I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 160

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

**Chapter 160**

The air was thick with a palpable sense of despair as Talya stood frozen, her heart aching at the sight of her friend Sage, who leaned heavily against Mitch, her body slumped as if the very weight of the world rested upon her shoulders. Talya felt a torrent of emotions swell within her, tears cascading down her cheeks like a relentless river of sorrow. “I’m so sorry, Sage,” she whispered, her voice trembling, laden with regret and helplessness.

Sage lifted her weary gaze, capturing Talya’s eyes with a flicker of pain that cut deep. “Don’t do it, Talya,” she urged, her voice barely a whisper, yet the weight of her plea held immense significance.

“Shut up,” Brandon barked, his tone razor-sharp as he yanked Talya forward, forcibly pulling her away from Sage. Instinctively, Talya resisted, her heart racing as she cast a desperate glance back at her friend. But Brandon’s grip was unyielding, and he dragged her into the dimly lit hallway, halting abruptly to face her with fierce intensity. “Now dry those tears and pull yourself together. You need to convince them that you’re my mate. If you don’t…” He shook his head, the unspoken threat hanging ominously between them.

A chill skittered down Talya’s spine. “Well, you already know what will happen,” she shot back, her voice laced with defiance, even as fear gnawed at her insides.

“I hate you,” Talya declared, her eyes blazing with fury, pouring every ounce of disdain into her glare, wishing she could pierce through his arrogance.

“You won’t,” he replied with a calm certainty that sent a shiver through her. “Not once we’re mated. You will love me.”

“Never,” she spat, the word escaping her lips like venom, fueled by her anger and desperation.

With a sudden, harsh tug, he jerked her arm, causing her to wince in pain. “You’d better start acting like it, Mate; or Sage will reap the consequences.” Talya swallowed hard, biting back a sob that threatened to escape. Why was her life spiraling into chaos? “Are you ready?” he asked, a predatory gleam flashing in his eyes. Talya could only nod, feeling trapped with no other option. She inhaled deeply, steeling herself. She wouldn’t let Sage suffer any more than she already had. With a shaky hand, she wiped her tears and nodded again, determination flickering within her.

“Let’s go,” Brandon said, a smirk curling his lips. He gripped her arm roughly, pulling her along as he strode confidently through the building.

They navigated the dim corridors until they reached a door that loomed before them, a threshold that felt ominous. When Brandon swung it open, Talya’s heart sank at the sight within. Liam’s pack was gathered there, alongside Brandon’s father and several unfamiliar men who seemed to belong to Brandon’s inner circle.

Brandon wrapped his arm possessively around her shoulders, drawing her close. “Talya has an announcement,” he proclaimed smugly, his voice dripping with arrogance. Talya couldn’t bring herself to lift her gaze from the floor; the weight of shame and fear bore down on her like a heavy cloak.

Taking a deep breath, she forced the words out. “I’m Brandon’s mate,” she murmured, her voice barely audible. The moment her declaration hung in the air, a chorus of harsh words and curses erupted around her, drowning her in a tide of hostility.

“Well, gentlemen. The little lady has spoken,” Brandon’s father interjected, his tone dismissive. “I believe that’s all there is to say. I suggest you take your pack and leave.”

“I don’t think so,” Garrett retorted, his voice laced with anger. “It’s obvious she’s under duress. I don’t know what your boy did to her, but she’s not saying that willingly.”

Talya felt Brandon’s grip tighten painfully around her arm, a warning that sent a jolt of fear through her. She squeezed her eyes shut for a fleeting moment, gathering her resolve. When she opened them, she locked her gaze onto Garrett. She didn’t know where Liam was, but she focused solely on the Alpha. “I’m. Brandon’s. Mate,” she declared, each word distinct and devoid of emotion. She pushed her own turmoil aside, concentrating on the one goal that mattered: keeping Sage safe.

“Now that was beyond clear,” Brandon’s father remarked, his tone dripping with condescension. “So why don’t we—”

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