I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 73

**When Night Grows Softer Hope Returns To Lead Us by Asa Rowan Finn**
**Chapter 73**

Sophie took a deep breath, shaking off the lingering shock that clung to her like a heavy fog. “I’m really sorry,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “I should be the one helping you. You’re the one who’s injured.”

“It’s nothing,” he reassured her, his gaze steady as he leaned closer, searching her eyes for a spark of understanding. “I’ll heal. Just give me five minutes, okay?”

She nodded slowly, her heart still racing. “Okay,” she replied softly, the weight of her worry evident in her tone. With a gentle sigh, she moved to the edge of the bed and sat down, the mattress sinking slightly beneath her weight.

Her stomach churned uneasily, and her thoughts spiraled in a chaotic dance. The human part of her struggled to comprehend the terrifying events she had just witnessed. A sudden knock at the door broke her reverie.

“Come in,” Sophie called out, her voice steadier than she felt.

Paul opened the door and stepped inside, his presence a welcome distraction. “Hey, Sophie,” he greeted her warmly. “Torin sent me to check on you. I need to see how he’s doing too, while I’m here. It’s been quite the day, hasn’t it?” His demeanor was calm, almost relaxed, in stark contrast to the turmoil swirling around them.

“You have no idea,” Sophie replied, her eyes reflecting the turmoil she felt inside.

“Do you have any injuries that you know of besides that bruise on your forehead?” Paul inquired, his tone shifting to one of concern.

Sophie shook her head, her hair swaying gently. “I’m mostly just bruised and beat up,” she admitted, her voice laced with a hint of vulnerability.

Paul regarded her with a compassionate gaze. “I’ll do a quick once-over just to be sure, but I’ll wait until the alpha gets here. I’d rather not meet my end today,” he added with a teasing smile, trying to lighten the mood.

“Good thinking,” Torin said as he strode into the room, his presence commanding attention. “I’m here now. Let’s get started.”

Paul turned his focus back to Sophie. “Let’s have you lay back on the bed, shall we? And please, take off your sweatshirt.”

A low growl rumbled in Torin’s throat, a warning that Paul pretended not to hear. With the poise of a seasoned professional, Paul moved closer to Sophie. She quickly peeled off her sweatshirt and lay back, avoiding Torin’s intense gaze. Paul leaned over her, examining the bruises that marred her arms. His fingers gently prodded her ribs and stomach, and she flinched when he pressed against a tender spot.

He frowned, concern etched on his features. “May I?” he asked, his voice softening as he sought her permission. Sophie nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. He carefully lifted her shirt to inspect her abdomen, and she winced, recalling the painful fall that had caused the bruising.

Torin’s growl grew louder this time, a primal sound that sent a shiver down Sophie’s spine. She glanced at Paul, anxiety creeping in. “Just tune him out,” Paul advised quietly, his focus unwavering as he finished his examination. He helped her sit up, his hands gentle yet firm. “Everything looks good. Just some nasty bruising. It should clear up in a few days. If anything still hurts after that, let me know, and I’ll take another look. Now, let’s dress that wound on your forehead.” He cleaned the area with careful precision before applying a bandage.

“Thank you,” Sophie said, her voice filled with gratitude. Torin took her hand, helping her to a sitting position before guiding her to stand. He pulled her close, wrapping his arm around her waist, his warmth enveloping her like a protective cocoon.

Sophie looked up at Torin, noticing the scowl etched on his face as he glared at Paul. She winced and quickly apologized, “Sorry,” she said, her voice a mix of embarrassment and concern.

Paul flashed her a reassuring smile. “I’m used to it. Thankfully, I don’t have to treat many females because our pack is small. But when I do, there’s usually an angry mate lurking nearby, plotting my demise,” he joked, his light-heartedness cutting through the tension.

“Yep,” Torin grunted, his expression still fierce.

Sophie nudged him lightly in the stomach with her elbow. “Stop it,” she chided, half-serious. In response, he tightened his grip around her waist, a playful warning.

“All right, Alpha. Your turn,” Paul said, gesturing toward the bed.

Torin shook his head defiantly. “I’m fine.”

“I’m sure you are, but just let me check. That’s what you pay me the big bucks for,” Paul replied smoothly, his tone casual.

“All right then. You two take care and get some rest. Let me know if you need anything else,” Paul said before stepping back out the door.

Sophie stood there, feeling the weight of uncertainty settle between them. Torin looked like he was carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders, and she felt lost, unsure of how to bridge the growing distance.

“Are you going to talk to the pack tonight?” she asked cautiously, hoping not to upset him further. He nodded once, his expression unreadable. “Let me go with you,” she urged, but he was already shaking his head.

“Just hear me out,” she pressed, her heart pounding in her chest.

He regarded her with a brooding expression, arms crossed tightly. Sophie took a deep breath, gathering her courage. “If this,” she hesitated, searching for the right words, “thing is going to work between us, we need to start being more open with each other.”

“This is not a thing,” he retorted, his voice gruff. “And you’re the one who ran away from me,” he added, disgust lacing his tone.

Sophie cringed at his words. “I know. I’m sorry,” she replied, the weight of her regret heavy in the air. Clearly, she wasn’t going to escape that moment anytime soon.

“I don’t know what I’m doing. I know I messed up,” she confessed, her voice trembling slightly. “The thing is, Torin, I’m probably going to mess up again. This is all so new to me.”

Torin exhaled sharply, frustration evident in his breath. “I know. It’s my fault too. I need to go talk to the guys.”

“Then we’ll go from there. Come with me?” he asked, his tone softening slightly.

Sophie nodded, determination surging within her as she followed him out of the room. As they descended the stairs, every pair of eyes in the room turned to face them, the air thick with anticipation and unspoken questions.