I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 28

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

Liam strolled into the shop not long after, his presence instantly recognizable. He approached the counter and ordered a steaming cup of coffee, his usual charm evident but overshadowed by an unusual seriousness. After receiving his drink, he settled himself at a table positioned near the front of the store, his gaze occasionally drifting to the entrance as if he were waiting for someone. Sophie returned to her tasks, feeling the familiar rhythm of the afternoon wash over her. As the minutes ticked by, the shop began to fill with the sounds of chatter and clinking cups, but Sophie felt a tug of curiosity about Liam.

When her shift finally came to a close, she was taken aback to find Liam still there, absorbed in whatever was happening on his phone. “Liam, I had no idea you were still here. What’s keeping you so busy?” she inquired, her tone light but laced with genuine curiosity.

He looked up, a smile gracing his lips, though it lacked the usual playfulness. “I just can’t get enough of you, darling,” he replied, his voice dripping with that familiar teasing lilt. Sophie shook her head, rolling her eyes in mock exasperation. He was such a character, always full of playful banter.

As she turned to leave, Liam’s voice halted her. “What are you doing?” he asked, standing up now, his demeanor shifting to something more serious.

“I’m done for the day,” she replied, a hint of confusion creeping into her voice.

“Oh,” he said, his brow furrowing slightly. “I lost track of time.” He stepped outside ahead of her, and as they emerged into the evening air, Sophie’s attention was immediately drawn to two imposing figures standing by a sleek Land Rover. A sense of recognition washed over her as she realized they were connected to Liam. This was confirmed when he approached them, engaging in conversation.

Sophie couldn’t help but marvel at the men in this town; they all seemed to possess an almost mythical charm, muscular and handsome. Yet, in her mind, none could compare to Torin—he was in a league of his own.

“Liam, who are these guys?” she asked, her curiosity piqued.

Liam gestured toward them with a casual wave. “Sophie, this is Kyle and Levi,” he introduced, pointing to each of them in turn.

Kyle stepped forward, a broad grin illuminating his face. “Nice to meet you, Sophie,” he said, extending a hand which she shook, feeling the warmth of his grip.

Levi, not to be outdone, offered his hand next. But as Sophie placed her hand in his, a sudden flash of light erupted in front of her, causing her to jerk back instinctively. She caught a glimpse of confusion etched on his features.

“You okay, Sophie?” Liam asked, concern threading through his voice.

She nodded, though a swirl of uncertainty churned within her. That same strange phenomenon had occurred when she had shaken Liam’s hand, but she hesitated to voice her thoughts. It was baffling—why did it happen with Liam and Levi but not with Torin or Kyle? She hadn’t yet shaken Max’s hand; perhaps she should try that soon to see if the same thing occurred.

“Let’s get going,” Liam said, ushering her toward the back seat of the vehicle. He closed the door with a soft click, and Sophie felt a twinge of unease as Levi slid behind the wheel, while Kyle took the front passenger seat. Liam joined her in the back, the atmosphere thick with unspoken tension as Levi pulled away from the curb.

As they drove, Sophie felt an unsettling knot tighten in her stomach. After a few turns, she suddenly realized, “Wait, this isn’t the right way,” she exclaimed, her voice rising in alarm.

The two men in the front seat continued their conversation, seemingly oblivious to her distress. She turned to Liam, urgency lacing her words. “Liam, I need to go to Hope House,” she insisted, her heart racing.

Liam turned to her, shaking his head slowly. “Torin’s orders,” he stated matter-of-factly, as if that single phrase could quell her rising panic.

Stunned, Sophie blinked in disbelief. “Excuse me?” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Sophie, please,” he said, his tone softening, but she felt her frustration boiling over.

“She can’t! Olivia’s deaf. She can’t just be dropped off anywhere. Please, Torin, I have to go there. I need to keep my promise,” she insisted, her voice cracking with emotion.

A heavy silence enveloped the phone call, and Sophie closed her eyes, wishing desperately for him to understand. “I’m sorry,” he said again, his voice resolute. “I can’t let you go back there.”

Rage ignited within her. “What do you mean you can’t let me go back there?” she nearly shouted. She noticed the men in the front flinch at her outburst, but she was too furious to care. “You don’t own me! You can’t dictate where I go. This is kidnapping if I don’t want to go where you’re taking me! I will call the police if you don’t let me go!”

“Sophie,” he warned, his voice low and filled with tension. She could sense his anger brewing, but she was beyond caring.

“If you do this, I won’t forgive you,” she said, her words heavy with conviction. She would not be the reason Amy lost out on this opportunity, nor would she let disappointment cloud their lives again.

“That’s a chance I’ll have to take,” Torin replied, his voice steady.

And with that, Sophie felt a wave of defeat wash over her. She tossed the phone at Liam, who caught it deftly and pressed it to his ear. She heard him mutter a few words, but her mind was racing too fast to focus on them. Anger coursed through her veins like fire. He had no idea what it was like to struggle out there, to fight for every small victory. She could picture the disappointment etched on Amy and Olivia’s faces if she didn’t show up.

Closing her eyes, she leaned her head against the seat, feeling the first tear slip down her cheek. Who would have thought she would be crying over the prospect of returning to a homeless shelter? It wasn’t the place itself; it was the desire to help Amy and Olivia that tugged at her heart. They had been the only ones to show her kindness when she needed it most.

Sophie allowed herself a brief moment of self-pity before wiping her tears away. She refused to be a victim. She had escaped a powerful group once before; she could do it again.