I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 68

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

**Chapter 68**

Liam turned his head back, a frown creasing his brow. “Do you have any idea who that guy was?”

Torin’s voice was sharp, clipped, as if he were slicing through the tension hanging in the air. “No.”

Frustration bubbled in Liam’s chest. “You should have kept him alive for questioning. Now we’re left in the dark, knowing no more than we did before,” he said, his tone laced with disappointment.

Torin emitted a low growl, a sound that sent a shiver down Sophie’s spine. She instinctively flinched. “He was there for my mate,” Garret’s voice was gravelly, filled with the weight of his conviction. “Of course, I killed him.”

Liam sighed, a heavy sound filled with understanding. “Yeah, I would have done the same thing,” he replied, acknowledging the fierce protectiveness that came with their bonds.

Sophie’s mind, however, was spinning wildly. The word mate echoed in her ears, a strange melody that both thrilled and terrified her. Mate. He called me his mate. Hadn’t he almost said it before? But now he had confirmed it. What does that mean? Does it mean he owns me? A wave of fear washed over her, and her thoughts spiraled down a dark and daunting path.

Torin leaned closer, his presence both imposing and comforting. “I can smell your fear, Sophie. I can sense your panic. You have nothing to fear from me, mate. I promise to explain everything once we’re back at the house and alone,” he murmured, his voice a soothing balm meant to ease her turmoil.

Yet, the very notion of being alone with him only heightened her anxiety.

Taking a deep breath, she attempted to calm herself. “Just rest now. It’s going to be several hours before we get back home,” Torin said softly, his tone coaxing her to find solace in the moment.

Sophie doubted she could rest; her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. But as the smooth rhythm of the drive lulled her, she felt herself begin to drift off. When her head jerked unexpectedly, Torin instinctively wrapped his arm around her, pulling her closer against his warm, bare chest. She stiffened at first, but as he adjusted her position, his warmth enveloped her like a cozy blanket. “Just rest, Sophie,” he commanded gently, his voice low and reassuring. For the first time that night, she felt a flicker of warmth seep into her, and she stopped resisting, allowing herself to relax against him. She could feel his head resting momentarily on hers, but she was already slipping into the comforting embrace of sleep.

Hours later, the vehicle finally came to a halt. Sophie blinked her eyes open, trying to gather her bearings. They were back at Torin’s house, a place that felt both familiar and foreign. As Torin opened his door, he swept her up into his arms effortlessly. “I can walk, you know,” she protested softly, a hint of defiance in her voice.

Torin remained silent, his focus unwavering as he carried her up the walkway toward the front door.

“Is she okay?” Madison’s voice broke through the haze, filled with concern.

“Can you put me down?” Sophie asked again, her voice a gentle plea.

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