I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 71

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

**Chapter 71**

Sophie, not wanting to add to Torin’s evident distress, quickly slipped into the oversized sweatshirt he had offered her. It hung on her frame like a tent, the sleeves drooping far past her wrists. “Well, it’s not exactly a tailored fit,” she remarked, grimacing slightly as she adjusted the fabric.

Torin, however, seemed unfazed. “It looks perfect on you,” he insisted, a hint of a smile creeping onto his lips. Sophie couldn’t help but roll her eyes at his unwavering optimism. With a gentle tug, he helped her roll up the sleeves, his fingers brushing against her skin, sending a flutter of warmth through her. He took her hand firmly, leading her toward the living room with a sense of purpose.

As they entered, Sophie scanned the room, recognizing most of the faces gathered there, though a few were unfamiliar to her. The atmosphere shifted as Torin transformed into a figure of authority. He grasped her hand tightly and guided her to the table, settling her into the chair beside him. “I’ve called each of you here because it’s crucial that you hear this as my enforcers first, before the rest of the pack. I’m sure you’ve caught wind of the rumors circulating,” he began, his voice laced with palpable anger. “Levi has betrayed us,” he declared, his frustration evident.

The room erupted into a cacophony of angry shouts and snarls, the tension palpable as everyone processed the weight of his words. Once the noise subsided, Torin continued, his voice low but intense. “We still don’t know the full extent of his betrayal. He attempted to take my mate from me,” he said, his teeth clenched, his grip on Sophie’s hand tightening as if to anchor himself. A heavy silence enveloped the room as he paused, gathering his thoughts. “What I’m about to share with you tonight must remain within this group until I decide otherwise. Even then, we will have to guard this secret with our lives,” he stated, his gaze locking onto Sophie’s. The pain in his eyes struck her deeply, and she hated that she could see it so clearly. “Sophie, my mate, is a finder,” he finally revealed.

The announcement hung in the air like a thick fog, rendering the room completely silent.

“For those who aren’t aware of what that means,” he explained, “it signifies that through touch, Sophie can reveal who your true mate is.” Sophie’s heart raced as she looked around at the stunned expressions on the faces of the enforcers. Each man wore the same look—an expression of hope that was almost tangible. She swallowed hard, anxiety knotting in her stomach. She desperately wished Torin was right, and the weight of expectation didn’t crush her under its pressure.

Before Torin could elaborate further, a sudden commotion erupted outside. The door swung open, and a man Sophie had never seen before strode in, his demeanor urgent. “Apologies for the interruption, Alpha, but the alpha from the Chicago pack has arrived,” he announced. Sophie instantly sensed the shift in the atmosphere, an electric tension crackling in the air.

“Understood,” Torin replied, his voice steady despite the turmoil brewing around them. “Tell him I’ll be out shortly.”

The man nodded and exited, leaving behind an almost suffocating silence. Sophie felt her heart pounding in her chest, fear gripping her tightly.

Torin released her hand and rose from his seat, his expression turning serious. “Remember, what I shared with you tonight must remain a secret. Guard it with your life. I shouldn’t have to remind you how invaluable she is—not only because she’s my mate, but because she is the finder. She represents your future. Protect her with every ounce of strength you possess,” he commanded, his gaze sweeping over his enforcers, who nodded in solemn agreement.

He turned back to her, determination etched on his face. “I need to handle this situation. I’ll return shortly. Make sure you eat something and rest,” he instructed, his tone leaving no room for argument.

Sophie crossed her arms defiantly. “You said you weren’t going to keep things from me anymore,” she countered, her voice firm.

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