I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 151

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn 151**

**Chapter 151**

“Brandon, it’s time for you to go,” Talya stated with an air of calmness, turning to confront him directly.

“Oh, we will be leaving, trust me on that,” he replied, a cocky grin spreading across his face. Talya was just about to inquire what was so amusing when a sudden burst of red and blue lights illuminated the room from outside. Instinctively, she sensed Liam’s body tense behind her, his presence a comforting but anxious weight.

“Looks like the police have arrived,” Brandon remarked, his tone dripping with smug satisfaction. “Shall we go see what they want?”

A wave of fear washed over Talya, icy and consuming. What if they came to arrest Liam? She felt him pull her closer, his arms wrapping around her protectively. “Don’t be scared, Talya. I promise, I won’t let anything happen to you,” he murmured, his voice low and laced with anger. Talya opened her mouth to assure him that her fear was not for herself, but before she could speak, Wyatt burst into the room.

“We’ve got a problem,” he announced, his expression serious and grave.

“I’m on my way,” Liam replied, his eyes darting to Talya’s. He gently turned her to face him. “Stay inside. I’ll handle this situation.” There was no room for debate; he strode out the door with purpose, leaving Talya feeling both anxious and helpless.

Wyatt hesitated, glancing between Talya and the door, clearly torn about whether to accompany Liam or remain by her side. “Please, go with him. Don’t let him do anything reckless,” she urged, her voice tinged with worry.

With a nod of understanding, Wyatt followed Liam outside. Talya’s heart raced as she hobbled to the window, her stomach sinking at the sight of two police cars parked outside, their sirens silenced but ominous nonetheless. Her eyes widened in shock when she spotted Brandon’s father among the officers. The man was a figure of intimidation, and Talya had always made an effort to avoid him.

As the door swung open, Talya turned to face one of the officers. He looked down at her, taking note of her two casts, and frowned. Talya’s heart sank further; this was not a good sign. “Miss, we are here to take you home. Please come outside with me,” he instructed, his tone firm.

“But I’m not being held here,” Talya protested, her voice shaking slightly.

“Please, come with me,” he repeated, his authority leaving little room for argument. Reluctantly, Talya began to hop toward him. The officer’s frown deepened. “Do you need assistance?” he inquired, his brow furrowing in concern.

“I’ll carry her,” Brandon declared as he entered the room. Before Talya could voice her protest, he scooped her up in his arms, holding her far too tightly for comfort. She bit her lip to suppress her anger, unwilling to lash out at him. The officer stepped ahead and opened the door, and Talya’s gaze immediately sought out Liam’s. The fury in his eyes was unmistakable when he saw her in Brandon’s grasp. He took a step forward, but Wyatt and Steven quickly positioned themselves in front of him.

“There she is,” Brandon’s father boomed, his voice echoing with concern. “We were so worried about you, Talya.” Talya squirmed, trying to free herself from Brandon’s hold, but he refused to let her go.

Just then, a sleek black Land Rover rolled into the driveway, and moments later, Max, Garrett, Kyle, and Madison emerged. “What’s going on here?” Garrett’s deep voice cut through the tension.

“Oh, great! Everyone’s here now,” Brandon’s father said sarcastically, clearly relishing the chaos. Garrett ignored him, striding over to stand protectively beside Liam. Max joined Brandon, flanked closely by Kyle and Madison.

“Officers, what seems to be the issue?” Garrett inquired, his voice steady.

The officer in charge stepped forward. “We have a report of a missing minor. We were dispatched to investigate,” he explained.

“I’m not missing!” Talya interjected, her voice rising above the murmurs.

Heads turned towards her, and she felt the weight of their scrutiny. “Put me down,” she demanded loudly, fixing her gaze on Brandon. This time, he complied, setting her down but not without a lingering grip. Talya limped forward, her foot catching slightly on the uneven ground. Liam attempted to reach her, but Garrett’s sharp command held him back.

“I believe there’s been a misunderstanding here,” Garrett said, his tone diplomatic yet firm.

“Stop! You can’t take her!” Madison cried out, stepping forward, only to be yanked back by Kyle.

Brandon’s father was now embroiled in a heated argument with Garrett. Amidst the turmoil, the officer attempted to push Talya into the car. “But I don’t have my belongings!” she protested, panic rising within her. “Liam!” she cried out just as the officer shoved her head down into the vehicle. She regained her balance and looked out the window, her heart shattering at the sight.

“NO!” she screamed, her voice raw with desperation. Liam was on the ground, and at least four men were trying to restrain him. She watched helplessly as he managed to sit up, only for Garrett to deliver a hard punch that sent him crashing back down. Talya reached for the door handle, but it wouldn’t budge.

“No,” she whispered, her voice barely audible now. A self-satisfied Brandon slid into the backseat beside her. Talya turned away, furious with him. As they drove away, she couldn’t bear to look back.

Fortunately, the ride to the police station was quiet, the tension thick in the air. Brandon attempted to engage her in conversation several times, but she resolutely ignored him. Upon arrival, Talya slumped into a chair, trying to block out the chaos around her. She could hear Brandon’s father berating the officers, but she tuned him out, focusing instead on her own swirling thoughts.

A female officer sat down next to her, ready to take her statement. Talya repeated, time and again, that nothing had happened, that Liam was a good person. Yet, she could feel the skepticism radiating from the officers, their eyes betraying their doubt.

The next twelve hours blurred into a haze of confusion and exhaustion. She found herself being driven to the airport, flying home with an officer shadowing her every move. Finally, she was dropped off at her grandparents’ house, where they stood waiting outside, concern etched on their faces. Talya fell into their embrace, the warmth of their love a temporary balm for her frayed nerves. They helped her inside and guided her to her room.

Exhausted, Talya collapsed onto her bed. She could hear the officer who had brought her home discussing the situation with her grandparents, but she tuned it all out, her mind racing.

Eventually, silence enveloped the house. Talya heard her room door creak open and turned her head to see her grandmother approaching. “Talya, are you okay, sweetheart?” she asked gently, concern lacing her voice.

Talya simply shook her head, feeling a wave of overwhelming fatigue wash over her. Words escaped her; she didn’t know where to begin. Fortunately, her grandmother didn’t press for answers. Instead, she took Talya’s hand and held it tightly until sleep finally claimed her.

The next morning, Talya awoke feeling dreadful. The thought of facing the day filled her with dread, and she resolved to stay in bed, cocooned in her own misery. But her plans were quickly derailed when Sage appeared at her door, ready to confront whatever lay ahead.