I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 54

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn 54**

Sophie stirred awake, her eyelids fluttering open to reveal the familiar ceiling of her room. For a fleeting moment, she lay still, gathering her thoughts like scattered leaves in the wind. But then, like a tidal wave, memories surged back—memories that clawed at her heart and sent a jolt of panic racing through her veins. With a sudden urgency, she threw off the covers and swung her legs over the side of the bed, her feet hitting the cool floor. She had to escape this place, this moment. The destination didn’t matter; the only thing she knew was that she needed to leave.

Her gaze flicked to the clock on the wall—it read just past one in the morning. Everyone should be asleep, tucked away in their dreams. With determination, she slung her bag over her shoulder, the weight of it a reminder of her resolve, and crept towards the door, careful not to make a sound.

As she stepped into the hallway, she made her way towards the stairs, but froze mid-step. Seven pairs of eyes were fixed on her from the dimly lit dining area, their gazes piercing through the silence like arrows. Sophie felt her heart race as she stood there, caught in the spotlight of their attention, before she steeled herself and continued down the stairs.

At the bottom, Torin pushed his chair back and rose, crossing the distance between them with purpose. He stood before her, a wall of strength and concern. Sophie’s eyes widened as she took in his appearance—scratch marks marred his arms, and a bruise darkened his cheek. Somehow, he looked better than she had feared after witnessing the chaos of the wolf fight, but the sight still sent a shiver down her spine.

“Sophie,” he began, his voice low and edged with urgency. She shook her head, cutting him off before he could say more.

“Please, just let me pass,” she implored softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Not if you’re trying to leave,” he replied, his tone firm yet laced with a hint of desperation. “Please, just let me explain.”

“There’s nothing to explain,” she stated flatly, her heart heavy with betrayal.

“Will you please look at me?” he urged, his voice dropping even lower, as if the words themselves were fragile.

“I can’t. You’re a… you’re a…” Sophie faltered, the words lodged in her throat, too painful to voice.

“A wolf,” he finished for her, his eyes steady on hers.

Sophie inhaled sharply, the realization crashing over her like a wave. She couldn’t bring herself to meet his gaze, instead directing her attention to the table where the others sat, pretending to be engrossed in their own conversations. A sudden clarity struck her. “You all are, aren’t you?” she asked, her voice trembling with disbelief. The heads around the table nodded in unison. Her eyes locked onto Madison’s, a flicker of hope battling the betrayal in her heart. “Are you?” she whispered, barely able to form the question.

Madison’s nod felt like a knife twisting in Sophie’s gut. “I wanted to tell you,” Madison said, her voice heavy with regret.

“I wouldn’t let her,” Torin interjected, his expression fierce. “She was following my orders.”

“Why?” Sophie demanded, finally meeting Torin’s gaze, her frustration boiling over. “Why didn’t you all tell me?”

“Because of this moment right here,” he answered, his jaw tightening with suppressed anger. “I wanted to give you time to accept us. I knew about your past, how you had been attacked by wolves. I couldn’t risk you finding out too soon and running away.”

“I wouldn’t have run away,” Sophie protested, but Torin raised an eyebrow and nodded pointedly at her bag. She sighed, the weight of truth settling on her shoulders. “Okay. I probably would have,” she admitted, her voice small. She glanced at the table of silent witnesses before returning her gaze to Torin. “I don’t know what to do,” she murmured, vulnerability creeping into her tone.

Corin reached out, gently cupping her cheek with his hand. “Don’t run,” he urged, sincerity lacing his words. “We can work through everything; just promise me you won’t run.”

“I don’t know. I don’t think… I can’t…” Her voice trailed off as she looked up at Torin, fear swirling in her chest. “I’m scared,” she confessed, her voice barely a whisper.

In an instant, Torin closed the distance between them, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close. “I know. I’m so sorry. That’s the last feeling in the world I ever wanted you to feel. Please just give me a chance to explain,” he pleaded, his voice thick with emotion.

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