I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 170

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us**
**by Asa Rowan Finn**
**Chapter 170**

“Well, if you’re considering sticking around, I would absolutely love to have you here,” she said, her voice warm and inviting. “Are you planning on fighting tonight, Liam?” Liam merely shrugged, a gesture that spoke volumes of his uncertainty. Talya took a seat on one of the tall barstools at the counter, her legs swinging slightly as she settled in.

Emma, ever the attentive friend, approached with a plate brimming with freshly baked cinnamon rolls. “You make the best cinnamon rolls,” Talya exclaimed after savoring her second bite, her eyes lighting up with delight.

Emma placed a steaming cup of coffee on the counter for Liam and handed Talya her drink. “I’m so glad you enjoy them,” she said, her smile brightening the room. “You should definitely try the coffee; it’s a new blend I’m experimenting with.”

Talya eagerly opened the straw, inserting it into her drink. After taking her first sip, she closed her eyes, overwhelmed with pleasure. “Oh my goodness, I think I’ve died and gone to heaven! It tastes like I’m drinking a slice of chocolate cake!”

Emma chuckled, clearly pleased with the reaction. “Good! That was exactly the effect I was aiming for.”

Talya took another generous bite of her cinnamon roll, her expression playful as she teased Emma. “You’re going to send me into a sugar coma at this rate,” she said, laughing. With another morsel on her fork, she turned her gaze to Liam. “Here, try some,” she offered, her voice inviting.

Liam stepped closer, standing beside her. “You enjoy it,” he murmured softly, his hand resting gently on her back, a gesture of quiet support.

“Wow! Liam turning down cinnamon rolls! Who are you, and what have you done with the real Liam?” Emma teased, her tone light and playful.

Talya glanced up at him, catching a fleeting smile directed at Emma, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes. There was a heaviness in the air that she couldn’t ignore.

Suddenly, the door to the shop swung open with a jingle, and Emma’s face brightened. “Hey love,” she greeted warmly as Garrett stepped inside, his presence commanding yet familiar.

Talya felt Liam tense beside her, a palpable shift in his demeanor that didn’t go unnoticed. She exchanged glances between Garrett and Liam, both men locked in a silent standoff, words unspoken yet heavy with meaning.

It was Liam who broke the silence first, turning away and making his way toward the door. In an instant, he vanished, leaving Talya staring after him, torn between the instinct to follow him and the uncertainty of whether he wanted her to.

Emma moved toward Garrett, wrapping her arms around him in a comforting embrace. He pulled her close, kissing the top of her head with a gentle affection. “Hey sweetheart,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. Then, turning to Talya, he added, “I’m afraid I might have lost my beta.”

The words hung in the air, and Talya felt a pang of confusion wash over her. What was she supposed to say?

“He’ll come around,” Emma reassured softly, though her eyes mirrored Talya’s concern.

“I don’t know,” Garrett replied, his brow furrowed in thought. “He’s going to need you to help calm his wolf,” he said, directing his gaze toward Talya.

She nodded, feeling a weight of responsibility settle on her shoulders. “I don’t know that I can really do anything, but I’ll certainly try,” she said, her voice steady despite the uncertainty swirling within her. It was the second time today someone had relied on her, and she felt the pressure to deliver.

“We need to find six more locations,” Talya stated bluntly, her mind shifting back to their pressing task.

Garrett didn’t seem fazed by her urgency. “Any leads on the next location?” he inquired, his focus unwavering.

“Not yet, but I’m working on it,” she replied, determination creeping into her tone. Garrett nodded, clearly satisfied with her response. “I’m going to head back to Liam’s house and see if he shows up there,” she said quietly, her heart heavy with concern.

“Here,” Garrett said, tossing her a set of keys. “You can take my car.”

“Oh, that’s really okay. I can just walk,” Talya protested, not wanting to impose.

“Just humor me. Liam will appreciate it if you drive rather than walk back alone,” Garrett insisted, his tone leaving little room for argument.

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