I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 61

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

Torin placed a plate in front of Sophie, the aroma of freshly cooked eggs and golden toast wafting through the air. He then handed her a glass of vibrant orange juice, the color brightening the dull morning light. Rather than joining her at the table, he stepped back into the kitchen, his presence still palpable. Sophie turned her head slightly, a question bubbling up inside her.

“Did I leave my phone down here yesterday? I can’t seem to find it anywhere. And I can’t believe I didn’t ask this sooner, but did you inform Helen about everything that’s been happening—about my absence from work?”

“I called her,” Torin replied, his voice steady but lacking further elaboration.

With that, Sophie turned her attention back to her breakfast, deciding she would search for her phone once she finished eating. The thought nagged at her, but her hunger took precedence.

“How are you feeling today, Sophie?” Paul inquired, his tone warm and concerned.

“Much better, actually. I’m still a bit sore and stiff, but it’s nothing compared to how I felt before,” Sophie responded, a hint of relief washing over her as she spoke.

“Good to hear,” Paul said with a nod. “Before I leave, I’d like to check your ribs.” Sophie nodded, grateful for his attentiveness, and focused on finishing her meal. Moments later, she pushed her plate away, satisfied.

Paul stood up and approached her, his expression professional yet gentle. “May I?” he asked, gesturing towards her shirt.

“In the living room,” Torin interjected, moving behind her and placing a reassuring hand on her back, guiding her toward the living area. Sophie lifted her shirt, allowing Paul to carefully unbind her ribs for examination. Torin remained close, his presence a protective barrier, shielding her from the gaze of the others at the table.

“Everything looks good. It’s going to take a few more days for your ribs and the bruising on your stomach to heal completely. Just take it easy for a little while longer,” Paul instructed, rewrapping her ribs with practiced care. Sophie nodded in agreement, appreciating his thoroughness.

“All right, well, I’m off,” Paul said, giving a small wave to both Sophie and Torin before making his exit.

Torin gently guided her back to the table. “Sophie, can you do something for us? I want to see what happens when you touch one of the guys’ hands,” he suggested, a hint of curiosity in his voice.

“I’m game,” Liam chimed in, rising from his seat with enthusiasm.

“Not you. Max,” Torin replied, his irritation evident as he shot a pointed look at Liam.

Max turned his head, contemplating the request. After a moment of hesitation, he stepped forward, extending his hand toward Sophie. She glanced at Torin, seeking his approval. He nodded, albeit with an air of caution.

With a mixture of trepidation and resolve, Sophie reached out, her hand trembling slightly as it met Max’s rough palm. The instant their hands connected, a brilliant light enveloped her, illuminating the space between them. Instead of pulling away, she remained still, allowing the vision to unfold. Images flashed before her: a table, a backpack, scattered books. Then, a girl appeared. The girl turned to face Sophie, and in that moment, Sophie gasped, instinctively releasing Max’s hand, severing the connection.

“What did you see?” Max growled, an edge of urgency in his voice. Sophie struggled to regain her composure; the vision felt so vivid, as if the girl had been looking directly at her.

“What was it?” Max pressed again, stepping closer, his intensity palpable.

“Back off,” Torin warned, his tone protective.

Sophie’s gaze shifted to the other guys. All three were fixated on her, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and concern. “First, I saw a table, a backpack, and books. It could have been an office or maybe a library? Then I saw a girl. She turned and looked right at me,” she explained, her voice trembling slightly.

“What did she look like? Where was she?” Max’s growl deepened, frustration evident in his tone.

“I—I don’t know,” Sophie stammered, her heart racing. “It startled me so much that I dropped the… whatever it was.”

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