I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 197

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn 197**

**Chapter 197**

**Samantha**

As I weave through the bustling aisles of the grocery store, a warm wave of satisfaction envelops me. Each item checked off my list feels like a small victory, a testament to my careful planning and budgeting. My steady job at the clinic has been a reliable source of income, and my role as a healer for the pack adds a little extra cushion to my finances. Yet, I am resolute in my decision not to splurge recklessly; I want to be responsible.

When we finally reach the checkout line, I take the lead, placing Wyatt’s items on the conveyor belt first. However, as he begins to toss my groceries onto the belt, I can’t help but interject.

“Wait just a moment! Can you put the divider up? Those are my things,” I assert, urgency creeping into my voice.

“Are they?” he counters, casting a teasing glance at the jug of milk. “What do you know?” He continues to pile my items onto the belt, as if my words are merely an afterthought.

“Wyatt,” I call out again, my tone a blend of frustration and amusement. When he chooses to ignore me, I roll my eyes and start adding the rest of my groceries to the conveyor belt.

As he steps up to pay, I instinctively reach out, placing my hand on his arm to stop him. He turns to me, and in that fleeting moment, I catch a glimpse of something in his eyes—something that sends my heart racing. “I’ve got it, Sam,” he says softly, his voice almost a whisper, filled with a sincerity that makes me hesitate.

Not wanting to create a scene in the busy store, I relent, allowing him to handle the payment. As we make our way toward the exit, I request the receipt, but he holds it just out of my reach, a playful glint in his eyes.

“Just let me tally up my groceries, and I’ll send you the money later,” I insist, trying to keep my tone casual.

“Sam, seriously, I’ve got it. Don’t stress about it,” he replies, his expression earnest.

I bite my lip, feeling the weight of my expenses pressing down on me. “But it’s a lot! I had to pick up a few things for my roommates, too.”

With a cheeky grin, he responds, “I guess you’ll have to find another way to pay me back.”

“I’m trying to pay you back!” I exclaim, exasperated. “You just won’t let me!”

Our playful bickering continues all the way to the car, and I can feel my patience beginning to fray. Wyatt pops open the back of the vehicle and starts unloading the groceries, with Will lending a hand, leaving me with barely any time to contribute. Before I know it, Wyatt slams the back shut and returns the cart, his long legs effortlessly covering the distance.

I place my hands on my hips, glaring at him. “Wyatt.”

He turns around, a mischievous grin stretching across his face. “Sam,” he calls back, his tone light and teasing. “Come on.” He opens my door, and I slide into the car with a huff, feeling a mix of irritation and amusement swirling within me.

Before he shuts my door, he leans down, his head tilted just enough to catch my eye. “And now, you’re in the car without being scared in the parking lot,” he quips, his voice playful just before he closes the door. I watch him as he slides into the front seat, a smile creeping onto my face despite my earlier annoyance.

“You did all that just to keep me distracted?” I ask, raising an eyebrow, half-amused and half-incredulous.

“Worked, didn’t it?” he replies, flashing me a cheeky grin.

I stare at him, my mind racing. “Well, can I pay you now then?”

“Still no,” he says as we pull out of our parking spot, his tone teasing and light.

“Seriously? You are so exasperating,” I tell him, my voice dripping with playful annoyance. Will, sitting in the front seat, turns around, and we share a knowing look, both of us aware of the banter that has become a staple of our friendship.

“On that, we both agree,” Will chuckles, his laughter infectious.

Wyatt catches my gaze in the rearview mirror. “Just let me do it, Sam,” he says, his voice dropping to a sincere tone that makes my heart flutter.

I hold his gaze, my lips pursed in contemplation. Fine. “Thank you,” I finally concede, feeling a warmth spread through me at his generosity.

He beams at me, his smile wide and infectious. “That was hard, wasn’t it?”

I shake my head, rolling my eyes as I turn to look out the window. We visit three more stores, and with each stop, I find myself smiling more, reveling in the joy of being out and about with Wyatt and Will. Their camaraderie lifts my spirits, and I can’t help but feel grateful for their company.

“I think that’s it,” Wyatt declares after our last stop. “Need anything else from anywhere, Sam?”

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