I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 37

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn 37**

They caught up to me before I even stepped onto the first bus, but somehow, I managed to slip away. However, they did manage to grab my bag. I boarded that bus, and for three long days, I rode, not knowing where I was headed, until I found myself here, with nothing but the clothes on my back and not a single penny to my name.” Sophie inhaled sharply, her emotions bubbling to the surface. “So, there you have it. My incredible tale. You see what a prize I am now?” she added, her voice laced with bitterness.

As the front door slammed shut, Sophie’s gaze flicked toward it, her heart sinking. Torin was gone. Her eyes widened in disbelief, and she turned to Madison, who was wiping away a stray tear. “It’s okay,” Madison reassured her softly, her voice trembling slightly. “He’s just angry.”

“Angry at me?” Sophie asked, her voice barely above a whisper, uncertainty creeping in.

“No, sweetheart,” Liam chimed in, his tone firm yet gentle. “He’s angry about what you’ve endured. We all are.” Kyle grunted in agreement, his face a mask of sympathy.

Sophie felt a strange warmth at their words, but she was at a loss for how to respond. The idea of someone feeling anger on her behalf was foreign to her. Kyle moved closer, wrapping an arm around Madison, who leaned into him, creating a barrier that made Sophie feel like an outsider once more. A wave of loneliness washed over her, prompting her to stand up. She needed air, a moment to breathe away from the suffocating tension. Torin was likely long gone, occupied with matters far more pressing than her.

No one stopped her as she walked out the front door, the cool night air hitting her like a gentle reminder of her solitude. She quickly scanned the surroundings, relief flooding her when she realized Torin was nowhere in sight. She settled into one of the rocking chairs on the porch, pushing herself back and forth slowly, letting the quiet envelop her. Time seemed to stretch into eternity.

Eventually, the silence was broken by the creak of the front door. Liam stepped outside, his expression softening as he approached her. “Madison’s got dinner ready. Come join us,” he said, his voice a gentle command.

Sophie was too exhausted to protest. She rose, following him back inside. Max was absent again, and Torin had yet to return; however, Kyle, Levi, and Madison were gathered around the table, their chatter filling the air with warmth. Liam pulled out her chair, a small gesture that made her heart flutter with appreciation as she took her seat.

As the conversation flowed, Sophie leaned back, a piece of garlic bread in her hand, nibbling at it while she absorbed the lively atmosphere around her. For the first time in ages, a flicker of hope ignited within her. Maybe, just maybe, she had stumbled upon a place where she could truly belong.

After dinner, Madison offered to help her settle into a room for the night. “Kyle and I will be staying here with you for a little while, if that’s okay,” she said, her tone light yet sincere.

Sophie couldn’t help but chuckle softly. “Of course, it’s okay. It’s not my house, after all. Plus, I would hate to be alone.”

“I completely understand that. So, why don’t you try to get some sleep? What time do you have to be at work again? Unless I can convince you to take a day or two off to let your body heal?” Madison suggested, her eyes hopeful.

Sophie shook her head firmly. “Nope, I need to help Helen.”

“That’s what I figured,” Madison replied with a sigh. “What time do you have to be at work again?”

“Four thirty,” Sophie answered, the early hour sending a shiver down Madison’s spine.

“That’s such an ungodly hour,” she exclaimed, shuddering dramatically. “I probably won’t see you in the morning. One of the guys will be taking you—Liam, Levi, or Kyle. I’m not sure who drew the short straw,” she added, a playful grin spreading across her face.

“I hope it’s not Liam,” Sophie chuckled. “He’s definitely not a morning person.”

Madison laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. “I’m going to tell him you said that.”

“Please do,” Sophie replied, her smile genuine.

“Let me get out of here so you can get some sleep. I left more clothes in the bathroom for you. Just let me know if you need anything else,” Madison said, rising from her chair.

Taking several deep breaths, Sophie tried to steady her racing heart. Madison’s hand rested gently on her back, rubbing soothing circles. “Just breathe. Everything’s okay,” she said, her voice calm and reassuring.

“I’m sorry,” Sophie whispered, her voice trembling.

“You have nothing to be sorry for,” Madison replied, her tone filled with compassion. “I heard you screaming and knew I had to wake you up. I couldn’t let you endure that alone.”

“I’m okay now,” Sophie assured her, feeling a sense of comfort wash over her.

“Do you want me to stay in here?” Madison asked, concern etched on her face.

“No, I’m okay. You should go back to Kyle. Thank you for waking me up,” Sophie said sincerely, grateful for Madison’s presence.

Sophie felt the bed shift as Madison stood up, and she lay back down, tucking the covers around her once more. She could hear Kyle’s low voice in the hallway, followed by Madison’s soft response. A few moments later, silence enveloped the house again. Sophie glanced at the clock, groaning softly when she realized it was only a little after midnight. It was going to be a long night.

Too scared to drift back into sleep, she didn’t want to disturb Kyle and Madison, so she lay there quietly, focusing on anything but her nightmares. Thoughts of the shop, of Helen, and the need to turn the business around swirled in her mind.

Then, her thoughts landed on Torin. She wondered where he had vanished to and when she would see him again. It shouldn’t bother her that he wasn’t around—not at least, that’s what she tried to convince herself.

Time dragged on, and Sophie dozed in and out of sleep. Finally, the moment arrived when she knew she had to get up.