I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 199

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn**
**Chapter 199**

**Samantha**

“Garrett wants to talk to you,” Wyatt murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper.

A knot of anxiety tightens in my stomach. Talking to Garrett feels like standing at the edge of a precipice, and I’m not sure I can take the leap. But deep down, I know I have no choice. With a reluctant sigh, I push the door open and step out of the car. Garrett stands a few paces away, his gaze piercing through the dim light, an intensity that sends a shiver down my spine. “Are Rose and Ava safe?” The question slips from my lips, laced with urgency.

He nods, his expression softening slightly. “Rose is inside.” The relief that washes over me is palpable, but it’s quickly followed by surprise. “Raechel went over to the house to make sure they were both safe.” His words hang in the air, and I can’t help but feel a flicker of gratitude for Raechel’s intervention. “She just told them that you had a panic attack while you were out.” I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. His discretion is a small comfort; I don’t want Ava and Rose to find out about my breakdown—not from anyone but me.

Just then, the front door swings open, and Emma, Garrett’s mate, steps out, her presence warm and inviting. “Oh, Samantha. Are you okay?” She strides towards me, enveloping me in a hug. I stand stiffly, my arms hanging limply at my sides. It feels like my body is made of lead, unable to respond. “Let’s go inside, and you can tell us what happened, okay?” Her voice is soothing, a balm for my frayed nerves, and she gently ushers me up the front steps.

As I cross the threshold, I spot Rose waiting for me, her hands twisting anxiously. She rushes forward and wraps her arms around me, squeezing tightly. “Are you okay?” she whispers, her concern evident in her tone.

“I’m fine,” I reply, forcing a deep breath to steady myself. I don’t want her to see how deeply today’s events have rattled me. Pulling back, I meet her gaze. “I’m okay.”

Her eyes dart around the room, scanning for reassurance. “I’m going to go back to the house, but talk to me when you’re done here, okay?”

I nod, though a part of me wonders what she knows about my panic. “Can you take her back to the house?” I ask Wyatt, who gives a quick nod in agreement.

“It’s okay; you stay here,” Rose insists, urgency lacing her voice.

“If she’s okay, Will can take her,” Wyatt suggests quietly, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to the tension in the air.

Turning to Rose, I ask, “Is it alright if Wyatt’s brother takes you back?” She nods, though her face is pale, a sign of the fear that lingers just beneath the surface. I pull her in for another hug. “Thanks for coming to check on me. I know how much courage that took.” Together, we step outside, making our way to the car. Wyatt has already briefed Will on the situation.

“I’ll run her to the healer’s house and be right back,” Will says as Rose climbs into the backseat. We watch as the car pulls away, the headlights disappearing into the distance.

“I can’t believe she left the house,” I murmur, disbelief coloring my tone.

“She was worried about you,” Wyatt replies, his voice low but firm. He meets my eyes, and I can see the concern etched on his face. “Are you ready to go inside?”

Taking a deep breath, I steel myself. Just as we ascend the steps, a low growl reverberates through the air, sending a chill down my spine. Wyatt spins around, instinctively placing himself in front of me, his body tense and ready. A wolf approaches, its growl low and menacing. I cling to Wyatt’s shoulders, feeling the tautness in his muscles, sensing the shift in his demeanor.

The front door swings open, and Garrett strides out with purpose. “Shift,” he commands, his voice a blend of authority and urgency.

The wolf growls in defiance but ultimately complies, shifting into a man. “Did you just try to use your alpha power on me?” Maverick’s voice is laced with anger, his eyes flashing with resentment.

Garrett crosses his arms, his stance unwavering. “Why are you here?”

I glance at the ground, acutely aware of the awkwardness of the situation. The man is standing there, completely naked, and no one seems to acknowledge it. I hear footsteps approaching, and Garrett speaks again. “Put these on,” he says, tossing Maverick a pair of sweatpants. “Now, why are you here?”

Maverick strides forward, his posture confrontational, and Wyatt tightens his grip on me. “I’m here to see the healer,” Maverick growls, his tone brooking no argument.

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