I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 58

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

“Sophie, you need to listen to me. Get yourself into the backroom, right now! I’m not far behind,” the urgency in Liam’s voice pierced through the chaos.

Sophie spun around, her heart racing as a chilling sound echoed behind her. The color drained from her cheeks, leaving her feeling faint and vulnerable.

“Hello, sister. I’ve missed you,” Brody’s voice dripped with malice, sending a wave of dread coursing through her.

Panic surged within her, and she let out a scream, her instincts urging her to flee towards the back door. But before she could take a single step, Brody lunged at her, tackling her to the ground with a brutal force. Desperation clawed at her as she scanned the floor for her phone, her lifeline in this nightmare. She managed to sit up, fingers stretching out to grasp it, but Brody’s foot connected with her side, sending her crashing back down.

With his knee pressing painfully into her back, immobilizing her, Brody reached out and snatched the phone from the floor.

“Looking for this?” he taunted, a smirk plastered across his face. Sophie’s heart raced as she reached for it, but he pulled it away, lifting it to her ear. “I’m sorry, but Sophie’s not available for a chat right now. She’s a bit preoccupied,” he added, his gaze fixed on her with a twisted smile.

Through the phone, she could hear Torin’s furious voice, a roar of rage that echoed her own fear.

“Torin!” she screamed, desperation spilling from her lips. Brody seized her hair, wrenching her head back painfully, his breath hot against her skin.

“Miss me?” he sneered, and Sophie felt a cold wave of terror wash over her. She struggled to recall her training, but all she could feel was the paralyzing grip of fear. Brody loomed over her, his hold on her head forcing her into an awkward and agonizing position.

“You made a grave mistake by running away. You have no idea what you’re up against. This is far bigger than you or me, little sister. There’s no escaping what’s coming for you. I’ll be back when you least expect it, and next time, those wolves won’t be around to save you,” he threatened, delivering one last brutal kick that sent Sophie curling into a fetal position, the pain radiating through her body.

Suddenly, the door to the shop burst open with a force that startled her. Sophie blinked, her eyes wide with disbelief, and saw that Brody had vanished. Liam was at her side in an instant, his presence a reassuring anchor amidst the chaos. “Check the back!” he commanded, urgency in his tone. Dropping to the ground beside her, he asked, “Sophie, where are you hurt?”

She opened her mouth to respond, but the words wouldn’t come. The impact of Brody’s assault had knocked the breath from her lungs, leaving her gasping for air. Liam gently rolled her over, his voice soothing as he urged, “Take a breath, Sophie. Just breathe.”

“My place,” Torin replied, his gaze steady and reassuring. Sophie felt a mix of emotions at his words. Did he own this place, or was it his home? She closed her eyes again, surrendering to the comforting embrace of his arms as he carried her inside.

Soon, she felt the softness of a bed beneath her. She struggled to open her eyes, but fatigue consumed her. “You’re in my home, Sophie,” Torin’s voice was gentle, wrapping around her like a warm blanket. “I’ll watch over you and keep you safe. Just rest now; let your body heal while the pain reliever works.”

Sophie longed to respond, to express her gratitude, but the medication Paul had given her was too potent. She succumbed to the darkness, drifting away to a place free of pain and the terror of her stepbrother.

When she awoke later, a sharp gasp escaped her lips as pain shot through her body.

Torin stood before her, concern etched on his face. “Let me help you sit up so you can take these painkillers Paul left for you,” he said softly, sliding his arm behind her and propping her up with careful precision.

Even with his gentleness, pain lanced through her, and she grimaced as she accepted the pills he offered. As soon as he lowered her back onto the bed, the medication took hold once more, pulling her back into the comforting abyss of sleep.