I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 139

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn**
**Chapter 139**

“It’s you,” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath. The wolf regarded her with a keen intensity, its golden eyes glimmering in the dim light. Talya extended her hand cautiously, and to her surprise, he took a step closer, as if beckoned by an invisible thread that bound them together. She gently ran her fingers through the thick, coarse fur, marveling at the texture beneath her touch. It was an odd sensation; though he appeared menacing, with his sharp teeth and powerful stature, she felt no fear. Instead, an inexplicable sense of trust washed over her, as if a part of her soul recognized that this creature would never bring her harm. The notion that Liam was somehow intertwined with this magnificent beast still felt surreal to her. “You’re beautiful,” she murmured, a soft smile breaking across her face.

The wolf snorted, a deep rumble that echoed in the quiet space, causing Talya to chuckle softly. “Correction,” she said playfully, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “You don’t just look beautiful; you look handsome, fierce, and a little terrifying,” she teased. The wolf nudged her gently, as if acknowledging her words, and she found herself running her hand through his fur once more, feeling a connection that transcended words.

But then, as if a wave of exhaustion had crashed over her, Talya felt her energy wane. The adrenaline that had fueled her throughout the day was finally giving way to fatigue, leaving her utterly spent.

The wolf sensed her decline and retreated a step, allowing her a moment to gather herself. Talya lifted her head, blinking against the heaviness that threatened to pull her under. Just then, she caught sight of a very naked Liam standing before her, his back turned as he hastily pulled on a pair of black sweatpants. He turned to face her, and in one swift motion, he scooped her up, cradling her against his chest. The warmth of his body enveloped her, and he pressed a soft kiss against her cheek. “Thank you,” he breathed, his voice thick with emotion.

“Thank you,” Talya replied, her heart swelling with gratitude. “Thank you for showing me.”

“Why did you cry?” Liam’s voice was laced with concern as they began to walk together, his gaze fixed on her.

Talya smiled softly, her heart fluttering at the memory. “The wolf from my dreams told me that I have a protector now. He was talking about you.”

Liam tightened his embrace, pulling her closer as if to shield her from the world. “I will always protect you, Talya,” he vowed, his voice steady and sincere.

She tilted her head back, searching his eyes. “Why?” she asked, the simplicity of her question hanging in the air between them.

Liam’s expression softened, and he took a deep breath, as if gathering the weight of his emotions. “Because you’re my mate, Talya. Wolves spend their entire lives waiting for their mate—the one person crafted specifically for us, the other half of our soul, our perfect complement. The moment I saw you and caught your scent, I knew you were mine,” he confessed, a smile breaking through his seriousness.

Talya’s brow furrowed slightly. “You smelled me? That doesn’t sound good?” she said, a hint of worry creeping into her tone.

Liam chuckled, a warm, rich sound that made her heart race. “It’s a good thing, I promise. You always smell like fresh strawberries to me,” he explained, his eyes lighting up with the memory. “The first time I caught that scent, it was so intoxicating it nearly brought me to my knees. And then when I finally saw you, I realized my life would never be the same. Everything shifted in that moment. You became the most important thing to me in the world. My only purpose now is to protect you, love you, care for you, and make you happy.”

“Is that why you freaked when Paul carried me?” she asked, genuinely curious, her eyes searching his for answers.

Liam shuddered at the mention of Paul’s name. “Yes,” he admitted, his voice dropping to a low, serious tone. “Wolves are incredibly territorial and possessive of our mates, especially when they’re in danger or distressed. My wolf went wild when I heard we almost lost you. I had to leave the house or I would have shifted right there. I would have stayed away longer, but Garrett called me back through our pack link.”

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