I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 195

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn 195**

**Chapter 195**

**Samantha**

“Sam?” Wyatt’s voice cuts through the haze of my thoughts, pulling me back from the swirling depths of my mind.

“Hey,” I manage to respond, my voice trembling slightly, betraying the calm I’m trying to project.

“Are you okay?” His tone is laced with genuine concern, and I can almost hear the furrow in his brow through the phone.

“Oh, um, yeah. I’m fine. Why do you ask?” I reply, attempting to sound nonchalant, though my heart races.

“You’ve never called me before; you just caught me off guard,” he explains, his voice relaxing as he senses my unease. “What’s going on?”

I glance over at Ava and Rose, who are seated nearby. Ava’s expression is one of real worry, her eyes wide and searching, while Rose wears a teasing smirk that only heightens my anxiety. I straighten my back, feeling a surge of determination. “I need to go to the store. Would you,” I pause, taking a deep breath to steady my racing heart, “would you be able to take me?”

“Of course,” he replies without a moment’s hesitation.

“Really?” I ask, a note of disbelief creeping into my voice. “You don’t mind?”

He chuckles lightly, the sound warm and reassuring. “No, Sam, I don’t mind at all. When do you want to go?”

“Whenever works for you. It doesn’t have to be immediate, just sometime in the next few days,” I say, trying to keep my tone light, though my nerves flutter like a caged bird.

“How about tomorrow morning? I could swing by to pick you up at eight,” he suggests, and I can almost picture that easy smile of his.

I nod in agreement, momentarily forgetting he can’t see me. “Yes, that works perfectly.”

“Great. I’ll see you then,” he confirms, his voice steady and comforting.

“Okay. Thank you,” I respond, feeling a wave of relief wash over me, as if a heavy weight has been lifted from my shoulders.

“Anytime. And Sam,” he adds just before I hang up.

“Yeah?” I ask, my heart racing a little more than I’d like.

—

The words “I’m proud of you” echo in my mind long after our conversation has ended, leaving me with an inexplicable warmth that lingers through the night. I find it hard to suppress the smile that threatens to break free, feeling a flutter of hope I haven’t experienced in a long time.

The next morning dawns with an unusual excitement that buzzes in my veins as I prepare for my outing with Wyatt. I rise earlier than usual, eager to make a good impression. After a quick shower, I slip into a pair of jeans and a dark green sweater that the girls have always insisted brings out the color of my eyes.

Once I finish blow-drying my hair, I catch a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. I haven’t truly looked at myself in what feels like ages—really looked, I mean. My gaze first lands on my long, straight brown hair, then shifts to my face, noting its almost ghostly pallor.

My skin is so pale that it only serves to accentuate the dark circles that seem to have taken permanent residence beneath my eyes. Finally, I focus on my eyes, which are a vivid green. I know they shift in color depending on my emotions—fear, sadness, happiness. I close them tightly, wishing I could ignore the tumult of feelings reflected back at me.

They didn’t used to change like that… I push that thought aside, refusing to dwell on it today—or any day, for that matter. I’m on the cusp of turning twenty; it’s high time I leave the past behind. After applying a touch of makeup, I grab my purse just as a knock sounds at the door.

“Whoa, where are you off to all dressed up?” a groggy Rose asks, causing me to halt in my tracks.

“Do I look dressed up?” I reply, a hint of uncertainty creeping into my voice as I glance down at my outfit.

She blinks slowly, as if trying to shake off the remnants of sleep. “Sort of.”

“Shoot. Should I change?” I muse aloud, more to myself than to her.

“For what?” Rose asks, still half-asleep.

“Wyatt’s here to take me to the store. I don’t want to give the impression that I’m dressed for a date. Do I look like I’m trying too hard?” I ask, anxiety creeping in like an unwelcome shadow.

Rose blinks again, her expression shifting to one of realization. “You’re going on a date?”

“No! Never mind. I’ll be back later,” I say, grabbing my coat and throwing it on as I head for the front door. “Lock up behind me.” I swing the door open quickly, nearly colliding with Wyatt in the process. “Oh, sorry!”

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