I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 36

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

Sophie gazed at him, her expression a mixture of confusion and disbelief. “Um, what?” she stammered, her mind racing to comprehend the sudden seriousness in his tone.

“What happened today?” he reiterated, his voice deliberately slower, as if he were speaking to a child.

“I heard your question,” Sophie snapped, irritation creeping into her voice. She furrowed her brow, feeling a twinge of defiance. “I just don’t understand why you felt the need to ask it.” Torin’s brow furrowed in response, but Sophie felt a growing indifference to his expression. She was becoming accustomed to his disapproval.

“I asked because today, someone posed a threat to you. If there’s a danger, we all need to be aware of it,” Torin replied, his arms crossed tightly over his chest, his stance radiating protectiveness.

“But why do you care?” Sophie pressed, her voice tinged with skepticism. “I barely know any of you. I’m just a nobody.” The weight of her words hung in the air, heavy with self-doubt.

“No, you’re not,” Liam interjected, his voice warm and reassuring. “You’re a good person, someone we’ve come to know and care about. You show kindness to others and help those in need. Now it’s time for us to return that kindness to you. You’re part of our group now, and if anyone is after you, we’ll handle it. We’ve got your back,” he said, as though it was the most natural thing in the world to offer such unwavering support.

Sophie blinked back tears, feeling the warmth of his words wash over her like a gentle tide.

“It’s been a long time since anyone had my back,” she confessed softly, her gaze lingering on Liam’s earnest expression.

Liam nodded, his face set with determination. “It’s time to change that,” he asserted, his voice firm and unyielding.

“Sophie,” Torin’s low, gravelly voice interrupted her thoughts. She turned to meet his gaze, and in that moment, she saw the anger simmering just beneath the surface. He didn’t need to say anything more; his silent acknowledgment spoke volumes.

Taking a deep breath, Sophie felt a mix of apprehension and resolve. “I don’t even know where to begin,” she admitted, her voice trembling slightly. She closed her eyes, seeking solace in the darkness behind her eyelids. It felt easier to share her story when she wasn’t being scrutinized. “I grew up as an only child,” she began, a small smile gracing her lips as she recalled her past. “My upbringing was filled with love. My parents adored each other and cared for me deeply. We weren’t wealthy, but we were happy. My life was quite ordinary until I turned twelve.” She swallowed hard, the memory prickling at her throat. “That’s when my dad died,” she said, surprising herself with her composure. “I never expected how quickly everything would unravel after that,” she whispered, her voice barely audible in the stillness of the room.

The silence enveloped her, and Sophie took a moment to gather her thoughts. With her eyes still closed, she pressed on.

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