I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 178

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

**Chapter 178**

Two dark shapes surged toward them, fast and menacing. In a split second, Liam reacted with instinctive urgency, practically shoving Talya out of harm’s way. He sprang into the air, his body shifting mid-leap, the air crackling with energy. When he landed, he transformed into a stunning brown wolf, powerful and fierce. With a swift motion, he took down the first vampire, its body crumpling to the ground. But before Talya could catch her breath, another vampire materialized right in front of her, its eyes glinting with malice.

Talya’s heart raced as she screamed at the man who loomed over her, a sinister grin spreading across his face. Before she could react, he lunged, grabbing her with a grip that felt like iron. In an instant, they were hurtling through the night, the world around her a blur. She felt weightless, disoriented, until a feral growl shattered her focus. Suddenly, she was lifted from the ground and then dropped, landing hard with a bone-jarring thud. Pain radiated through her body, and she gasped, struggling to regain her breath.

Turning her head, she caught sight of Liam’s wolf, its powerful jaws sinking into the vampire’s flesh. A wave of nausea washed over her, and she quickly averted her gaze, unwilling to witness the brutality. But then something caught her eye—a flicker of movement behind the house. A cold dread coiled in her stomach.

*More are coming,* she sent to Liam, her heart pounding in her chest. Liam’s wolf dispatched the vampire with a brutal efficiency, tearing its head from its body. In a single bound, he was back at her side, growling fiercely, his teeth bared, hackles raised. If she hadn’t known it was Liam, she would have been paralyzed with fear.

*Do not move from behind me,* he communicated urgently. Talya’s heart raced as a wave of vampires surged toward them, their eyes glinting with hunger. Just then, a pack of wolves charged into the fray, and Talya recognized Garrett’s imposing black wolf leading the charge. Right behind him was Max, his dark gray fur unmistakable. More wolves joined the battle, their ferocity a stark contrast to the advancing vampires.

Talya felt an overwhelming urge to look away from the horrifying scene unfolding before her, but fear gripped her. If she averted her gaze, what calamity might befall her friends? Suddenly, everything around her froze. She glanced around, bewildered. Time seemed to stand still.

“Quite a marvelous feat, isn’t it?” a voice sliced through the silence, familiar and chilling. Talya turned, dread pooling in her stomach as she saw the vampire creator sauntering through the chaos, his demeanor disturbingly calm.

*How are you doing this?* Talya managed to utter, her voice barely above a whisper.

“I’m creating a dream stasis outside of the dream world. Quite complicated, and it requires a significant amount of energy,” he replied, his smile as cold as ice.

*Why?* Talya pressed, her mind racing to comprehend the implications.

“I wanted to get your attention,” he said, gesturing dismissively toward the battle. “My vampires outnumber your wolves three to one. When I release this hold, your precious wolves will be slaughtered. It may take a few minutes, but that will be the end result,” he stated, his tone nonchalant, as if discussing the weather. “Unless…” he let the word linger ominously in the air.

Talya spun around, taking in the chaotic battlefield. It was true; the wolves were vastly outnumbered. She could see the vampires lurking, waiting just beyond the fray, their eyes glinting with anticipation. Dozens of them were poised to strike as soon as the stasis was lifted. A wave of horror crashed over her, but she fought to maintain control over her emotions.

*Unless what?* Talya asked, her voice steady despite the turmoil within. She faced the vampire with renewed determination. *What do you want?*

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