I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 150

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

**Chapter 150**

“Well, now that my girl has successfully put the entire wolf race in its place, how about we grab something to eat?” Liam declared, his voice infused with warmth and mischief, prompting smiles all around the room.

Alya, glancing up at Liam with wide eyes, whispered, “If I had known everyone was coming over, I would have prepared something special.”

“I know, my Dreamer,” he replied softly, leaning down to plant a gentle kiss on her forehead, the gesture sending a comforting warmth through her.

As the evening wore on, it took nearly two hours for the last of their guests to filter out. Garrett and Emma lingered, the last to depart. “Thank you for sharing everything, Talya,” Garrett said, his voice sincere. “I can only imagine how difficult that must have been for you.” He turned his gaze towards Liam, a look of determination crossing his features. “We need to figure out what our next step is.”

Liam nodded in agreement, his brow furrowing slightly as he contemplated their situation. Emma, however, interjected with a hint of urgency in her tone. “And you’re going to have to let me do more of the searching,” she insisted, looking directly at Garrett. Though he didn’t seem pleased with her suggestion, he refrained from arguing.

Once they left, Liam began tidying up the space. Talya, eager to assist, helped as much as she could despite her fatigue. After a while, he settled her comfortably on the couch, ensuring she was well taken care of before he headed off to work for a few hours.

“Do you need anything before I go?” Liam asked, his eyes searching hers for any sign of discomfort.

“No, I’m good. I think I’m just going to take a nap. I’m really tired,” she admitted, a yawn escaping her lips, betraying her exhaustion.

“Sounds good, beautiful. Just call me if you need anything at all. I’ll aim to be home around five,” he said, planting another kiss on the top of her head before stepping out, leaving her enveloped in warmth.

Alya had not been exaggerating; between getting a new cast and sharing the weight of her dreams with everyone, she felt utterly drained. Sleep claimed her quickly, but she was jolted awake some time later by a firm knock on the front door. Disoriented and sluggish, she forced herself to sit up, guessing it might be Steven or Wyatt.

“Come in,” she called out, her voice a mix of curiosity and fatigue. The door swung open, and her heart raced as she laid eyes on Brandon.

“Hey Talya, miss me?” he said, his tone oozing with a mix of arrogance and familiarity.

Talya stood frozen, shock washing over her. “Talya, he said he was a friend of yours but…” Steven’s voice trailed off, his uncertainty palpable as he glanced between her and Brandon.

“It’s okay, Steven,” she reassured, awkwardly rising to her feet, her heart pounding in her chest.

Brandon’s lips curled into a sneer as he surveyed her. “Looks like you’re doing quite well here,” he remarked, nodding towards her two casts with feigned concern.

“Why are you here?” Talya demanded, her voice steady despite the turmoil inside her.

Brandon’s grin widened. “I missed you. Can’t a guy miss his girlfriend?” he retorted, a hint of mockery in his tone.

“What are you getting at?” Talya asked, her heart racing.

“Oh, just that you’re a minor, and your new boyfriend… well, let’s just say, keeping a minor here? He could be in a lot of trouble,” Brandon chuckled, his words slicing through her like ice. Talya felt the color drain from her face as the implications settled in.

Brandon stepped closer, invading her space. “Struck a nerve, did I?” he whispered, his voice low and menacing. “What do you say, Talya? How about you come home with me before things get messy, okay, baby?” He reached out, brushing his fingers against her cheek with a sickening familiarity.

“You touch her again, and I will rip your arm from your body,” a voice boomed from behind her, sending a shiver down her spine. Talya struggled to breathe as Liam’s arm encircled her waist, pulling her protectively against him. “I suggest you leave, now,” he warned, his voice dripping with a deadly calm that sent chills through her.

Brandon had the audacity to grin at Liam, unfazed. “Talya will be going with us,” he declared, arms crossed defiantly.

Liam’s grip tightened around her, his body radiating tension. “Yeah, I don’t think so,” he replied, his gaze unwavering.

“She will,” Brandon insisted, his tone laced with malice. “Because Talya understands what will happen if she doesn’t, right Talya?” he taunted, looking back at her.

“Are you kidding me right now? You’re seriously threatening her in front of me?” Liam asked, disbelief etched across his face. Talya could feel his muscles coiling, ready for a fight, and she knew just how dangerous it could become if he unleashed his true power, or if his wolf emerged. She needed to protect him, to calm him down before things escalated.

“Liam, look at me,” she urged softly, her voice barely above a whisper. He remained fixated on Brandon, his expression fierce. “Liam!” she called again, desperation creeping into her tone. Nothing. She had to think quickly to de-escalate the situation before it spiraled out of control.