I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 35

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn**
**Chapter 35**

“Please,” Sophie implored, her voice barely above a whisper. “Just let me finish what I’m doing, and then I’ll come with you. I promise. I just want to do my job.”

The urgency in her tone was palpable, a mixture of desperation and determination.

“I can’t afford to lose this job.”

Torin, standing with arms crossed and brow furrowed, countered her plea. “You’re not going to lose it, Sophie,” he insisted, though the tension in his voice hinted at his concern.

“Please, Torin,” she replied, softening her stance, her eyes pleading with him.

With a resigned sigh, Torin’s posture relaxed slightly. Sophie could sense that she had managed to sway him, if only just. He extended a hand, a silent offer for her to rise from her crouched position.

“Finish what you need to do, but I’m not leaving your side,” he declared, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Sophie nodded in agreement, grateful for his understanding. She stepped into the bustling space of the café, her heart racing as she resumed her task of wiping down the tables. The familiar scent of coffee and baked goods wrapped around her like a warm blanket. When she spotted Helen, the café manager, she couldn’t help but smile back at her.

“Alrighty, Sophie. Go ahead and clock out. Thanks for coming in today. Now, go home and get some rest,” Helen said, her voice cheerful and encouraging.

Sophie returned the smile, her heart lightening. “I plan to,” she replied, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.

After clocking out, she removed her apron, the fabric heavy with the day’s work. Slipping into her coat, she made her way toward the front door, feeling Torin’s presence close behind her. He placed a reassuring hand on the small of her back, guiding her toward the waiting car. With a polite gesture, he opened the back door for her and closed it gently once she was seated. He took his place in the passenger seat, his demeanor still serious.

Levi, the driver, started the engine, and the car rolled out of the parking lot. An enveloping silence settled in, broken only by the hum of the tires against the pavement. Sophie glanced out the window, her heart fluttering with uncertainty. They weren’t heading to Hope House. The thought made her stomach twist uneasily.

“Where are we going?” she asked, her voice tentative as she broke the silence.

“To one of my houses,” Torin replied curtly, his eyes fixed ahead, revealing a hint of irritation.

Sophie felt the weight of his mood, and rather than press further, she fell silent, her mind racing with questions. What did he mean by “one of my houses”? The plural struck her as odd. Who had multiple houses? She couldn’t shake the feeling that this time, she wouldn’t be heading back to the shelter.

Thoughts of Amy and Olivia flitted through her mind. If there was enough space, perhaps they could join her. She wanted to help them; they had shown her kindness when she needed it most. But she would bide her time, waiting for the right moment to bring it up. She needed to gauge Torin’s mood first.

As the minutes ticked by, fatigue began to weigh heavily on her. Her body ached, and the dull throb at the back of her head was a constant reminder of the day’s exhaustion. They drove farther than she anticipated, the landscape shifting outside her window. Eventually, the car slowed, pulling into a long, winding driveway.

“Of course!” Sophie replied, rushing to wash her hands before diving into the task. “Did you buy all these groceries today?”

“I ordered them for delivery,” Madison explained, expertly boiling water and chopping romaine lettuce. “One of the guys helped put them away.”

As Sophie stirred the meat, she noticed the guys had migrated to the living room, their voices rising in excitement as they watched a sports game. The atmosphere felt alive, and for a moment, she allowed herself to relish the sense of belonging.

Suddenly, the door swung open, and Torin stepped inside, his presence commanding immediate attention. His gaze locked onto hers, and he called out, “Sophie, a word please.”

A wave of anxiety washed over her, reminiscent of being summoned to the principal’s office. She shot a quick glance at Madison, who offered a reassuring smile, bolstering Sophie’s courage. Taking a deep breath, she moved toward Torin, trying to avoid his intense gaze.

He led her into the living room, where the television was promptly turned off, and everyone sat up, their focus shifting to the two of them. Torin positioned himself in front of the screen, commanding the space. Unsure of where to sit, Sophie opted for the couch where Liam had been sitting. Torin shot Liam a disapproving look, gesturing for him to move.

With a playful grin, Liam stood and leaned against the wall, a silent acknowledgment of Torin’s authority.

Just then, the front door creaked open, and Sophie turned to see Max entering the room. His sudden appearance startled her; she hadn’t seen him in a while and wondered where he had been. He leaned against the back wall, a casual observer in the tense atmosphere. Torin seemed unfazed by Max’s presence, but Sophie felt the weight of the gathering eyes upon her.

“Alright, let’s get right to it,” Torin said, his voice steady as he turned his dark gaze toward Sophie. “What happened today?”