I Ran From My Psycho Step-brother Straight Into The Alpha's Lap novel Chapter 86

**Chapter 86**

“I wasn’t jealous!” Sophie declared, her voice laced with indignation, as if the very accusation struck a nerve deep within her.

“Are you sure about that? Because it certainly looked like it. You were furious,” he countered, his tone teasing yet serious, as he attempted to unpack the whirlwind of emotions swirling between them.

“Of course I was angry!” Sophie finally allowed the truth to escape her lips, her voice rising with the intensity of her feelings. “Chloe told me you spent the night with her and that after you knocked me out, you were going back to her. But you’re not hers! You’re mine!” The last words erupted from her, almost a shout, echoing the possessiveness she felt.

“Do you have any idea how long I’ve been waiting for you to say that?” he replied, his voice husky, thick with emotion.

Before she could process the weight of his words, Torin’s lips descended upon hers, catching her completely off guard. The kiss was urgent, passionate; he slipped his tongue inside her mouth, and a low groan escaped him as he savored the taste of her. Sophie instinctively shifted closer, her body responding to him in ways she had longed for. Without breaking the kiss, he lifted her effortlessly, repositioning her so that she straddled him, their bodies fitting together perfectly. His fingers tangled in her hair, pulling her head back slightly, angling her for a deeper kiss.

“I came to check on the alpha, but it appears he’s quite recovered,” a voice interjected, cold and unwelcome, dousing the fire of their moment. Sophie jerked back from Torin, startled. He didn’t release her, keeping her close enough that she couldn’t escape the warmth radiating from him.

Torin flashed a brief smile at Sophie before turning his attention to Paul, who stood observing them. “I told you I was fine,” he said, a hint of annoyance creeping into his tone.

“Just let him check you out,” Sophie urged softly, her concern for Torin overshadowing her embarrassment.

“I’d rather have you check me out,” he murmured, his voice low and teasing, sending a shiver down her spine.

Sophie playfully smacked his arm before scrambling off his lap, standing up with a mix of fluster and determination. “He’s all yours,” she said, directing her words to Paul.

Torin rose smoothly to his feet, and Paul gestured for him to take a seat in a nearby chair for his examination. Sophie, wanting to give them space, slipped upstairs to avoid being a distraction. As she entered the kitchen, she spotted Max coming in just as she was about to serve herself a bowl of soup.

“Do you want some soup?” she asked, her voice brightening at the sight of him.

He nodded, his expression calm yet reserved. “Which kind?” she inquired, eager to please.

“The burger one,” he replied, his voice low and steady. Sophie dished out a generous bowl for him, adding a few pieces of bread on the side.

“Thank you,” he said quietly, his words almost a whisper as he accepted the meal from her hands. When he didn’t immediately walk away, Sophie looked up, curious.

“You did well in the ring last night,” he complimented, surprising her with his unexpected praise. Sophie’s eyes widened in disbelief; this was the most he had ever said to her. “You earned the pack’s respect by standing up to our alpha,” he continued, his tone more serious now.

Sophie felt a rush of pride swell within her. “I-I didn’t think anyone noticed,” she stammered, still trying to process his words.

The present rushed back to her in an instant, and she found herself staring at Max, who looked at her with impatience. “What did you see?” he grunted, his voice low and demanding.

Sophie beamed up at him, excitement bubbling within her. “She’s beautiful, Max! She has really pale skin and long dark hair. She’s perfect for you.”

“How do you know?” he growled, skepticism etched across his features.

“Because she was in a ring fighting,” Sophie replied, her grin widening. His frown deepened at her words. “She looked like she could handle herself just fine. She threw a punch at whoever was behind me faster and harder than some of the wolves I’ve fought,” she explained, her enthusiasm infectious.

For a brief moment, the closest thing to a smile she had ever seen flickered across his face. “Good,” he said simply before turning and walking away, his demeanor shifting back to the stoic mask he usually wore.

Just then, Torin wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her close against his solid chest. “Thank you,” he murmured near her ear, his voice low and warm.

Sophie turned her head to look at him, curiosity dancing in her eyes. “Why?” she asked, genuinely puzzled.

He nodded toward Max, who was now a distance away. “You gave him hope.”