Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 116

**Briony's POV**

"Focus!" Conrad's command cut through the cold air.

I closed my eyes, breathing deeply as I visualized my clothes merging with my skin. The mark's energy pulsed through my veins as I directed it to envelop everything I wore.

"When shifting, think of your clothes as part of yourself," Conrad instructed from the safe house yard. "The mark gives you this ability, but your mind controls it."

My wolf stirred eagerly. I released the energy, bracing for the familiar bone-shifting pain. It came, but milder than before. When I landed on four paws, my workout clothes remained perfectly intact beneath my fur.

*We did it!* my wolf celebrated.

Next to me, Aria began her attempt. Her transformation looked more intense, muscles visibly contorting. She dropped to the ground as a powerful brown wolf, but while her top survived, her pants had shredded to ribbons.

Conrad immediately turned away. "This is exactly why we practice. Aria, stay shifted while I grab some replacement clothes."

I made a chuffing sound that was definitely wolf laughter.

*Quit it,* Aria grumbled through our mental link. *Last time I shifted back, Conrad got an eyeful. Talk about mortifying.*

*At least you're getting better,* I replied. *And Conrad can barely look at you now. Probably the most awkward training he's ever done.*

Conrad returned with clothes for Aria, deliberately looking elsewhere. "I'll turn around. Let me know when you're done."

I focused on my own shift back, picturing my human form. The transformation flowed more smoothly than ever, and I found myself fully clothed like I'd never changed at all.

"It worked perfectly!" I couldn't hide my excitement.

Aria wasn't as lucky. After returning to human form, she quickly pulled on the pants Conrad had brought.

"So unfair," she muttered. "I concentrated just as hard as you did."

"Might be because she's smaller," Conrad suggested, turning back to face us. "Less surface area to manage. But you're improving too, Aria. Way better than last week."

We trained for several more hours, practicing rapid shifts until exhaustion forced us inside.

"Good work," Conrad said, throwing together lunch. "Keep this up and you'll be ready when the blizzard breaks. Two more weeks, tops."

"God, I hope so," Aria sighed, collapsing into a chair. "I miss actual people and civilization. The training center never looked so good."

"Missing those basketball guys already?" I teased.

She tossed a piece of bread at my head. "Oh, shut up. Not everyone hides from social interaction like you." Her expression suddenly turned serious. "Actually, I've been wondering - why are you so determined to wait for your mate?"

I nearly choked. "What?"

"Come on," she leaned back. "You never check out guys, even the hot ones. Whenever I mention dating someone, you get this weird look. That's not typical teenage behavior, Bri."

I set down my water, considering how to explain something I barely understood myself.

"I don't know exactly," I admitted. "I get what attraction is - I've seen enough couples. But when I imagine being with someone who isn't my mate, my whole body just... rejects the idea."

"But you've never even experienced a mate bond," Aria countered. "How do you know what you're waiting for is worth it?"

"Just instinct, I guess. Like my body knows something my mind doesn't yet."

"Your wolf might have recognized your mate already," Conrad said, surprising us both.

We turned toward him.

"It happens sometimes," he continued, flipping eggs at the stove. "A wolf can identify a destined mate before the human part becomes aware. Creates a natural aversion to other potential partners."

"But I'm only sixteen," I protested. "The Moon Goddess says no finding mates before eighteen."

"The rules say you can't confirm and mark a mate bond before eighteen," Conrad corrected. "Doesn't mean you can't meet them earlier."

Aria slapped the table excitedly. "That's it! You've already met your mate! That's why you're not interested in anyone else!"

My cheeks burned. "That's ridiculous. Even if it were true, who would it be? Everyone I know is practically family."

"Doesn't always feel like romance at first," Conrad said, sliding plates of scrambled eggs and bacon in front of us. "Sometimes it's just comfort or security rather than attraction."

Maxwell, Christopher, and Benjamin instantly flashed through my mind. I always felt safest when they were around. But that was just protective older brother energy... right?

"A mate bond is something else though," Aria said, her voice softening. "My parents have this connection where they barely need words. It's like they share a brain."

"It's weird that you're so protective of mate bonds but still date around," I pointed out, grateful to shift focus.

"That's not contradictory!" she defended. "I'll find my mate eventually, but until then, I want experience. I don't want to disappoint him, especially if he's been with other people."

"That's your call," I shrugged. "I just feel like... when I finally find my mate, I want to be completely his. No baggage, no comparisons."

Conrad cleared his throat. "Both approaches are valid. What matters is following your own instincts."

We ate quietly for a moment before Aria brightened.

"Speaking of social skills - ready for tomorrow's party? The basketball team one?"

"Are we really going?" My stomach knotted. "I've never been to a party like that."

"Exactly why we have to go!" Aria practically bounced in her seat. "Perfect chance to gather intel while letting you experience normal teenage stuff. You can't live in combat mode forever."

Conrad nodded. "She's right. Social gatherings are intelligence goldmines. If we want to learn about these rogues, a party's a good place to start."

"Fine," I surrendered. "But I have no idea what to wear or how to act."

"That's why you have me!" Aria grabbed my hand, pulling me upstairs. We spent the next few hours trying on clothes while she coached me on party survival.

"Stick with the same drink all night, but barely touch it," she instructed. "Keep your head clear for observation. If someone gets too pushy, fake a phone call. And watch out at midnight - there's usually a countdown where drunk guys try to kiss anybody nearby."

I nodded, trying to remember everything while my stomach twisted with nerves.

"Relax! This'll be fun," Aria squeezed my shoulder. "Think about it - your first normal teenage party experience!"

"That's the problem," I sighed. "I've never been normal."

Aria took my hand. "I'll be with you the whole time. Remember why we're there - gathering information, watching for suspicious people. It's just another type of mission."

I took a deep breath, feeling steadier. She was right - this was just another form of training.

"Alright," I finally smiled. "Let's do this."