I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 79

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

“Excuse me, ma’am, are you feeling alright?” Sophie’s gaze lifted to meet that of one of the enforcers who had accompanied her on the ride over. His name eluded her—Joe? John? Something along those lines.

“Should I fetch the alpha?” he inquired, concern etching his features.

“Oh, no,” Sophie responded hastily, the thought sending a shiver down her spine. Anything but that. “I’m perfectly fine, thank you.” She cast her eyes around, desperately searching for a way through the throng of people blocking the exit. She needed to get out of this place, this tension-filled atmosphere. Madison had to be located, and she had to tell her that she simply couldn’t go through with it. Pushing forward, she squinted, trying to spot Madison among the sea of faces.

To her astonishment, the number of women present was far greater than she had anticipated. When Torin mentioned they had a small group, she had envisioned something much more diminutive. Yet here she stood, surrounded by at least thirty women, each one looking more robust and formidable than Sophie felt. Doubt began to gnaw at her resolve. She had to find Madison and get her name off that list for tonight’s fights.

Her gaze drifted toward the tables where Madison had said the sign-in sheets would be. There, she spotted Torin and Levi poring over the paperwork. Holding her breath, she clung to a flicker of hope—perhaps Madison hadn’t added her name yet. Just then, Torin’s head snapped up, and he exchanged words with Liam. Liam grabbed the clipboard and scrutinized it. Both of their heads turned toward the crowd.

Sophie instinctively ducked, her heart racing. They were searching for her. After a moment, she cautiously stood back up, only to lock eyes with Torin’s furious glare.

“Shoot!” she muttered under her breath, panic washing over her as she tried to duck away again, but it was too late; he was already striding toward her. Desperation surged within her, and she scanned the room for a place to hide. She attempted to weave through the incoming crowd, but the sea of bodies was relentless. Suddenly, a firm hand grasped her elbow, and she instinctively closed her eyes for a brief moment before turning to face the storm brewing in Torin’s expression.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he demanded, his voice laced with fury.

Sophie yanked her elbow free from his grip, and he released her, crossing his arms defiantly. Liam appeared beside him moments later, his usual easy-going demeanor replaced by a stern expression. His arms were crossed, and his eyes mirrored Torin’s narrowed intensity. Sophie felt a surge of anger bubbling within her, directed at both men. Torin’s lies had cut deep, and Liam was guilty by association.

“I’m fighting,” she declared, her voice steady and defiant.

Torin and Liam shared a brief, incredulous laugh. Laughed! Rage surged through Sophie like wildfire. How dare they mock her? She hadn’t intended to stick around and fight, but now the thought of it ignited a fire within her. Maybe she’d even get lucky and face off against Barbie in the ring. Torin’s eyes narrowed further. “You’re serious,” he stated, disbelief coloring his tone.

Sophie remained silent, merely raising her eyebrows in response. “You’re not fighting, Sophie. I forbid it,” Torin asserted, turning to walk away as if the conversation was over.

“Why? Because I’m not a wolf?” Sophie challenged, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I’m just a weak human?”

Torin stiffened, spinning back to face her, his expression darkening with anger. “You’re not fighting because you’re my mate, and I refuse to stand by and watch you get hurt,” he declared, his voice firm.

“Oh right, because I couldn’t possibly hold my own,” Sophie shot back, her tone laced with mockery.

“Sophie,” Liam interjected, glancing between her and Torin, confusion etched on his face.

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