I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 64

64 /200

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

Sophie swiftly snatched the towel from Liam’s hand, her heart racing as she stepped between Torin’s legs. She could feel the tension in the air as she began to dab at the jagged cut marring his chest. The moment she leaned closer, intent on her task, she noticed his sudden silence—a stark contrast to his usual bravado. There was something intimate about their proximity, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that he inhaled the scent of her hair as she focused on the wound. However, she brushed it aside, unwilling to dwell on the implications.

“You’re going to get blood on your dress,” he growled, his voice low and gravelly, almost a warning.

“Well, it’s not mine; so, I guess I don’t have to worry about it, now do I?” she shot back, a hint of sass in her tone. The banter felt familiar, a dance they both knew well.

“Sophie,” he ground out, the way he said her name sending an unexpected thrill through her.

“Torin,” she replied defiantly, her eyes narrowing slightly. “Now be quiet and let me clean you up.” With that, she redirected her focus to the task at hand, her fingers working gently over the angry red cuts. Each mark told a story, and she could tell from their jagged edges that claws had inflicted them. A shiver ran down her spine as she pondered the potential infections lurking within those wounds. She retrieved antiseptic from the first aid kit, her heart pounding as she applied it to his injuries. Torin remained stoic, not a single sound escaping his lips, but she could only imagine the pain he must have been enduring. She fought against the tremor in her hands, concentrating on the feel of his well-defined muscles beneath her fingertips. It was hard not to be distracted by the intricate tattoos that decorated his arms and chest, each one a testament to his past.

“How long have you had your tattoos?” she inquired, curiosity getting the better of her.

“My alpha marks,” he replied, his tone gruff yet oddly proud. Sophie raised an eyebrow in confusion, urging him to elaborate.

“They’re my alpha marks,” he repeated, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. “The more marks on a wolf, the more powerful he is.”

That revelation made sense—his body was a canvas of strength and authority, and she understood now why he bore so many.

“You should check his legs for injuries too,” Liam suggested with a cheeky grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief. Torin shot him a warning glare but kept his gaze fixed on Sophie, undeterred.

“Do you have injuries on your legs?” she asked, her voice steady as she maintained eye contact with Torin.

“No!” he barked, his tone gruff and defensive.

“I was just checking. Don’t get cranky with me,” she replied, rolling her eyes before returning her attention to his chest. Once she finished tending to those wounds, she inched closer, ready to address the cut on his face. She could feel the tension radiating off him as he inhaled sharply. Ignoring his discomfort, she delicately dabbed at the injury, cleaning it thoroughly before applying a soothing cream. He began to fidget, and she found herself channeling her inner caregiver.

“Sit still,” she commanded, her voice firm as if she were addressing a restless child unwilling to sit still for a Band-Aid.

Suddenly, he shot up from the chair, the movement causing it to topple backward. He grasped her elbow firmly, steadying her as she stumbled. “I think I’m going to take a shower after all,” he muttered, his tone gruff yet somehow softer.

Sophie watched him stride away, her heart racing, before she sank into the chair he had just vacated. As she settled in, she caught Liam’s amused expression, and her scowl deepened.

“What?” she snapped, irritation bubbling beneath the surface.

“Nothing,” he replied, still grinning like a Cheshire cat as he took a swig from his water bottle.

Turning her attention to Max, who was still gazing out the window, she noticed the tightness in his shoulders. “What happened?” she asked, her voice laced with concern, hoping for clarity.

“Not my story to tell,” he responded brusquely, his tone leaving no room for further discussion as he slipped out the door. Once the front door clicked shut behind him, Sophie turned back to Liam, determination igniting within her.

“All right, spill,” she demanded, her eyes narrowing.

He looked at her with a sympathetic glint in his gaze. “No can do, baby girl. That’s between you and him. I’m not getting caught in the middle of that.” With a stretch, he rose to his feet. “I need to check on a few things. I’ll be back.”

As Liam departed, Sophie let out a heavy sigh. If she wanted answers, she would have to confront the Alpha directly. Leaning back in the chair, she closed her eyes, trying to collect her thoughts while she waited.