I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 126

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn – Chapter 126**

“What on earth are you doing?” she exclaimed, her voice laced with indignation. Talya’s fists struck against his back in a futile attempt to make him stop, but it was as though her efforts were nothing more than a gentle breeze against a brick wall. For a fleeting moment, she thought she heard a chuckle escape his lips, but when she lifted her gaze, the expression on both men’s faces was devoid of any amusement. With a swift motion, Liam swung the car door open, unceremoniously depositing her into the back seat before slamming the door shut behind her. “Jerk,” Talya muttered under her breath, her annoyance simmering just beneath the surface.

As her eyes adjusted to the dim light inside the car, she was startled to find a stranger seated beside her. He looked just as taken aback by her presence as she was by his. The tension in the air was palpable. Before she could gather her thoughts, the door swung open again, and Liam reappeared, his face set in a scowl. “Out,” he commanded, his tone leaving no room for argument. The man beside her, clearly understanding the gravity of the situation, slid out of the car without protest. Liam then tossed the man his keys and settled into the back seat beside Talya.

Frustration bubbled within her as she tried the door handle, only to discover it was locked tight. Just as she was contemplating climbing over the seat to escape through the front, the front doors swung open once more. The two intimidating figures from earlier slid into the car with an air of authority. Talya felt a rush of anxiety as they pulled away from the gas station, glancing back to see the other man driving off in his own vehicle.

“Status?” the man in the passenger seat inquired, his voice low and serious.

“It’s been quiet for hours,” Liam replied, his gaze focused out the window, as if searching for something just beyond the glass.

“What about on her end?” the passenger continued, and Talya’s heart sank. It was clear he was referring to her, and she bristled at the implication that she was merely an object of concern.

“Nothing yet,” Liam said, his tone flat.

“Hey, I’m right here, you know,” Talya interjected, her indignation flaring.

The man turned slightly in her direction, finally acknowledging her presence. “Are you hungry?” he asked, his voice softer now.

Talya shook her head vehemently, not wanting to engage with them any more than necessary. Liam remained silent, his eyes still fixed outside. “We’ve got a good ten hours ahead of us. You should try to get some rest,” the man suggested, turning back to the front. With that, the car fell into a heavy silence once more.

Stealing a glance at Liam, Talya noticed he was still preoccupied with the view outside. She returned her attention to the passing scenery, her mind racing. She had no sense of where they were headed, only that it was a far cry from North Carolina. Time slipped by, and after what felt like an eternity, fatigue began to take its toll. She fought to keep her eyes open, but her head kept bobbing forward in a losing battle against sleep.

Desperate for comfort, she leaned her head against the cold window, but it offered no relief. She tried shifting to the seat, but every position felt wrong. As exhaustion threatened to overwhelm her, she felt on the brink of tears. Just when she thought she might break, Liam unbuckled her seatbelt and gently wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer. He nudged her head onto his shoulder, and for the first time in what felt like ages, she found a semblance of comfort.

“Don’t touch me,” Talya snapped, her words sharper than she intended, frustration and fatigue amplifying her irritation.

“Come on, Talya. Just rest,” Liam replied with a resigned sigh, as if he understood her struggle.

“I need to be buckled,” she insisted, her voice tinged with defiance.

“I’ll keep you safe,” he assured her softly, his tone unexpectedly soothing. Talya wanted to argue, to push back against the intimacy of the moment, but the weight of exhaustion was too heavy. It had been hours since she felt even a hint of comfort. Resigned, she closed her eyes and leaned against him, allowing herself a brief respite.

From the front seat, she heard a quiet remark. “Looks like you got your work cut out for you.”

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