I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 44

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

Questions swirled chaotically within Sophie’s mind, each one more exhausting than the last. It had been an interminably long day, and the end still felt far away. As the car continued its journey, she felt an urgent need to reach home, to evade a confrontation with Torin that she dreaded. A grimace crossed her face as she considered her situation. The likelihood of dodging that encounter felt almost nonexistent. With every passing moment, her frustration mounted like an unyielding tide.

What had I done to deserve this? Why did Torin burst in like a storm, disrupting everything? He had no right to intrude like that. I was simply on a date. Now, I’ll never be able to look Kevin in the eye again. He made me feel foolish, exposed.

By the time they finally pulled into the driveway, anger simmered within Sophie, having built up like steam in a pressure cooker. They should never have left me alone to stew in my thoughts, she chastised herself. As the car came to a stop, she flung open her door before the engine had even shut off. Without a second thought, she leaped out and dashed inside, the sound of Torin calling her name fading behind her. She couldn’t bear the thought of facing him at that moment.

Sophie stormed into the house, barely noticing Madison’s startled expression. “Sophie? Are you okay?” Madison’s voice was laced with concern.

Sophie barely registered the question as she barreled toward the stairs, her heart racing. Just as she reached the first step, she heard Torin’s voice, deep and commanding, slicing through her thoughts. “Sophie.”

Anger flared within her, and she spun around to confront him. She had reached her limit. “What, Torin?” she snapped, her voice sharp as a knife. “What do you want? Isn’t it enough that you ruined my date, humiliated me in front of everyone at the restaurant, and dragged me home early? What more could you possibly want from me?” Her arms crossed defiantly over her chest, a barrier against his looming presence.

His eyes darkened, narrowing as he took in her furious stance. From the corner of her eye, she noticed Max entering the house, his expression unreadable as he headed into the living room. Moments later, Levi, Liam, and Kyle followed suit. Liam and Levi made their way into the living room, while Kyle approached Madison, whispering something that Sophie couldn’t catch. It felt as though the entire household was holding its breath, anticipating the storm that was about to unfold.

“I can’t do this,” Sophie declared, exasperation bubbling over as she threw her hands up in frustration. Ignoring Torin’s plea behind her, she turned and made her way toward the stairs, needing to escape the tension that filled the air like a thick fog.

Once in her room, she quickly grabbed the bag Madison had insisted she buy, her heart racing with determination. She tossed in some underwear and socks, a pair of leggings, jeans, a few shirts, and her favorite pajamas. Then, she moved to the bathroom, clearing out her cosmetics and shower supplies, each item feeling like a weight lifted from her shoulders. After zipping the bag shut, she slipped the cash Helen had given her into her pocket and picked up the coat Torin had gifted her.

With the bag slung over her shoulder, she descended the stairs, the atmosphere shifting as she entered the living room. The voices that had filled the space abruptly ceased, and Sophie rolled her eyes, fed up with the entire situation. Torin stood against the wall, a scowl etched across his face, his gaze following her every movement.

Without hesitation, she strode up to him and thrust the coat into his hands, forcing him to accept it. “The money’s in the pocket. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. I left most of my clothes behind so Madison can return them. I only took a few, and I’ll make sure to repay you for them. Thank you for everything.” Her voice was steady, but her heart raced as she turned to face the others in the room.

Everyone stared at her, shock evident on their faces. “Thank you all for your kindness. I will never forget it,” she added, her voice softening as she glanced at each of them. With that, she turned toward the door, her resolve firm.

But Torin was there, blocking her path. “Where do you think you’re going?” His voice was low and growly, filled with an anger that made her heart race.

“I’m not sure yet. I’ll figure it out on the way,” she replied defiantly, her determination unwavering.

He crossed his arms, his expression hardening. “No, you’re not.”

“Yes, I am,” she shot back, her stubbornness flaring.

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