Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 10

**Briony's POV**

We grabbed the big round table in the corner - perfect for seven people. I tried to sit on the edge, but Layla pulled me into the middle.

"This place feels so homey," Layla said, looking around.

"Rosa's cooking is amazing," Maxwell said. "We've been coming here since we were kids."

"Really?" I was surprised.

"Yeah," Christopher nodded. "Every week after training, Dad would bring us here. It's tradition now."

"So," Ethan leaned forward with that grin of his, eyes on Layla, "how'd you get so tight with those kids? They looked at you like you were some kind of superhero."

"Superhero?" I blinked. "I just... hang out with them."

"Honestly, we thought nobody would pull it off," Ethan said. "Even though they're just cubs, that many kids together? Total nightmare. I figured everyone would fail."

"And?" Layla raised an eyebrow.

"Completely blew our minds," Benjamin said simply. "Bri's performance was way beyond anything we expected."

Maxwell nodded. "Definitely."

Everyone was staring at me again. My cheeks heated up. "I just thought... if I made training fun, they'd actually pay attention."

Rosa appeared with a massive plate of food - fragrant Silver Pine fruit scones, fried eggs, bacon, fresh fruit.

"Dig in!" she beamed. "Holler if you need anything else."

"Thanks!" we all said together.

The food smelled incredible. I realized I was starving - between morning classes and the whole cub situation, I'd burned through a lot of energy.

"These scones are incredible!" Layla said after her first bite.

"Told you I wouldn't let you down," Ethan said proudly.

The atmosphere was way more relaxed than I'd expected. The guys talked about training, school, pack stuff. I even found myself jumping in occasionally.

"You know, Bri," Ethan said suddenly, "watching you today reminded me of my first Delta training session."

"What happened?" Layla asked.

"I was so nervous I face-planted in front of everyone. Talk about embarrassing!" Ethan said dramatically, making everyone crack up.

Just as things were getting comfortable, the restaurant door slammed open. A voice like nails on a chalkboard cut through our laughter:

"Well, well. Look what we have here."

My blood turned to ice. Victoria.

She strutted in wearing a tight pink dress, makeup perfect, obviously dressed to impress. Zoey and Chloe trailed behind her like matching accessories.

"Victoria," Maxwell's voice went cold. "Morning."

"Morning, boys!" She walked over, completely ignoring Layla and me. "What brings you here?"

"Lunch," Christopher said curtly.

Victoria's eyes swept the table. When she spotted me, her smile turned predatory.

"Oh, I see." Her voice dripped with fake sweetness. "You're actually eating with *them*? How... interesting."

"Got a problem with that?" Layla frowned.

"Of course not," Victoria's smile was pure poison. "I just didn't expect your taste to be so... unique."

She locked eyes with me, not bothering to hide her malice. "Getting too close to certain people can really damage your reputation. Especially those who cause chaos."

My stomach dropped. She'd heard about this morning.

"Cause chaos?" Christopher snorted. "Your intel's wrong. Briony solved the problem, didn't create it."

"Oh?" Victoria acted shocked. "She handled that little performance? I thought it was just kids throwing tantrums. What's the big deal?"

She was deliberately downplaying what happened, trying to make my success seem worthless. Classic Victoria move.

"If you think that was just 'kids throwing tantrums,'" Noah spoke up, his voice deadly calm, "maybe you should ask Alpha Adam if he agrees."

Victoria's face went ugly. She obviously hadn't expected this unified pushback.

"You'll regret this," she finally hissed, her gaze burning into me. "Especially you, Briony."

She spun around and stalked out, her followers scrambling after her.

The whole restaurant was staring. Awkward silence pressed down on us.

My stomach churned. The food I'd just eaten felt like rocks. That familiar fear crept up my spine - after every confrontation with Victoria, something worse always followed.

"I need to go." I shot to my feet, my voice shaking.

"Bri..." Layla reached for me.

"Sorry, I really have to leave." I dodged her hand and bolted for the door.

The cold air hit my face as I burst outside. I gasped, trying to calm my racing heart.

*You're running again,* my wolf said quietly. *When are you gonna stop running?*

*I'm not running,* I shot back. *I'm protecting myself. Staying out of trouble.*

*Sure you are.*

I walked fast toward home, desperate to get back to my room where it was safe. But footsteps pounded behind me.

"Bri! Wait up!"

Layla's voice. I stopped but didn't turn around.

"Why are you running?" She appeared in front of me, breathing hard. "What she said doesn't matter."

"You don't get it." I shook my head. "This isn't just about words."

"Then what is it about?" Her eyes were full of concern. "Bri, talk to me."

I looked at her genuine expression, feeling the urge to spill everything. But logic kicked in - telling her would just make her a target too.

"It's nothing," I finally chose silence. "I'm just... not used to scenes like that."

Layla studied me, like she was measuring how much truth I was telling.

"Alright," she said finally. "I won't push you. But I want you to know - whatever's going on, you're not alone."

She took my hand. "Come on, let's go to my place. We need to get ready for tonight."

"Tonight?" I'd almost forgotten about the dinner.

"Yes," she smiled. "Remember? The welcome dinner at Alpha Adam's house. We're gonna make you look absolutely stunning."

"Layla, I'm not sure I want to go anymore..."

"Don't even think about it!" She cut me off. "This is important."

She pulled me toward her house. "Besides, I've got the perfect plan for you."

Layla's house was warmer than I'd imagined. The living room overflowed with plants and books, scientific charts and family photos covering the walls. The place buzzed with life - total opposite of my cold, empty house.

"My parents are at the research institute," Layla explained, "so we've got all afternoon to prep."

She dragged me upstairs to her room. Way bigger than mine, decorated with personality. Posters covered the walls, skincare products and makeup scattered across her desk.

"Alright," she rubbed her hands together, eyes sparkling with excitement. "Let's do this! Tonight, everyone's gonna see the real you!"