Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 159

**Briony's POV**

"Ready?" Luna Selena gave us a final once-over, satisfaction evident in her smile. "It's time."

We stepped into the hallway where Derek and Rowan were waiting. They both straightened immediately when they saw us.

"Holy crap!" Derek clutched his chest dramatically. "Mom, you're killing me! That silver-blue? The way it's styled? Briony, are you trying to give everyone a heart attack?" His exaggerated reaction mirrored the first time he'd seen me in a dress, making me laugh despite myself. "Well, duty calls. Let's get a quick photo. At least I can complete this 'urgent mission.'"

"What are you talking about?" I asked, still laughing.

"That photo of you in a dress last time." He glanced at his mother. "Luna Isabella saw it and immediately sent it to those guys back home. Now I absolutely have to send your picture first, or they'll be completely blindsided." He rolled his eyes dramatically, making everyone laugh, even Luna Selena who tried to hide her smile behind her hand.

"Why don't we take a group shot?" Aria suggested with a mischievous glint in her eyes. "If you've got more people around you, maybe they won't just stare at Bri."

"Smart and terrifying at the same time," Derek sighed theatrically. "But I'll take it."

I shook my head and moved beside him. Freya stood on my right while Aria squeezed in on Derek's left. Rowan hesitated nearby.

"Rowan, join them," Alpha King Nathan called as he approached from down the hall. "Let them see Briony's full security detail tonight." His hearty laugh caught me off guard - I hadn't seen him this relaxed in a while, making me realize how much pressure the Rogue King situation had put on him.

After taking the photo, Derek immediately hunched over his phone to send it. Being short had its disadvantages - I couldn't see his screen, but his practiced movements suggested he communicated with that group regularly.

"You chat with them a lot?" I asked casually. "Are you this tight with all the future leaders?"

"I keep in touch with most young leaders," Derek said, pocketing his phone. "They'll be running things someday, after all. But honestly, I like the Polaris City crew the best - they never treat me like 'the future Alpha King,' just a regular friend. They focus on being good leaders while actually supporting the kingdom." He gave me a meaningful look. "Plus, they have something others don't."

"What's that?" I asked.

"They've earned your trust, cousin." He winked and turned toward the elevator.

I didn't know how to respond. Among the guys I knew, Maxwell, Christopher, Benjamin, Noah, and Ethan were indeed among the few I didn't dislike and even somewhat relied on.

The event was more boring than I'd expected. The room full of guests felt underwhelming - neither openly hostile nor particularly warm. Even Stella and her followers only greeted us briefly without causing trouble. Most elders exchanged pleasantries, saying they were glad I'd safely completed my mission. Unsure how much they knew about the actual situation, I just responded with polite thanks.

But some deliberately avoided looking my way the entire time, their obvious snub almost making me laugh.

*Their reactions are weird,* Aria commented through our mind link. *Either they're plotting something, or they're shocked you came back in one piece.*

*Why do you think that?* I asked. *I know the vibe is off, but why would my return surprise them?*

*Think about it - if you thought the biggest threat was sent on a "high-risk" mission, and someone said "the problem's handled," how would you react if that person suddenly appeared completely fine?* Aria explained.

*I'd observe first, trying to figure out what happened - either the plan failed or someone lied,* I realized.

*Exactly. So they won't be friendly or openly hostile. They'll just watch and wait,* Aria nodded subtly.

*Is that why Alpha King Nathan wanted me here? To see how they'd react to my return? I've heard the elders have been pushing this "designated mate" thing for Derek lately, even harder than before,* I thought.

*That's what I figure. Plus with your capture and the Rogue King using witches, they're checking all food and drinks for spells now. That's even worse than regular poison,* Aria's eyes flashed with concern.

*Damn,* I shuddered at the thought.

"You two have been mind-linking forever without sharing. Not cool," Derek whispered as we walked along the edge of the ballroom.

The meeting had gone smoothly, mostly focusing on pack communications. Now everyone was mingling in small groups, discussing pack security and rebuilding alliances.

I finally met Alpha Adam and Luna Isabella, and though they couldn't stay long, they took photos with me and promised to tell the Polaris City boys I was doing well.

Alpha Adam clearly knew the mission details, and he said he wouldn't tell others.

Though I wished they could have stayed longer, I understood my duties. Before they left, I hugged them both tightly, trying to hold onto that piece of home.

"Ready?" Derek suddenly asked.

"For what?" I looked up at him, confused by his mischievous expression.

"Dancing," his eyes twinkled. "You remember how, right? Haven't forgotten those steps?"

"You mean when you dragged me around in circles?" I raised an eyebrow. "Sure, I remember. But I still don't know those fancy steps, so what are you expecting?"

"I need to make an appearance on the dance floor, purely professional..." he said with mock seriousness.

"And?" I eyed him suspiciously.

"Maybe have someone snap a few close-ups - you know, stir up some rumors that we might have something going on. It'd be major news, since I've never brought the same girl to two events." He said quietly.

"Right, and what else aren't you telling me?" I pressed, crossing my arms.

"Fine," he sighed. "Alpha Adam specifically asked for some photos, supposedly to light a fire under certain people back home. His words, not mine."

"Just so we're clear, I'm only doing this to help Alpha Adam and those idiots back home." I rolled my eyes, grabbing his arm. "Lead the way."