbled over her words, fighting to keep her emotions in check, hoping Liam would play along.

“Talya?” he replied, confusion evident in his tone.

“Can you come pick me up?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Finally, she made it outside and sank onto the cold concrete steps, anxiously awaiting Liam’s arrival. Minutes felt like hours until she finally spotted his car barreling into the parking lot. She lowered her head, unsure if her trembling legs would carry her to him.

Liam knelt in front of her, his expression shifting from concern to something more intense. He gently brushed her hair back, his silence amplifying the gravity of the moment. Talya couldn’t meet his gaze; shame washed over her. “Who did this to you?” he asked, his voice low and gravelly, a stark contrast to his usual tone.

“Can you just take me home?” Talya pleaded, desperation seeping into her words.

“Talya, look at me,” he insisted, his voice firm yet filled with concern. As she met his gaze, she recoiled at the anger simmering in his eyes. “I’m going to ask you one more time. Who did this to you?”

“Please,” she whimpered, her voice hitching on a sob. “Just take me home. Please,” she begged, feeling utterly vulnerable.

Liam’s hand found the back of her head, drawing her closer. “Okay. Shh, it’s alright. I’ll take you home.” He lifted her effortlessly, cradling her against his chest. The sudden movement startled her, and she instinctively clutched her blouse, trying to keep it together.

Yet, Liam didn’t falter. He kept his gaze fixed ahead, determination etched on his face.

He opened the car door and gently placed her in the front seat. Leaning over, he secured her seatbelt, then closed her door and dashed around to the driver’s side, his expression a mixture of concern and resolve.