I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 45

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

Sophie’s frustration erupted as she kicked her feet and yelled into the dimness of her room. “Sophie, stop,” a commanding voice cut through the air, and her body froze instantly at the sound.

“Torin?” she called out, her voice quivering with the remnants of fear and confusion.

“Yes,” came his deep, gravelly response. “Are you okay?”

In that moment, Sophie felt anything but okay. Her heart raced, and a wave of anxiety washed over her, but she was determined not to reveal her turmoil to him. She nodded, even though he couldn’t see her in the shadows. Taking a deep breath, she attempted to steady herself. “It was just a bad dream; I’m sorry to bother you,” she added, her words laced with a hint of embarrassment.

“What was it about?” he inquired, his tone shifting to one of genuine concern.

“Just my past,” she replied, her voice low and heavy. She wasn’t in the mood to delve into the dark corners of her mind with him, not now.

She felt the mattress shift as he settled himself at the edge of her bed, and his presence was both comforting and intimidating. “Are you okay now?” he asked, his voice softer than she had ever heard it with her.

“Yes,” Sophie murmured, her gaze fixed on the wall. “I’m sorry for waking you.”

“You didn’t,” he reassured her, and for a brief moment, silence enveloped them. “Was it about when you were attacked?” he asked gently, his voice almost a whisper.

“Yeah,” Sophie admitted, her heart tightening at the memory. She was still grappling with the fear that clung to her from the dream, a shadow in her mind that refused to dissipate.

“You’re safe here, Sophie. Nothing and no one can touch you,” Torin said firmly, his words wrapping around her like a warm blanket.

Sophie let out a humorless laugh, a sound devoid of joy, and remained silent, the weight of his promise heavy in the air.

“Why did you laugh?” Torin probed, his brow furrowing in confusion.

Sophie shook her head, a bitter smile tugging at her lips. “You obviously don’t know my brother and his friends,” she replied, the thought of them sending a chill down her spine.

Torin fell silent, and Sophie took the opportunity to lie back down, hoping he would take the hint and leave her to her thoughts. To her relief, he did.

She leaned her head back against the seat, contemplating the day ahead. Before she knew it, they had arrived at the shop. Torin opened her door before she could reach for the handle, and together they walked toward the entrance. Helen greeted them with a warm smile as she opened the door, and Sophie slipped inside, ready to grab an apron and dive into the whirlwind of work.

As the store opened, the morning rush hit them hard. It was busier than usual, and around six a.m., a raucous group of four guys entered. Their loud banter filled the air, and if it weren’t so early, Sophie might have assumed they had been drinking. But what did she know? Maybe they had indeed partied all night.

She busied herself making their drinks, carrying them over to their table while politely ignoring their relentless flirting. “Here are your coffees,” she said with a forced smile, setting the cups down before turning to fetch some cinnamon rolls. Balancing four plates, she returned to their table, but just as she was about to place the plates down, one of the guys tripped her, sending her tumbling into another man’s lap.

Mortification surged through her, and she scrambled to stand, but his arm was locked around her waist, holding her in place. Panic set in, and memories of Brody and his friends flooded her mind, the fear gripping her heart.

But then, Torin and Max appeared as if summoned by her distress. “Release her,” Torin commanded, his voice cold and lethal. The man complied immediately, and Sophie scrambled to her feet, her cheeks burning with embarrassment.

“Go back behind the counter, Sophie,” Torin instructed quietly, his authority brooking no argument.

Sophie nodded, her heart still racing, and hurried back to the safety of the counter. Thankfully, Helen was in the back room, blissfully unaware of the chaos that had just unfolded. Seeking refuge, Sophie decided to join her for a moment until she felt steadier on her feet.

A few minutes later, she emerged from the back room, only to find the table completely empty. The earlier commotion had vanished, leaving her with a mix of relief and lingering anxiety.