I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 165

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn 165**

**Chapter 165**

“I agree,” came Kyle’s voice, resonating with a calm certainty from behind Talya, breaking the thick tension that hung in the air.

“Me too,” Wyatt chimed in, his tone mirroring a sense of collective resolve.

“I’m in,” Steven added, his words punctuating the growing momentum of their decision.

Garrett turned his gaze toward Madison, a question lingering in the air. “Madison?”

For a moment, Madison’s eyes dropped, a flicker of uncertainty crossing her face. But then she met Garrett’s gaze with a determined nod.

“Max?” The question hung heavily over the group, creating an almost palpable silence as they awaited his answer. After a moment that felt like an eternity, Max finally nodded, confirming his agreement.

“All right. The decision’s been made,” Garrett declared, his voice steady as he turned back to Talya. “Now what?”

Talya felt the weight of their expectations pressing down on her, a sickening churn in her stomach. She had no clear plan, no idea what was expected of her. A little help, please? she silently pleaded with the wolf that had visited her dreams. Panic threatened to take hold as she sifted through their limited options. “We drive to Chicago,” she stated, her voice coming out steadier than she felt. Yet, deep down, she knew that was just a starting point. What next? Did they drive aimlessly until something revealed itself? Or should she lay beside Liam again, surrender to sleep, and hope for guidance in her dreams? The uncertainty gnawed at her. She desperately wished for clarity to strike her once they reached Chicago.

Garrett scrutinized her for a heartbeat longer before nodding decisively. “We continue heading north for now,” he instructed, his tone leaving no room for doubt. “Load up.”

As the group dispersed to their vehicles, Talya felt a flutter of anxiety. “Talya,” Garrett called out just before she could slip away. She turned to face him, and he continued, “I’m putting a lot of faith in you. Don’t let me down.” His commanding tone sent a shiver down her spine as he climbed into his car.

Talya exhaled sharply, a mix of determination and dread flooding her. She could only hope she wouldn’t falter under the weight of his expectations.

Climbing back into her seat beside Liam’s wolf, she whispered softly, “I wish you were awake to help me figure out what to do.” The silence enveloped her as Max and Steven joined her in the car. Just as they were about to pull out, the back door swung open.

“You’re in our car,” Garrett ordered with a no-nonsense tone. Talya gave Liam’s wolf one last gentle touch, feeling a surge of warmth, before climbing out and following Garrett to his vehicle. He opened the door for her, and she slid into the seat beside Madison.

Madison was wedged in the middle, with Kyle on her other side. “Welcome to the cool car,” she said with a bright grin, attempting to lighten the mood. Talya managed a small smile, though her heart felt heavy as she gazed out the window toward where Liam lay.

The next few minutes unfolded in a similar manner, with Talya guiding them through the unfamiliar terrain. Her heart raced as they eventually found themselves in the parking lot of an old, dilapidated shopping center. She pressed her hand against her chest, the sensation now almost overwhelming, bordering on painful.

Without uttering a word, she exited the car, a sense of urgency propelling her forward. Almost immediately, she was flanked by three wolves, their presence both reassuring and intimidating. Just then, Garrett’s voice cut through the air. “Wait.”

Talya hesitated, the tension in her chest worsening the longer she stood still.

“Hurry,” she urged, rubbing at her chest in a desperate attempt to alleviate the pressure.

Madison and Emma stepped closer, concern etched on their faces. “Are you okay?” Madison asked, her voice laced with worry.

Talya shook her head, her eyes wide with urgency. “There’s this painful sensation in my chest. I think we need to hurry,” she insisted.

“We have no idea what to expect. We’re not going in until we have a plan,” Garrett asserted firmly, gathering the others around him. As he began to strategize, Talya felt the weight of their collective anticipation, the unspoken hope resting heavily on her shoulders.