I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 149

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn**
**Chapter 149**

Talya mustered a smile, the kind that felt a little forced but was necessary. The door swung open, and in walked Garrett and Emma, the first to arrive, bringing with them a sense of warmth and excitement. Garrett was juggling several crinkly paper bags, their contents rustling with every movement, while Emma balanced a tray laden with an assortment of coffee drinks, the rich aroma wafting through the air. Following closely behind them were Madison and Kyle, each carrying additional trays, their laughter mingling with the clinking of cups.

Emma set her tray down with a flourish and immediately crossed the room to envelop Talya in a warm embrace. “How are you holding up? I heard about that awful episode last night. I can’t tell you how sorry I am,” she said, her voice laced with genuine concern.

“It’s okay, really. Paul worked his magic, and I’m feeling good as new,” Talya replied, her voice lightening as she reassured her friend.

“Good,” Emma beamed. “I hope you’re a coffee lover because I brought you a little something special. I took a wild guess at your taste and made you a salted caramel white mocha.”

“Ooo, that sounds absolutely divine,” Talya exclaimed, her eyes lighting up at the thought. Emma’s smile widened as she walked over, retrieving a cup from the tray and presenting it to Talya with a flourish.

“Go on, give it a try,” Emma urged, her excitement infectious.

Talya tilted the cup back and took a sip, her eyes widening in delight. “Oh, my goodness! That’s just… orgasmic!” she exclaimed, then immediately froze, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment as she realized the weight of her words. Liam, who had been quietly observing, turned sharply to look at her, his expression a mix of surprise and amusement. The room fell into a brief silence, the kind that felt thick with unspoken thoughts, until Madison burst into laughter, quickly followed by Emma’s giggles.

Liam stepped closer, wrapping an arm around Talya’s waist and pulling her back against him, his warmth enveloping her. “I’m sorry,” she whispered, feeling the heat rise in her cheeks. “Sometimes my mouth just runs away with me.”

Liam chuckled, the sound vibrating through his chest. He leaned down, placing a gentle kiss on her neck, his breath warm against her skin. “That coffee has nothing on me,” he murmured softly in her ear, sending a shiver down her spine.

Madison caught Talya’s gaze, a teasing grin on her face. “You okay, Talya? Your face is looking a little red there,” she said, her tone playful.

Liam laughed again, releasing her from his embrace as Emma began to distribute coffees to everyone gathered. “And I also brought cinnamon rolls and an egg bake!” Emma announced, her enthusiasm palpable.

“Cinnamon rolls?” Talya nearly squealed, her excitement bubbling over.

Liam turned to her with a wide grin. “And they’re nothing short of amazing,” he assured her. “I’ll grab you a few,” he said before disappearing into the kitchen.

“Just one!” Talya called after him, half-laughing, half-serious. Moments later, he returned, balancing a plate stacked with three gooey cinnamon rolls.

Talya nodded, feeling the gravity of the conversation. “He spoke of the eternal battle between good and evil. He explained that wolves were created to protect and keep evil in check. But over time, their numbers began to dwindle, and fear took hold. They withdrew inwardly, forgetting their true purpose,” she continued, her voice gaining strength. “He said it’s time for the wolves to remember why they were created. If they don’t, evil will continue to prevail. Because you are the largest pack, he is gifting the Northwoods Pack with four gifts. The first,” she said, casting a glance at Emma, “he has already bestowed upon the Alpha. That’s you.”

Garrett’s expression shifted, a mix of surprise and concern crossing his features. “What does that mean?” he asked, his voice low.

“He said you need to stop being afraid and allow her to use her gift more freely. She is the Finder, a gift to the Northwoods Pack,” Talya explained, feeling the tension in the room shift. She could see Garrett processing the information, and she spoke quickly but calmly. “He also reassured you not to worry about her; she is under his protection,” she added softly, watching as the fight visibly drained from Garrett.

“I am the second gift to this pack. Nothing like praising yourself, right?” Talya said with a light laugh, hoping to ease the heaviness in the air. A few smiles broke out around the room, and she felt Liam’s grip on her hand tighten, a silent show of support. “I am the Dreamer. My role is to relay messages from the Wolf, your Creator,” she said gently. “I’m here to remind you of your purpose, to guide you back to the right path, and to remind you that your Creator didn’t design you to simply sit back and enjoy life. Your purpose is to bring justice and light into the world and maintain the balance between good and evil.” With that, she fell silent, the weight of her words hanging in the air.

“Who or what are the other two gifts?” Kyle asked, breaking the tension that had settled like a fog.

Talya shook her head, her brow furrowing. “I don’t know. He wouldn’t tell me when I asked. He simply said they would be revealed in time.” Her gaze shifted to Garrett. “He mentioned that as the largest of all packs, it is your responsibility to lead the wolves back to their intended purpose.”

Once she had shared everything she could, Talya leaned against Liam, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over her. He released her hand and wrapped his arm around her shoulder, drawing her close, offering her comfort as the weight of the moment settled around them all.