I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 148

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn**
**Chapter 148**

Talya exhaled deeply, her breath escaping in a soft sigh. “I had another dream last night,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “I really need to share it with you, and Garrett too. And probably some of the others as well.” The weight of her words hung in the air, thick with unspoken concerns.

Liam’s brow furrowed, his gaze intense as he asked, “What aren’t you telling me?” The concern in his voice was palpable, and Talya felt a flutter of anxiety in her chest.

“Nothing. It’s just… a lot,” she replied, trying to reassure him. “Everything’s fine. I just need to tell you about my dream, okay?” She met his serious eyes, hoping to ease the tension. “I mean, I’m not called the Dreamer for no reason,” she added, attempting to coax a smile from him. But he remained unyielding, his expression still etched with worry. “It’s okay, Liam,” she reassured him softly.

“Let’s just get this over with so we can head home and talk,” Liam suggested, his tone clipped but determined.

“Okay,” Talya replied, a small smile breaking through despite the heaviness in her heart. She hated seeing the worry etched on his face, and on impulse, she leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to his cheek.

Liam looked down at her, surprise flickering in his eyes. She felt a rush of happiness at the sight of a smile tugging at his lips. “What was that for?” he asked, his voice tinged with curiosity.

“Because you’re so good to me,” Talya said, her heart swelling with affection.

He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close, and brushed a tender kiss against her forehead. With that, he led her inside.

“Hey Talya, how are you feeling this morning?” Paul inquired kindly, his voice warm and inviting.

“Horrible that I made you come to the house at two in the morning,” Talya grimaced, guilt washing over her.

Paul merely smiled, unfazed. “That’s what I do. Don’t worry about it. Now let’s get that leg of yours in a cast again.”

Throughout the procedure, Liam remained silent, his presence a comforting anchor as Paul worked. He held her hand tightly, standing steadfastly by her side.

“You two okay? You’re both awfully quiet today. Liam, you’re never this quiet,” Paul noted, concern creeping into his voice.

Talya couldn’t help but let out a laugh, glancing up at Liam. He responded with a faint smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “He’s just worried about me,” she said, squeezing his hand gently to reassure him.

“Alright, Talya, you are all set. Call me if you run into any more problems. And here’s a bottle of muscle relaxants too, just in case you continue to have issues,” Paul said, his tone professional yet caring.

“Oh, I ordered one of those leg scooters for getting around. Do you think that’s okay?” she asked, glancing at Liam, who frowned but remained silent.

“That’s a good idea, Talya. It should be easier on your leg than hopping around,” Paul said, his voice encouraging. “As long as you can manage it with one arm.”

“We’ll see,” Talya replied, a smile breaking through her earlier worries. “You ready?” she asked Liam, seeking his approval.

He nodded, a hint of determination in his expression. “Thank you, Paul,” Talya said gratefully.

“You’re welcome,” Paul replied, placing a hand on Liam’s shoulder. “You good?” he asked quietly.

“Yeah, just thinking,” Liam said, his voice distant. He scooped Talya up effortlessly, and they made their way out to the car. The ride home was enveloped in silence, each lost in their thoughts. Once inside, Liam gently set her down on the couch. “Do you need anything?” he asked, concern lacing his tone.

“No, I’m good,” Talya reassured him, trying to keep his worry at bay.

He stood before her, arms crossed, a look of curiosity etched on his face. “How did you get the groceries and the scooter?” he inquired, tilting his head slightly.

Talya blinked, a bit confused. “Online,” she replied simply.

“I mean, how did you pay for them?” he pressed, his brow furrowing deeper.

“I can order stuff online because my debit card numbers are available on my banking app on my phone,” she explained, feeling a bit defensive.

Liam ran a hand through his hair, frustration flickering across his features. “I’m doing such a bad job of this,” he muttered under his breath, almost to himself.

“It scares me,” he admitted, vulnerability creeping into his voice. “I can’t be in your dreams with you. I can’t protect you there. I don’t know what any of this means—the fact that you’re having these dreams. It terrifies me,” he confessed, his eyes darkening with worry.

“I get that. That’s why I’m going to start sharing with you and the others what my dreams are about. I think it will clear things up. I’m not going to lie, though, Liam. I think darker things are coming,” she said, her voice steady despite the tremor in her heart.

His jaw tightened at her words. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

“But we’ll face it together. Right, Wolf Man?” she asked, a smile breaking through her earlier tension.

He offered her a small smile in return, the endearment warming his heart. Slowly, he lowered his head, giving her a chance to pull away. But she didn’t. His lips found hers in a gentle kiss, and when he pulled back, he nestled his head against the crook of her neck. She turned her head, granting him access, and he whispered, “Someday, that’s where my mark is going to be.” He kissed her again, a promise lingering in the air, before pulling away. “They’re here,” he said, glancing toward the door.

“Oh shoot,” Talya exclaimed, quickly smoothing her hair. She looked up at him, a hint of panic in her eyes. “Does it look like—”

“Like you were just kissed?” he interrupted, a teasing lilt in his voice. “Yes, and I love it.”

Talya rolled her eyes playfully. “Can I at least go change really quickly?”

“No time. They’re here,” Liam declared, striding toward the door with purpose.

“Wait,” Talya called after him. “What about the sweatshirt? It’s huge on me. Everybody’s going to know it’s yours.”

“That’s the point, sweetheart. So they know you’re mine. I’m marking my territory,” he said confidently, a smirk playing on his lips.

Talya wrinkled her nose, a playful pout forming. “Why do I feel like I just got peed on?”

Liam burst into laughter, the sound filling the room with warmth before he opened the door. Talya smiled to herself, grateful to have brought a laugh back to his face. But as the door swung open and the reality of their impending conversation loomed, her smile faded. Nerves churned in her stomach; she hoped she was ready for what lay ahead.