I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 69

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

“What am I?” Sophie’s voice trembled, barely more than a whisper, as she braced herself for the truth she feared might shatter her world. Torin stepped closer, his presence enveloping her as he positioned himself between her and the countertop, his arms firm on either side of her, creating a barrier that felt both protective and suffocating.

“You’re a finder, Sophie—a mate finder,” he replied, his voice heavy with an emotion that pierced through the air like a blade.

His eyes, usually so vibrant, were now clouded with a mixture of anguish and urgency. “You are incredibly rare and highly sought after. I knew that every alpha in the country would be vying for your attention, desperate to bring you into their pack. In my panic, I made a grave mistake. I took your phone away, thinking it would keep you safe, and forced you to stay here, under my watchful eye. I thought I was protecting you, but in doing so, I only pushed you toward Kevin—the very person I wanted to shield you from.”

Sophie felt a whirlwind of emotions swirling within her, her mind racing with questions that begged for answers. But one question bubbled to the surface, demanding her attention more than the others. “Why did you let me go with Kevin? When Liam tried to step forward, you told him to let me go,” she said, her voice quaking as she struggled to mask the hurt that seeped through her words.

Torin’s expression hardened, his frustration evident. “He had a gun, Sophie! I was terrified he would use it, and you would be caught in the crosshairs. That’s why I told him to stand down,” he replied, his voice rising with the intensity of his emotions.

Sophie couldn’t deny that his explanation soothed some of her hurt. “But why were you beaten up?” she pressed, her curiosity piqued.

“I had just come from a challenge. I hadn’t wanted you to see me like this,” he admitted, his tone softening as he observed her confusion. “Someone—now we know it was Levi—let it slip that we have a finder here,” he continued, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. “Word spread about you, and the first alpha came to challenge me for you.”

“I don’t understand. Why would he do that?” Sophie asked, her brow furrowed in confusion.

Torin studied her carefully, gauging her readiness for the weight of his next words. “That’s a loaded question. Are you sure you want to know the answer?”

Sophie nodded, determination lighting her eyes. “Please, don’t hold anything back. I want the truth, no matter how hard it is. I can handle it. I’m stronger than I look.”

“I know,” he said, a hint of admiration in his gaze. “You’re my mate, Sophie. I realized it the moment I first laid eyes on you. The instant your sweet scent of vanilla reached me, I knew you belonged to me. I nearly lost control of my wolf when I caught your scent and saw you for the first time. I haven’t lost control since I was ten,” he confessed, shaking his head as if trying to dispel the memories. “Your vanilla scent hit me like a wave, and I was swept away. That’s why I had to leave the store.”

Torin turned away, beginning to pace as the weight of his words hung in the air. “As wolves, we spend our entire lives searching for our mate. We mate once, and it’s for life. There’s no room for mistakes. When we find our mate, it’s an undeniable truth—the scent, the sound of their voice, we just know. I had heard about this my whole life, but I was completely unprepared when it finally happened. Before you, I was merely existing. The moment our paths crossed, everything shifted. My life, my pack—none of it mattered anymore. My sole purpose became to protect you and ensure your happiness.” A dry, humorless laugh escaped him. “The only issue was that you knew nothing about me, about what I am, about our way of life. After hearing your story about how you were attacked by wolves and the fear that still lingers, I couldn’t risk telling you the truth. I couldn’t bear the thought of losing you. I fought my wolf every day. He is far less emotional, only seeing his mate and not understanding why we weren’t already bonded.”