I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 81

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

**Chapter 81**

Sophie found herself utterly captivated, her gaze locked onto the fierce spectacle unfolding in the ring before her. Torin, her alpha, was locked in combat with a shifter she recognized as one of the enforcers, though his name eluded her. There was something mesmerizing about Torin’s movements; he was a force of nature, fluid and powerful, every strike and dodge executed with precision that left the audience in awe.

She couldn’t shake the feeling that Torin was deliberately prolonging the match. It was as if he relished the thrill of the fight, knowing he could easily end it within moments if he chose to unleash his full strength. The moment he finally concluded the bout, the crowd erupted into a cacophony of cheers and roars, a wave of energy that washed over Sophie, lifting her spirits.

After having eaten, she felt revitalized, the atmosphere buzzing with excitement and camaraderie. It was exhilarating to be part of this world, to feel the adrenaline that coursed through the crowd as they anticipated the final fight of the night. Enforcers had gathered around Madison and Sophie, their boisterous cheers echoing in her ears, ready to witness the showdown between Kyle and Torin.

As Liam announced the impending fight, the crowd surged with anticipation, their shouts blending into a singular roar. Torin stepped closer to Liam, a commanding presence that only amplified the excitement in the air. Sophie’s eyes were drawn to Kyle, expecting him to stride confidently towards the ring. Instead, he approached them, a playful glint in his eye. Madison rose to greet him, planting a kiss on his lips that sent the enforcers into a frenzy of whistles and cheers. Kyle pulled back, a broad grin spreading across his face, and then he turned to Sophie, dropping to one knee in front of her.

“Sophie!” he called, his voice rising above the din. “It’s tradition to give someone else a chance to fight the alpha if we’ve already had our turn. Someone else deserves a shot. Do you want my spot?” His gaze was earnest, searching hers for a response.

Sophie felt her heart race, a mix of shock and disbelief flooding her senses.

Madison, sensing the tension, turned to Sophie, her eyes wide with curiosity. “What are you going to do?”

Sophie fought the urge to glance at Torin, whose gaze was fixed on the woman before him, a smile playing on his lips that ignited a fire within her. She stood abruptly, determination surging through her. Without sparing Kyle a glance, she declared, “I’ll do it.” Her voice rang out, firm and resolute, as she looked down at Madison.

“Coming?” she asked, her heart pounding with adrenaline.

“Of course!” Madison shouted back, her enthusiasm infectious.

They moved as one, making their way down to the floor amidst the cheers of the crowd. Kyle jogged over to Liam, but Sophie avoided looking in his direction, not wanting to see the expression on Liam’s face. Just then, Liam’s voice boomed through the gym, commanding attention.

“Then I guess you shouldn’t start now. I’ll see you in the ring.” With that, she handed Madison her sweatshirt and strode confidently into the ring. As she closed her eyes, she wondered if Torin would leave her to face this alone. But before long, he stepped inside, taking his position at the opposite end of the ring.

Sophie took a deep breath, centering herself as she awaited Liam’s introduction. In her mind, images of Barbie and her friends flashed before her, taunting her with their cruel words—reminders of her insecurities, of how she had always been less than enough. She recalled Garret and Liam’s skeptical faces when she announced her intention to fight; Brody’s derisive laughter echoed in her ears, telling her she would never amount to anything. Anger surged within her, a fierce determination that she was done being the target of ridicule. She was tired of being the weak girl; she was Sophie now, and she would no longer let anyone walk all over her.

When the air horn sounded, Sophie was ready. She knew she had to catch Torin off guard if she wanted to land a hit. With fierce determination, she launched herself at him, her fists flying with the strength of her pent-up frustration. She noticed the flicker of surprise in his eyes just before she connected with a blow. He could have easily blocked it; she could tell by the way he shifted his stance. The crowd erupted in cheers as she pressed her attack, unleashing the fury that had been bottled up inside her. Blow after blow, she struck with everything she had, feeling alive in a way she hadn’t in a long time.

But then, in a swift movement, her feet were swept out from under her. She hit the mat hard, Torin’s body looming over her, but he managed to cushion her fall, his hand cradling her head. The impact knocked the breath from her lungs, leaving her momentarily dazed. She struggled against his hold, but it was futile; he had her pinned, his weight resting mostly on his forearms, keeping her down without crushing her.

The air horn blared again, and the crowd erupted once more, their excitement palpable. Sophie glared up at Torin, inches away from his face, frustration bubbling inside her. “You can get off me now,” she grunted, her voice laced with irritation.

He narrowed his eyes at her, and to her shock, he leaned down and kissed her. The crowd went wild, their cheers echoing around the gym, but instead of feeling exhilarated, Sophie felt her anger flare even higher.