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.

“It’s not like that,” Liam insisted. “I’m not trying to do anything; I just need to understand what’s happening.”

Sophie’s confusion deepened, and suddenly, her shoulders slumped under the weight of exhaustion. The wonderful day she had experienced had been washed away by the chaos of the night.

Her emotions were a tangled mess, and she felt on the verge of tears, overwhelmed by everything.

Large hands gently turned her around, and she looked up to find Torin’s gaze fixed on her. “Get some sleep; you look exhausted,” he said quietly, his voice softer despite the remnants of anger on his face.

Sophie nodded, too drained to argue. The thought of dealing with all of this tonight felt impossible, let alone finding a place to sleep. Wordlessly, she turned and trudged back up to her room. She didn’t even bother unpacking her bag; she would need it again tomorrow. Quickly, she changed into a pair of flannel pants and a long-sleeve shirt, washed her face, brushed her teeth, and collapsed onto her bed. Her heart was a jumbled mess, and her mind was too weary to confront any of it. Thankfully, sleep came swiftly, enveloping her like a comforting blanket.

But then the dream hit her hard and fast. She found herself running through a dark forest, panic coursing through her veins as she tried to escape. No matter how fast she ran, she felt trapped, as if the ground beneath her feet was pulling her back. “Help me,” she cried out in desperation. “Please, someone help me!”

The angry howls of wolves echoed behind her, each sound sending shivers down her spine. She screamed, her heart racing, knowing she wouldn’t escape in time. Suddenly, she halted, her breath hitching as an enormous, snarling wolf appeared before her, its lips curled back to reveal vicious fangs. Terror coursed through her, and just as the creature lunged toward her, she screamed, feeling a searing pain in her thigh. The agony was unbearable, and she screamed again, her voice echoing into the night.

“Sophie, Sophie!” A voice pierced through the darkness, calling her back to reality.