Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 172

**Briony's POV**

Victoria's glare followed us until we disappeared upstairs.

Luna Isabella paused at my door, glancing around as if checking for eavesdroppers. Her hand hovered over the doorknob.

"Just so you know, the room's not exactly how you left it," she said softly. "If I'd known you were coming today, I would've cleaned it up."

When she swung the door open, a wall of masculine scent hit me. The room looked like some kind of guys' hangout spot - blankets and pillows scattered around the floor, though my bed remained neatly made.

"Since you and Layla left, these boys have been lost," Luna Isabella explained. "They take turns crashing here, but they never touch your bed or closet. Too scared of messing up your scent."

"That's absolutely wild," Sophia burst out laughing. "What did you do to them? Seriously, teach me your ways."

"I didn't do anything special," I shrugged. "We grew up together, practically joined at the hip before I left for training. I guess they missed me as much as I missed them."

"Missed you?" Freya snorted. "Like when someone in your pack poisoned you and put you in the hospital for a month? Sorry, Luna Isabella, but why is that woman still prancing around like she owns the place after what she did to Briony?"

"Don't worry, this room is completely soundproof," Luna Isabella assured us. "I trust you both because Briony clearly does."

She sighed deeply. "Victoria's always been trouble. But we've never managed to get hard evidence against her - trust me, we've tried. Accusing her without proof would look like we're abusing our power. Her family would turn it into an even bigger mess."

She looked at us seriously. "That cold welcome? Expect more while you're here."

"They're renovating and staying here temporarily," she continued. "They've taken half the second-floor guest rooms - where you two should be staying," she told Sophia and Freya.

"They can stay with me," I offered.

"Absolutely not!" Luna Isabella's tone was firm. "Victoria can't complain about you in your own room, but if your friends move up here, she'll throw a fit. Her family's always looking for loopholes."

"And your pack lets them get away with it?" Freya asked.

"Not everyone," Luna Isabella sighed. "Some elders think they have more authority than Alpha Adam. Unfortunately, many pack members don't see the problem."

"Prince Derek deals with the same issues. Whenever leadership changes approach, power plays start. We can't let pack members lose faith in us."

"All guests should stay on the second floor - that's the rule," she explained. "But Victoria's father keeps making excuses to get her onto the third floor." She rolled her eyes. "Somehow she always cracks our door codes. Last time she broke in, we had a huge argument. I finally had to use my Luna aura to shut it down."

"How long have they been staying here?" I asked.

"Way too long," Luna Isabella said wearily. "Their house got damaged in a small earthquake a month after you left. The damage wasn't even that bad, but their inspector recommended tearing it down completely. The construction's dragged on forever with constant delays. I'm sure they're doing it on purpose."

"The boys recently came of age, but their ceremony's on hold because of security concerns. They don't mind waiting until spring. That family's hoping Victoria can stick close to the triplets, thinking they might develop feelings for her if they don't find their mates in time."

"So he's using his daughter like a bargaining chip, hoping she might become Luna?" Sophia asked pointedly.

"That'll never happen," Luna Isabella said firmly. "They'll wait for their true mates. But they're young, and they used to have some... casual relationships. They later realized some girls thought that could lead to becoming Luna, which is ridiculous. Since you and Layla left, they haven't shown interest in any girls - they've changed a lot." Her tone mixed pride with worry.

"Let's figure out the room situation," I suggested, changing the subject. "Sophia didn't really get to tour the place during selection, and Freya's never been here. I should show them around."

I didn't want to dwell on how the boys had changed after I left. Their behavior wasn't my responsibility, and they shouldn't change completely because of me. They had their own lives and responsibilities - they were just growing up.

"Will Freya and Sophia be staying near Victoria's family?" I asked. "Or can they be at the other end of the hall? I'd rather keep them away from all that drama."

"That family's taking up three guest rooms," Luna Isabella explained. "I'll put you at the opposite end, near the third-floor stairs. That might reduce Victoria's chances for causing trouble. We should also check with Alpha Adam about the prisoner. Has Commander Taric sent any updates on your mission?"

"Nothing yet," I glanced at my friends, who both shook their heads. "Weird, since I specifically told him we'd wait for instructions. Maybe he wants us to stay put, or they're tracking rogues too and can't reach us. I'll give it 24 hours before following up."

The three of us headed toward my room when Luna Isabella stopped us with a laugh.

"Girls, you've been in the wild too long. Shower and change first. Is any of that blood actually yours? Clean up, then find Alpha Adam. No rush - there's no emergency now. You should rest; I hear you haven't slept in two days."

We looked at each other, finally noticing our appearance. We were complete disasters: covered in dirt and blood, with twigs stuck in our hair. The blood on our necks and hands stood out starkly, and Sophia and Freya had splatter across their faces.

We all cracked up laughing.

"Briony, your clothes are still in the closet, but you've definitely gained some muscle," Luna Isabella smiled. "I'll find something for all of you."

After washing off the battle grime, we changed into classic Isabella-style outfits - colorful but flattering to each of us.

"Wearing bright colors feels weird," Sophia commented. "Like we're targets."

"You'll get used to it. I'm starving," I admitted. "Let's find food."

I led them out, half-expecting to see the boys waiting, but the corridor was empty.

A wave of disappointment hit me, followed by irritation at myself - I left to follow my dreams, how could I expect them to wait around? I headed downstairs but froze at the kitchen doorway when I heard voices.

Victoria and her father.

"Dad, do something! She can't stay here!" Victoria's voice dripped with hatred. "She ruins everything!"

"I'll try, sweetheart," her father said. "But we can't go after her directly. She'll leave once her mission's done."

"Why not?" Victoria snapped. "Everything was better after she left. She's turning everyone against me! As the future Luna, I won't put up with disloyal people!"

"Once you become Luna, you can send her away," he said quietly. "But we need to be careful now. Whether she has talent or not, she's still everyone's favorite."