I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 162

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn**
**Chapter 162**

“Taking a wolf to the hospital isn’t an option,” Garrett replied, his tone as rough as gravel. “So, what’s it going to be? Are you joining us, or heading back home?”

Talya’s heart raced with concern. “But they have my friend Sage,” she said, anxiety creeping into her voice.

“Not anymore,” Garrett interjected, his voice steady. “Kyle, Madison, and Wyatt managed to rescue her and are already on their way to the hospital. She’s safe now. We need to move quickly. I need to know if you’re coming with us or if you’re staying behind.”

Caught in a whirlwind of thoughts, Talya grappled with her choices. Should she remain with Sage, who was now safe, or should she go with Liam, who was still in peril? Her gaze fell on the wolf lying motionless in the back of the vehicle. They had assured her that Sage would be okay, but Liam’s fate was still uncertain. “I’m going,” she declared resolutely.

“Are you absolutely sure, Talya?” Emma asked, her voice soft and laced with concern.

“No,” Talya admitted, her honesty raw. “But he fought for me; he was ready to sacrifice everything for my safety. I can’t just abandon him now, not when I don’t know if he’ll pull through.”

Emma nodded, understanding the weight of Talya’s decision. “What about your grandparents? Have you thought about them?”

“I’ll call them and explain everything,” Talya replied, her voice steadying. “I’m eighteen now, so the police can’t get involved this time. But I don’t have anything to offer them.”

Emma nodded again, her expression reassuring. “We’ll make sure you have everything you need.”

“We have to leave, now,” Garrett urged, urgency lacing his words.

Without hesitation, Talya climbed into the back and settled on the floor next to Liam. Garrett shut the doors with a decisive clang. Max slid into the driver’s seat, and Steven took his place beside him in the passenger seat. The vehicle roared to life moments later, and they sped away into the night.

Talya’s heart ached as she looked down at the still form of the wolf beside her. He was immense; she had almost forgotten just how large he was. The cramped space felt even smaller with his presence. A wave of worry washed over her as she contemplated whether he was suffering. The thought twisted painfully in her gut.

“Is there anything I can do to help him?” Talya asked Max, her voice barely above a whisper.

Max caught her gaze in the rearview mirror, his eyes serious. “Just being near him will do wonders. It will help keep his wolf calm. But we need to get him to Paul; he’s the only one who can help drain the silver from him.”

“Will he be okay?” Talya pressed, her heart pounding with dread. Max was silent for a moment, and her anxiety grew. “Max?” she urged, desperation creeping into her tone. “Tell me the truth.”

“If the silver reaches his heart, he will die,” Max stated flatly, his voice devoid of emotion.

Talya felt as though the breath had been knocked out of her. “Well, we can’t let that happen,” she replied, her voice firm despite the fear coursing through her. She fished her phone out of her pocket and dialed her grandparents’ number, her heart heavy with the weight of the conversation to come.

“Hello,” came her Grandpop’s voice, warm yet concerned.

“Hey Grandpop,” Talya said, a sense of resignation flooding her. She wasn’t sure how this call would unfold. “Can you put Grandma on the line too?”

“You okay, Tally Bear?” he asked, his worry palpable.

“Yeah, I just need to talk to you both,” Talya said, relieved that he didn’t press for more details.

She waited until both of them were on the line.

“Talya, what’s going on? Are you alright?” her grandma’s voice came through, laced with maternal concern.

Talya squeezed her eyes shut, trying to find the right words. “You remember when I went with Liam before when I was hurt?” Silence met her statement. “Well, I need to do the same for him now. Liam’s been hurt, really badly. They’re not sure if he’s going to make it. We’re heading to the same hospital that took care of me.” She held her breath, waiting for their response, her heart racing.

“What happened to him?” Grandpop asked, his voice tinged with alarm.

Talya hesitated, weighing her words carefully. She decided to stick as close to the truth as she could. “He fought Brandon over me, and Brandon didn’t fight fair. He really hurt Liam badly,” she confessed, her voice trembling as emotion threatened to spill over.

“Are you safe?” Grandpop’s voice turned stern, protective.

“Oh good,” Talya said, relief flooding her. “Listen, I have some bad news.”

“What now?” Sage asked, her voice tinged with worry.

“Brandon and Liam got into a fight. Brandon didn’t fight fair and hurt Liam really badly. They’re not even sure if he’s going to make it. We’re on our way back to Wisconsin,” Talya explained, her heart heavy with the weight of the news.

“Oh, Talya! I’m so sorry, I didn’t know. What can I do?” Sage asked, her concern evident.

“Well, you can heal for one thing. Can you also check on my grandparents for me while I’m gone? I’m not sure how long I’ll be away. I’ll stay in touch, though,” Talya requested.

“Of course, I’ll check on them. And do your best to stay in touch. Call me if I can do anything at all,” Sage promised.

“I will,” Talya replied, grateful for her friend’s support. They exchanged goodbyes and hung up. Leaning against the door, Talya felt utterly drained from the emotional toll of the calls.

The next twenty-four hours dragged on painfully. They only stopped when absolutely necessary, and Talya felt the exhaustion creeping into her bones. She was terrified to let herself fall asleep, fearing that Liam might worsen while she was unaware. But eventually, fatigue overwhelmed her, and she succumbed to slumber, curling up next to Liam’s wolf form. She stroked him gently, as she had been doing throughout the journey, and within moments, sleep enveloped her.

When Talya opened her eyes, she was startled to find herself back in the realm of her dreams. Instantly, she sought out the wolf.

“Liam’s hurt,” Talya blurted out upon seeing him. “He’s got silver inside of him. Can you save him?” she implored, desperation clawing at her.

“I cannot,” he replied, his voice heavy with sorrow.

“But why? You’re their creator!” she exclaimed, frustration bubbling to the surface.

“That’s not how it works,” he said, his words vague and unhelpful.

“Why?” Talya pressed, her voice rising. “You’re their creator; shouldn’t you help them?” Anger ignited within her. “Or better yet, shouldn’t you have prevented him from fighting in the first place?” she demanded, her emotions boiling over.