I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 120

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn**
**Chapter 120**

Talya exhaled sharply, shaking her head in defiance. “No, Liam. It’s time for you to go. I really need to focus and get to work.”

Liam, ever the helpful friend, raised an eyebrow. “What exactly do you have to do? You’re not heading off to school today, are you?”

Talya couldn’t help but roll her eyes, her tone dripping with sarcasm. “Thanks for the reminder, Liam. But no, I’m planning to dedicate these three days to some projects for my grandparents. You know, the ones I never get around to because life is just too hectic.”

“I can lend a hand,” Liam offered, his enthusiasm evident.

But Talya was quick to shake her head again, her resolve firm. “No, thank you. You really should go and do whatever it is that keeps you busy.” She tilted her head, a spark of curiosity igniting within her. “Actually, what do you do?”

“I work at a developing firm,” he replied, his voice steady.

Talya’s eyes widened in surprise; she hadn’t seen that coming. “Really? I can’t quite picture you stuck behind a desk in a suit and tie all day long.”

“I pull off a suit quite well,” he replied with a smirk, his confidence shining through. Talya couldn’t help but imagine him in a tailored suit, but she kept that thought to herself. “Honestly, Talya, I’ve noticed a few things around the house—mostly outside—that could use some attention,” he continued earnestly. “Let me help you.”

For a brief moment, Talya found herself battling internal conflict. Her pride urged her to refuse, but was that truly fair to her grandparents? They could definitely use all the assistance they could get. With a reluctant sigh, she relented, “Fine.”

A grin spread across Liam’s face, lighting up his features. “Great! I’ll just grab some supplies from my car. I’ll be back in a jiffy.” Talya trailed behind him, her curiosity piqued about what he had in store. When he popped open the trunk, her jaw dropped in astonishment.

“What is all this?” she exclaimed, her eyes wide.

“I made a quick stop at the store this morning before coming over,” he replied casually, already lifting supplies and making his way toward the deck. Talya joined in, grabbing two cans of paint and hauling them onto the porch. Once they had everything arranged, Talya turned to Liam, eager to know their game plan.

“So, what’s the strategy?” she asked, her excitement bubbling beneath the surface.

“I figured we could start out front and gradually work our way inside. The front porch, steps, and railing all need re-staining. I’ll also replace the boards on the stairs to make them sturdy and safe. The front door could use a fresh coat of paint, along with a new handle and deadbolt. I even bought mulch for the flower beds and some new plants. Oh, and the shutters need a little love too. That should be plenty to get us started.”

Talya blinked, taken aback by the extent of his plans. “Wow, that sounds amazing! I don’t have the funds to pay you back right now, but I promise I’ll make it up to you as soon as I can,” she vowed earnestly.

“No,” Liam replied, looking directly at her. “You don’t need to repay me. This is something I genuinely want to do.”

“But what about your job?” Talya questioned, her brow furrowing with concern.

“Have you painted before?” Liam inquired, his tone light.

Talya frowned, crossing her arms. “Of course I have! I’m not completely helpless, you know.”

“I know you’re not,” Liam said with an easy smile. He turned to retrieve a paintbrush and roller, bringing them back to her. “Here you go.”

“Thanks,” Talya said, accepting the tools and settling down by the window to get started. She carefully taped around the shutters first, concentrating on her task. Meanwhile, Liam produced a portable speaker, connecting his phone to it. Soft, easy-listening music floated through the air, and for the first time in ages, Talya felt a wave of relaxation wash over her. After finishing the first coat on the shutters of the first window, she moved on to the second, feeling a sense of accomplishment.

“Have you had any more dreams about the wolf?” Liam asked after a while, breaking the comfortable silence.

“I did,” Talya admitted. “I actually had another dream while I was at your house. I dozed off on the couch for a bit. It wasn’t long, but it was just as strange as the first one.”

“How so?” Liam pressed, intrigued.

“I think he was trying to tell me that I need to learn to be quiet,” Talya said, her brow furrowing in thought.

Liam burst out laughing, and when she glanced at him, he wore an innocent expression that only made her smile wider. “He mentioned something about quiet being a strength or something like that. But honestly, it’s a good thing I don’t put much stock in dreams,” she said, chuckling. She didn’t notice the way Liam’s expression shifted, a shadow crossing his face as he absorbed her words.