Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 170

**Briony's POV**

Moonlight spilled across the forest as my wolf cautiously advanced. A low, threatening growl stopped me in my tracks. Benjamin stood there, then he shifted, moonlight gleaming on his skin.

I shifted too, clothes intact. Benjamin's eyes flashed with confusion as he took me in. Sophia and Freya shifted behind me, forming a protective stance.

"Benjamin," I said softly.

He straightened, expression hardening. "So, Sentinel Briony finally remembered her way home?"

I nodded, taking a small step forward.

"That's it? No explanation? Nothing to say?" The anger in his voice was unmistakable.

"We were tracking rogues to this area," I gestured behind me. "Took down four of them and followed the last two here. We need to question the survivor about their plans."

"Just official business then?" he said, jaw tight.

Before I could answer, a golden-brown blur tackled me, nearly knocking me over. A warm tongue frantically licked my face, making me laugh.

"Ethan! Stop! I'm covered in dirt!" 

He gave me one last slobbery lick before jumping back and shifting, completely unbothered by his nakedness as he pulled me up.

"God, I missed you, Tiny! You're actually back!" He spun me around, pure joy radiating from him.

"Briony, behind you!" Sophia warned.

Noah emerged from the bushes and pulled me into a bone-crushing hug.

"Thank God you're back," he murmured into my hair, voice thick with emotion.

"Missed you too," I whispered, savoring the familiar warmth I'd gone without for so long.

After letting go, I saw Maxwell and Christopher had approached. I hugged Maxwell briefly, then turned to Christopher.

When the reunions ended, I grabbed a collar from my pocket and approached the captive on the ground.

"This has sensors embedded in it," I explained as I fastened it, my voice turning professional. "Try to shift or run, and it'll release enough wolfsbane to make you wish you were dead."

I stood and faced the guys, deliberately avoiding Benjamin's gaze. "I need to secure him for questioning. Can we use your holding cells?"

"Of course," Maxwell nodded. "How long are you staying?"

"Not sure," I sighed. "Finding rogues this close to your territory is concerning. I need to contact Alpha King Nathan and Commander Taric about defense strategies."

"Jack," Maxwell called to a warrior, "take the prisoner to holding." Then to me: "You look exhausted. Head to the main house first. Luna Isabella already knows you're back, and if you don't see her right away..."

I suddenly remembered my teammates and turned. "This is Freya and Sophia, my Sentinel teammates." Then to the girls: "These are Polaris Pack's future leaders - Maxwell, Christopher, and Benjamin will serve as Alphas together; Noah's my brother, the future Beta; and Ethan's the future Delta."

"Let's go," Noah wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "You've got a lot of explaining to do, sis."

As we walked the familiar path, Noah kept his arm around me like he thought I might vanish. Ethan chatted non-stop about everything I'd missed, trying to cut through the tension. The triplets led silently, backs straight.

"Hey, did you like our gifts?" Ethan asked, eyes bright with anticipation.

"They saved my ass more than once," I smiled. "Especially in tight spots."

"That dagger really came through," I glanced at Benjamin's back. "Helped me take down an enemy and saved Sophia too."

Benjamin's shoulders tensed, but he didn't turn, just muttered, "Good."

"See? My gear was the most useful," he whispered to Ethan, pride evident.

"Guess I owe you lunch," Ethan nudged him before walking ahead toward the SUV.

Standing by the vehicle, memories flooded back. How many times had we all piled in for adventures? It felt like another lifetime.

"We stepped up patrols after hearing about rogue activity," Maxwell said, opening the door. "Need to grab any equipment?"

"Our gear's still at the outpost," Sophia answered, sensing my hesitation. "But we've got essentials with us."

"How do you keep your clothes when you shift?" Noah asked, studying me.

"Long story," I said, avoiding his eyes. "We should grab our stuff from the outpost first. If there are more rogues around, we need to know."

"Yeah, and we're all beat," Freya climbed into the back while Ethan and Benjamin secured the prisoner in the trunk.

I approached the passenger seat - my old spot - but paused.

"Is this seat... still open?" I asked uncertainly, looking at Christopher.

"Why wouldn't it be?" He frowned.

"Been gone a while. Don't want to take someone else's spot," I fidgeted with my fingers, annoyed at my sudden insecurity.

"This will always be your seat, Little Lightning," Christopher said quietly. "No one could replace you."

I felt myself relax and was about to sit when Sophia piped up: "Little Lightning? Another nickname? Alpha King Nathan and Commander Taric call her 'Little Warrior' too."

"Started as a joke," I explained, "stuck around."

"Maybe I need a nickname," Sophia laughed.

"Later. Let's check in first," I changed the subject, connecting with base through our mental link.

*Cyrus, need observation point coordinates. We've joined Polaris Pack, captured one enemy for questioning. Five hostiles down, awaiting instructions from Command.*

The coordinates came through immediately.

"Is he monitoring you?" Benjamin frowned.

"Full tracking, detailed notes, the works," I shrugged.

"Sentinels really have that tech?" Benjamin's tone was skeptical.

"So cool! We should get something like that," Ethan said excitedly.

"Not all teams do this," Sophia explained. "But when your leader has special talents and gets into trouble..."

"You follow me into danger every time," I reminded her. "I'm just using our tech advantages. Cyrus is definitely watching since we're the only combat team active."

"Being watched 24/7 sounds creepy," Benjamin said coldly.

"Jealous?" I shot back.

"Having some random guy watching your every move? Yeah, super appealing," his voice dripped with sarcasm.

"When you put it that way, it does sound weird," I admitted.

We reached the observation point, ending the awkward conversation. Sophia headed for our tactical vehicle.

"Keys?" she held out her hand. "I'll drive behind you."

"Maybe we should stick together," I glanced at Freya in the back seat. "Freya can handle our prisoner."

"She seems pretty interested in your brother," Sophia whispered. "Even with the Sentinel mark, the attraction's obvious."

I laughed, watching Noah and Freya interact - it reminded me of Ethan and Layla's early days.

Sophia started to get out, and I followed, but Christopher gently pulled me back.

"Stay," he said quietly. "Benjamin will make sure Sophia's safe. We need to... talk."

"But - "

"Please," his eyes held a sincerity I couldn't refuse. "There's a lot we need to clear up."