Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 17

**Briony's POV**

Watching them rush out like that, disappointment hit me harder than I expected. Of course. I still didn't really belong in their circle, did I? Maybe this whole party was just them being polite.

"Don't overthink it, sweetheart." Luna Isabella must've read my face because she came over and squeezed my shoulder. "They'll be back."

"Those boys are up to something," Delta Griffin chuckled. "Probably planning another surprise."

"Come on, let's finish this cake," Diana pulled me back to the table. "Can't let all this deliciousness go to waste."

The adults kept me distracted with stories and jokes, but I kept glancing at the door. Where had they gone in such a hurry?

"Briony," Alpha Adam said, "Griffin tells me you've got real tactical skills."

"I just... think things through, I guess."

"Don't sell yourself short," Gamma Thomas jumped in. "That predator-prey game was brilliant strategy."

Half an hour crawled by before the front door burst open again.

**Maxwell's POV**

"Move it! Mall closes early today!" Layla was practically dragging us behind her.

All six of us sprinted toward Twilight Mall. When she'd suddenly remembered Briony needed dresses for the mating ball, we'd all just stared at her. But seeing how panicked she looked, we got it. This mattered.

"Split up," I ordered once we hit the main strip. "Everyone grab one or two outfits. Keep it simple, elegant. Nothing that'll make her uncomfortable."

"On it!" Everyone scattered.

I ducked into this upscale boutique, scanning through racks of dresses. Briony was tiny and needed something that'd show her off without making her self-conscious. Finally found this deep blue knee-length number with a classy neckline and subtle waist pleats.

"Gift wrap this," I told the clerk.

"Maxwell? Shopping for women's clothes?"

I turned around. Victoria stood there with this weird gleam in her eyes.

"Just helping a friend," I said, moving toward the register.

"Wait!" She grabbed my arm. "Is this for me? I knew you still cared!"

I yanked free. "No."

Her voice went sharp. "Then who?"

"None of your business." I took the wrapped dress and headed for the exit.

But she followed. "It's for that freak Briony, isn't it? You all went to her birthday!"

I stopped and looked at her. "Yeah. So?"

"She doesn't deserve your attention!" Victoria was practically shrieking. "I should be the one - "

"Enough." I cut her off cold. "I'm telling you one last time, Victoria. There's nothing between us. There never was. That night was a drunken mistake."

Her face went white. "A mistake?"

"Yeah. A mistake." My voice stayed flat and final. "And quit messing with Briony. She's our friend. Keep targeting her and you'll deal with me."

I didn't wait for an answer. Just walked away.

**Briony's POV**

The door opened and all six of them piled in, arms full of shopping bags.

"Surprise round two!" Layla bounced toward me. "Happy birthday!"

"What's all this?" I stared at the bags.

"Clothes! For you!" Her eyes were sparkling. "I just remembered the mating ball's coming up and you need gorgeous dresses. But the mall was about to close, so I had to drag everyone along."

"Sorry we bailed on you," she looked guilty. "Should've explained. I just got so worried about finding you something perfect..."

My eyes started watering again. They'd left to buy me clothes.

"No more crying!" Ethan declared. "Tiny's hit her tear limit for today!"

Everyone laughed.

"Okay, fashion show time!" Layla pulled me to the couch and started unpacking. "Let's see what we've got."

First up was Noah's choice - a conservative black pantsuit that looked like funeral attire.

Layla held it up and sighed. "Noah, this is for a ball, not a job interview."

"I thought... safer was better," he mumbled.

Next came Ethan's contribution - a bright red mini dress that barely covered anything, paired with an off-shoulder top.

"Ethan!" I gasped. "This is way too..."

"Sexy? Hot? Perfect?" He grinned proudly.

"Revealing! Absolutely not!" Noah immediately protested.

The other outfits each had their own personality. Christopher had picked an elegant silver gown, Benjamin chose this sharp suit-style dress, and Maxwell's was that gorgeous blue number.

"They're all beautiful," I said honestly. "Thank you."

"Don't just stand there - try them on!" Layla jumped up. "I'll help."

"Oh," she paused, "we ran into that bitch while shopping."

My stomach dropped. "Victoria?"

"Yeah," Ethan rolled his eyes. "She thought we were buying stuff for her. Delusional much?"

"What happened?" I asked carefully.

"We bought our stuff and left," Christopher shrugged. "Who's got time for her drama?"

"She looked pissed," Benjamin added, then looked directly at me. "But that doesn't matter. What matters is this is all for you."

Something fluttered in my chest at his intense stare. They really did see me as a friend.

"Enough talking!" Layla hauled me up. "Time for the fashion show! Boys, get your cameras ready!"

"Cameras?" My eyes went wide.

"Obviously! This moment needs to be documented!"

She dragged me to my room and carefully helped me change, making sure every scar stayed hidden under the fabric.

"First up - Noah's choice." She held up the black suit.

Looking at myself in the mirror, I started laughing. "I look like I'm interviewing for an office job."

"Very Noah-style," Layla giggled. "Maximum coverage, minimum risk."

The red dress was next. When I put it on, Layla gasped. "Damn, you've got amazing legs!"

"It's so short..." I tugged at the hem.

"But effective. Shows off what you usually hide."

We went through each outfit. Every piece reflected its chooser - Christopher's elegant taste, Benjamin's sharp eye, Maxwell's thoughtful consideration.

When I slipped into Maxwell's blue dress, Layla actually clapped. "That's it! Perfect!"

She was right. This dress fit like it was made for me. The length hit just right - classy but not boring. The color made my eyes pop and my skin glow. Simple but stunning.

"Let me fix your hair," Layla worked quickly, adding light makeup. "Ready?"

I took a deep breath. "I think so."

"Then let's go blow their minds," she winked.

We walked out hand in hand. The second I appeared in the living room doorway, all conversation died.