I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 193

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn 193**

**Chapter 193**

Samantha

As Wyatt stepped out of the clinic, I released a breath I hadn’t realized I was holding. The moment he left, a wave of relief washed over me, granting me the clarity I desperately needed to dive back into my work.

The afternoon loomed ahead, a canvas filled with the meticulous task of cataloguing and organizing samples. The clinic was alive with the gentle hum of patients arriving and departing, their footsteps creating a soft symphony in the hallway. I kept my senses alert, half-expecting Paul to summon me at any moment, but the phone remained silent, a testament to his usual restraint. It was a trait I held in high regard; he knew how to maintain professional boundaries with such grace.

The men in our pack, they possess a reverence for their mates that is almost poetic in nature. I’ve never witnessed any of them flirt with women who weren’t their partners. What they share is something profound, and I often find myself longing for a love that resonates with that depth. My thoughts inevitably drift to Wyatt, and a pang of yearning stirs within me. I forcefully redirect my attention back to my work; indulging in such musings feels dangerous. They lead me to believe that I might be worthy of something greater, yet deep down, I know the truth: I am damaged goods.

No one would truly desire me in that way. Wyatt might feel a fleeting attraction now, but it’s simply the allure of something new. Eventually, he will tire of me, and when his true mate arrives… A knot of anxiety tightens in my stomach at that disheartening thought, prompting me to resolutely banish any further contemplation of it.

“Samantha.” The sound of Paul’s voice sliced through my reverie, pulling me from my spiraling thoughts.

“I didn’t realize you were still here,” he continued, his warm smile illuminating his face. “You can head home now. That’s enough for today. Thank you.”

I quickly finished the entry I was working on, rising from my chair and stretching my stiff limbs, surprised at how late it had gotten. Gathering my belongings, I followed Paul out the front door, grateful for the cool rush of fresh air that greeted us.

As we stepped outside, I noticed a tall, handsome man lingering in front of the clinic. “Hey, Bryce,” Paul greeted him casually, his tone relaxed. “Can I assist you with something?”

Bryce shook his head, his expression serious. “I’m just on my way to meet with your alpha. I know the way; thanks.”

Once he walked away, curiosity bubbled up within me, and I turned to Paul. “Who was that?”

“That’s Bryce. He’s the alpha of one of our allied packs,” Paul explained, his tone imbued with respect. “He played a crucial role in our fight against the vampires.”

“Why is he here?” I couldn’t help but ask, my curiosity piqued.

Paul shrugged, his brow furrowing slightly. “I’m not entirely sure. He’s been shuttling back and forth between his pack and ours lately.”

“Do you want me to walk you back to your house?” he offered suddenly, concern flickering in his eyes.

I quickly shook my head, a smile forming on my lips. “No, I’m fine. Thank you. You should head home to be with your wife and baby.”

His smile broadened at the mention of his family, and I couldn’t help but grin in return. This pack has shown me what it means to love someone wholeheartedly and to remain faithful. It’s a concept that had eluded me in my childhood spent in the foster system, where love felt like a distant dream, twisted and out of reach. I remember one kind couple I lived with for a few months; they genuinely cared for each other and treated me with kindness.

Shaking off the shadows of my past, I began the walk home, deliberately ignoring the enforcer trailing a short distance behind me. Garrett, the alpha of the Northwoods Pack, had made it a priority to ensure that we healers are protected at all times. They’ve been instructed to maintain a respectful distance, which I appreciated. It spared me the discomfort of awkward small talk.

As I stepped inside my house, a wave of relief washed over me, my shoulders finally relaxing after hours of tension. No matter how many times I leave, returning always brings a sense of comfort. A quick glance around revealed that neither Ava nor Rose had emerged from their rooms yet. I made my way into the kitchen and surveyed the cabinets and refrigerator.

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