I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 118

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn**
**Chapter 118**

“Riiight,” Talya responded, her voice elongated as she tried to process the wolf’s cryptic words. The truth was, she felt a tangle of confusion knotting in her stomach, unsure how to interpret that statement.

“You will need strength in the days to come,” the wolf had said, his tone serious and foreboding. Then, without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Talya behind, staring at his retreating figure, her mind swirling with questions.

Talya sat up abruptly, her breath coming in heavy gasps as reality began to settle back in. It took her a moment to shake off the remnants of the dream that had felt so vivid. Blinking away the haze, she glanced at the clock on the wall—11:30 PM. A sense of urgency washed over her; she was acutely aware that Liam could be out for the entire night, and she needed to get home, find her bed, and let the weight of the day slip away into sleep.

With a quick motion, she gathered her phone and her purse, the familiar weight of them grounding her. She unlocked the front door and stepped out onto the porch, the cool night air hitting her face like a splash of cold water. Closing the door behind her, she pulled up the map app on her phone, noting that a bus stop was just two blocks away. She took a deep breath, steeling herself, and made her way down the steps and onto the driveway.

“Where are you going?” Talya jumped, her heart racing as she spun around to see Liam emerging from the shadows beside the house. The night was dark, but the moon cast a soft glow, illuminating his bare chest. A frown creased her brow as she took in his black sweatpants and bare feet. “Why are you out here?” she asked, her voice tinged with disbelief. “Why are you sneaking around in the dark without clothes on?”

Liam looked down, his expression shifting to one of mild annoyance. “I have pants on,” he shot back defensively, crossing his arms.

“Yeah, well, that’s all you have on,” Talya replied, her arms folding across her chest in a gesture of irritation.

Liam shrugged, dismissing her comment as he stepped closer. “Come on, let me just grab a shirt, and I’ll take you home.” He gestured toward the house, his tone softening. Talya felt too weary to protest. As he walked past her, he disappeared into the house for a brief moment.

When he returned, he was clad in a simple t-shirt that seemed to fit him well. “How is your face feeling?” he asked, his voice laced with genuine concern.

Talya sighed, stifling a yawn that threatened to escape. “It’s okay,” she mumbled, though the truth was far from it.

“Come on, let’s get you home,” he said gently, placing a reassuring hand on her lower back as he guided her toward the car. The drive was enveloped in a heavy silence, each lost in their own thoughts.

“Is Brandon still alive?” Talya finally broke the silence, her voice barely above a whisper.

Liam’s head snapped toward her, his expression sharp. “Does it matter?” he asked, his tone gruff and defensive.

“Of course, it matters,” Talya replied, a hint of frustration creeping into her voice.

“Why?” he pressed, his brows furrowing in confusion.

Talya felt exasperation rise within her. “Because I don’t want to have to come bail your backside out of prison!” The words slipped out before she could rein them in, but there was a truth to her frustration.

“Talya, don’t be rude,” her grandmother gently admonished, her tone light but firm.

Liam met her gaze and winked, a playful glint in his eye. Talya rolled her own eyes, ignoring the flutter in her stomach as she made her way to the coffee pot. She poured herself a generous mug, adding a splash of French vanilla creamer—one of the few indulgences she allowed herself. Taking a sip, she sighed in contentment; this was exactly what she needed to start the day.

“Our Talya doesn’t function well in the morning without coffee,” she heard her grandmother say behind her, a teasing lilt in her voice. “But you probably already knew that, didn’t you?”

Talya frowned, refusing to turn around. “Not yet, but I’m still learning everything there is to learn about Tally Bear,” Liam chimed in, the nickname making her nearly choke on her coffee.

She coughed, trying to regain her composure, and when she finally managed to breathe normally again, she turned to find him grinning at her, clearly amused.

“Honey, maybe you should go put some clothes on, and then we could talk,” her grandmother suggested quietly, her tone almost motherly.

It was only then that Talya became acutely aware of her appearance. A quick glance down confirmed her worst fears; she had literally rolled out of bed in short shorts and a tank top. The only saving grace was a sweatshirt she had thrown over her tank, but it hung open, leaving her feeling exposed. Mortification washed over her as she caught Liam’s gaze, and he was clearly trying to suppress a laugh.

“Yeah, I’m gonna go change,” Talya said, her cheeks burning as she turned and practically bolted from the room. She could hear Liam’s warm, rich laughter following her, and she shook her head in exasperation as she hurried to her room, desperate to escape the embarrassment.