I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 159

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn**
**Chapter 159**

“Good afternoon! And let me extend my heartfelt congratulations on Talya’s graduation,” boomed Brandon’s father, his voice resonating across the room, instantly shifting the atmosphere. “Wasn’t that ceremony just splendid?”

“It truly was,” Talya’s grandmother replied, her tone a mix of warmth and formality. “And congratulations to you as well, Brandon,” she added, her words stiff as if they were carefully measured.

Brandon flashed a self-satisfied grin, a look that made Talya’s stomach churn. It was as if he wore an invisible crown, convinced of his superiority. She couldn’t stand it. “Thank you,” he replied, his voice dripping with smugness.

“Why don’t we all make our way to the reception?” Brandon’s father suggested cheerfully, his enthusiasm unwavering.

Talya felt a wave of reluctance wash over her; the urge to celebrate had faded into the background. Yet, she found herself trapped in the moment, unsure of how to escape. The school organized a reception for graduates and their families each year, right after the graduation ceremony, and it felt like an obligation she couldn’t sidestep. “Yes, let’s go, Talya,” her grandmother urged, extending her hand toward her. With a forced smile plastered on her face, Talya took her grandmother’s hand. “You too, Sage darling,” her grandma added, prompting Sage to smile and grasp her other hand. Without a word to anyone else, Grandma began to lead them away from the thrumming crowd. Grandpop fell into step beside them, a silent guardian.

As they distanced themselves from the chaos, Talya inhaled deeply, grateful for the reprieve. She had no idea what lay ahead, but she was more than willing to leave the confusion behind. “You okay, Talya?” her grandmother asked, concern etched in her features.

Talya sighed, the weight of the day pressing down on her. “Yeah, let’s just put all that behind us and go celebrate,” she replied, attempting to inject some enthusiasm into her voice.

“Sounds good to me,” Sage chimed in, her eyes brightening.

“Me too,” Grandma echoed, her spirit lifting.

Talya cast a glance at her grandpop. He remained silent, but his expression didn’t betray any distress. Thoughts of the pack flooded her mind. Why were they here now, after all this time? And what about Liam? A pang of sorrow struck her heart at the thought of him. She quickly pushed those feelings aside; it was time to focus on the celebration.

Dinner unfolded beautifully, filled with laughter and shared stories among Sage, her grandparents, and herself. Before long, they found themselves on the dance floor, swept up in the joyous frenzy of their classmates. Talya was careful not to overexert herself, mindful of her foot. The evening was unfolding perfectly until Brandon glided up behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist without warning.

Talya spun around, her annoyance bubbling to the surface. “Brandon, stop!” she exclaimed, her voice firm.

“I need to talk to you,” he insisted, his tone suddenly serious.

Talya shook her head vehemently. “No.”

“This is important. I really need to talk to you,” he pressed, his expression shifting to one of urgency.

With a reluctant huff, Talya relented. “Fine, five minutes,” she agreed, her heart sinking.

“I’ll take it,” he said, seizing her wrist and pulling her away from the dance floor before she could even bid Sage goodbye. She attempted to yank her wrist free, but his grip was unyielding. He led her through the grand banquet room and into a deserted side chamber, shutting the door behind them with a definitive click.

“What do you want, Brandon?” Talya demanded, irritation lacing her voice. “I just want to get back to the party.”

“I need you to tell the pack that you’re my mate,” he stated, his voice unwavering.

The blow came so swiftly that Talya barely registered it. Pain exploded in her cheek, and she instinctively raised a hand to the spot where he had struck her. “You are my mate; don’t deny it,” he spat, fury igniting in his eyes. Then, as if flipping a switch, he transformed. “Now, I need you to go out there and tell them that.”

Talya stared at him, disbelief flooding her. “Why on earth would I do that?” she asked, still cradling her cheek.

“Because if you don’t, Talya…” Brandon said, stepping closer, his voice low and threatening, “I will be forced to do something I don’t want to do.” He glanced toward the door. “Bring her in,” he commanded.

Talya gasped as the door swung open, and Trevor and Mitch entered, dragging Sage along with them. Their eyes locked, and Talya could see the terror etched on Sage’s face. “What are you doing? Let her go!” Talya shouted, panic rising in her chest.

“Just as soon as you tell them that you’re my mate,” Brandon replied coolly.

Talya spun on her heels, fury igniting within her. “I will never be your mate!” she declared, disgust spilling from her words.

“Fine. Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” he retorted, nodding at Mitch and Trevor. Before Talya could react, Trevor struck Sage hard across the face. Talya screamed, desperation clawing at her throat as she lunged toward her friend, but Brandon’s grip on her arms was like iron. Mitch followed suit, kicking Sage in the ribs.

“Stop!” Talya cried, her heart racing. Mitch crouched beside Sage, seizing her hair and yanking her head back at an unnatural angle. Sage’s eyes met Talya’s, and the pain reflected in them was unbearable. “Leave her alone!” Talya screamed, struggling against Brandon’s hold, but it was like battling a wall of stone. She watched helplessly as Trevor hovered next to Sage. Though she couldn’t see what was happening, the sound of Sage’s scream pierced through the air.

“Stop!” Talya yelled, desperation spilling from her. “I’ll do it. Just stop, please!” she pleaded, her heart breaking.