I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 161

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn 161**

**Chapter 161**

Talya’s gaze was fixed on him, her mind racing with confusion and disbelief. How had they reached this point? The weight of the moment pressed heavily on her chest, making it hard to breathe.

Just as she opened her mouth to voice her thoughts, the Northwoods Pack rolled in, their vehicles rumbling to a halt. Talya’s eyes darted toward the approaching figures, searching for familiar faces, but her heart sank when she realized that Madison, Kyle, and Wyatt were conspicuously absent. Where could they possibly be? The worry gnawed at her, but she quickly redirected her attention back to Liam. It was as if he sensed her scrutiny; his head turned, and their eyes met in a charged moment that felt both electric and fragile.

Before she could process the intensity of that connection, Brandon’s hand shot out, gripping her arm and pulling her toward him with a force that startled her. The members of Garrett’s pack formed a tight cluster on their side of the circle, their presence a stark reminder of the stakes at play.

Brandon’s father strode over, his demeanor commanding. “Get in there, Brandon,” he ordered, his voice leaving no room for argument. Brandon, without hesitation, stripped off his shirt and shoes, the urgency of the moment transforming him.

Across the circle, Talya noticed Liam mimicking Brandon’s actions, shedding his own clothing with a deliberate intensity. The atmosphere crackled with tension as Brandon leaned in and pressed his lips against hers, a fierce kiss that ignited something deep within her. But just as quickly, she heard a low, menacing growl emanating from Liam, a sound that sent shivers down her spine. When Brandon finally released her, she caught sight of Garrett and Steven, both hands firmly gripping Liam’s shoulders, as if they were restraining a wild storm.

“Both men step into the circle,” Brandon’s father commanded, his voice booming over the murmurs of the crowd.

A sudden warmth enveloped Talya’s hand, and she turned to find Emma standing beside her, her grip reassuring. Talya squeezed Emma’s hand tightly, seeking comfort in the chaos. As both Liam and Brandon entered the circle, Brandon’s father shouted, “Begin!” The tension in the air thickened, and Talya’s heart raced as she watched Garrett step forward, ready to oversee the impending clash, while Max mirrored his actions on her side.

What unfolded next was beyond anything Talya could have anticipated. With a powerful leap, Liam transformed mid-air, shifting into a magnificent brown wolf. The sight was breathtaking, yet terrifying. He landed with a grace that belied his size, charging at Brandon, who was just beginning to morph into a gray wolf. The ferocity of Liam’s wolf was palpable; he was a force of nature, and before Brandon could fully complete his transformation, Liam had him pinned down, a display of raw power that made Talya’s heart race with fear.

She stood frozen, her mind a whirlwind of thoughts. What was happening? The gray wolf retaliated, swiping a paw across Liam’s back, and the brown wolf stumbled but quickly regained its footing. The battle intensified as the gray wolf fought back, but it was clear that Liam’s wolf was dominating.

Talya felt her breath catch in her throat as she watched the struggle unfold. “No,” she whispered, her heart aching. Anger coursed through her veins, but the thought of Liam being hurt was unbearable. She clenched her fists, the tension in her body mirroring the fight before her. The gray wolf circled Liam, who was now on shaky legs, and then lunged.

“No!” Talya shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. The sound seemed to reach Liam’s wolf, who staggered back to its feet, determination flickering in its eyes. The two wolves clashed again, their growls echoing like thunder.

But as the fight dragged on, it became evident that Liam was wearing down. Time slowed, each second stretching into eternity as the gray wolf attacked again, sending Liam crashing to the ground. Talya’s heart raced as she braced herself for the worst, her instincts screaming at her to intervene.

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