I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 74

**Chapter 74**

Sophie’s gaze swept across the room, landing on familiar faces—Madison, Kyle, Liam, Wyatt, Paul, and a handful of others whose names eluded her. The tantalizing aroma of food wafted through the air, wrapping around her like a warm embrace, and her stomach responded with a loud growl that echoed her hunger. Torin turned to her with a knowing look. “You need to eat,” he said, his voice firm yet gentle. Without waiting for a reply, he made his way to the island that was lavishly adorned with an array of food.

The sight was almost overwhelming. Foil containers brimmed with an assortment of culinary delights. Sophie couldn’t quite place where the food had been ordered from, but the fragrant scents of chicken, beef, brisket, beans, rice, corn, chips and salsa, and warm tortillas beckoned her. Just as Torin reached for a plate, one of the guys intercepted him, drawing him into a conversation that seemed to require his full attention.

Sophie took advantage of the moment, maneuvering around the group to fill a plate for herself and a larger one for Torin. Unsure of his preferences, she decided to take a little bit of everything, piling on the meats with generous portions. She grabbed two bottles of water, balancing them with the plates as she made her way toward the table. As she approached, two guys stood up, instinctively moving aside.

“Oh, you don’t have to get up,” Sophie reassured them, her voice light. “You’re fine.” Yet, they insisted, shifting away regardless. She turned her attention to the forks and utensils, spotting Torin as he grabbed a plate while still engaged in conversation. With a soft touch, she placed her hand on his back, a silent gesture of support. “I got you a plate,” she whispered, feeling a sense of satisfaction in caring for him.

After securing napkins and utensils, she headed back to the table, settling into a chair. As she began to eat, she couldn’t shake the lingering heaviness in her heart from the day’s events. Her appetite was muted, but she understood the importance of nourishment, especially for Torin. He slid into the seat beside her, gratitude evident in his eyes. “Thanks,” he murmured, and Sophie nodded in acknowledgment.

“Liam, go ahead and make the call. Let the pack know we’re gathering in thirty minutes,” Torin instructed, his tone authoritative yet calm. Liam nodded and promptly left the table. “Wyatt, grab twelve enforcers and position them around the meeting hall. We’ll only have one entrance open, and I want each person checked thoroughly as they come in.” Wyatt responded with a quick nod, rallying a few guys before they departed.

“Kyle and Madison, you’re on protection duty for Sophie, twenty-four seven. You’ll stay with us until things settle down a bit. Whenever you go somewhere with Sophie, always have two more enforcers with you. She doesn’t go anywhere without four enforcers, understood?” Torin’s voice was steady, and both Kyle and Madison nodded, their expressions serious. Sophie could sense the weight of guilt still clinging to them, a remnant of the incident at the coffee shop. She despised that they felt responsible; it was a burden she wished to lift from them.

“Ricky,” Torin called out to a guy she didn’t recognize. “I want four enforcers around this house, twenty-four seven, starting now. Max is working on something for me, but he’s aware of all this. He’ll inform you of the schedule going forward when he returns. For now, take charge.” Ricky nodded, quickly gathering two remaining guys before heading outside.

A serene quiet enveloped the room, leaving just Torin, Sophie, Madison, and Kyle in the house. Madison and Kyle soon stood up, disappearing into the background, leaving Sophie feeling a mix of relief and anxiety with Torin beside her. Torin rose, looking at her intently. “You ready?” he asked, a hint of concern in his voice.

Sophie nodded toward his plate. “You need to eat something. You must be depleted after your fight,” she insisted, feeling a surge of protectiveness over him. “I should go change anyway,” she added, hoping to lighten the mood.

Torin’s eyes met hers, his expression softening. “You don’t need to change,” he replied, his voice low.

Sophie chuckled lightly, shaking her head. “I’m meeting your entire pack for the first time. I can’t do that wearing your sweatshirt,” she said playfully.

“You could, though,” he said, disappointment flickering across his face.

With a smile, she reassured him, “I’ll be right back.” Leaning forward, she pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, feeling a rush of warmth. “Madison,” she called out as she made her way through the house.

“What do you need?” Madison asked, appearing almost instantly.

Sophie shrugged, a hint of uncertainty creeping in. “I guess. The real test will be Torin.”

“Well, lead the way,” Madison said, her grin infectious.

Together, they exited the room and made their way to the kitchen. Sophie glanced at the clock, relieved they had managed to pull everything together in just about fifteen minutes. As they descended the stairs, she spotted Torin and Kyle engaged in conversation by the front door. They both turned their attention toward her, and Sophie could feel Torin’s gaze assessing her outfit, his expression shifting to one of concern.

“That’s what you thought she should wear?” Torin asked Madison, his voice edged with disbelief.

Sophie’s heart sank. “I can go change,” she offered quickly, anxiety bubbling to the surface.

“Don’t you dare,” Madison interjected firmly. “You look hot. Doesn’t she, Torin?”

Torin shot Madison a scowl, but there was a flicker of admiration in his eyes. “Let’s go. We’re going to be late,” he said, his tone brokering no argument. Kyle and Madison stepped outside, and Sophie began to follow, but Torin’s hand caught her wrist, gently turning her back toward him.

He wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her close, and Sophie felt her breath hitch at the sudden intimacy. “You look better than hot,” he murmured, his voice low and sultry. “But I just don’t want you around my men looking like that,” he added, a hint of possessiveness lacing his words. “But there’s nothing we can do about it now. Let’s go. Do not leave my side tonight.” With that, he released her but intertwined his fingers with hers as they stepped out into the night, enforcers falling into formation around them, a protective barrier against the world outside.