Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 174

**Briony's POV**

Just as we converged toward the central meeting point, the kids suddenly switched tactics. Instead of chasing us wildly, they formed blocking patterns. Clearly, someone was directing them.

"Interesting," I muttered, vaulting over a barrier wall.

Ethan's voice rang out across the field. "They're heading for the ropes! Cut them off there!"

*They've figured us out,* Freya said through our link.

*Then let's switch it up,* I replied. *Sophia, head straight for the water pool. Freya, take the cargo nets. We'll meet fifty meters from the finish.*

The children scrambled to adjust, but too late. We moved like lightning, approaching the finish from three different angles.

"Sprint!" I shouted, pouring on the speed.

The wind rushed past my ears. Just as I neared the finish, the complaining boy from earlier lunged at me from the side. I dodged at the last second, using his momentum to propel myself across the line. Sophia and Freya crossed moments later.

"Time!" Griffin checked his stopwatch, eyes widening. "New record! Ten seconds faster than the previous best!"

The kids swarmed around us, faces a mix of disappointment and excitement.

"How'd you do that?" a girl asked, eyes shining. "There were so many of us!"

"That's teamwork," Sophia replied with a smile. "When you coordinate well, you can overcome bigger numbers."

"But we couldn't tell who was who," another kid whined.

"That's exactly the point," Freya explained. "In a real fight, confusing your opponent gives you an edge."

Griffin addressed the group. "That's today's lesson - teamwork, strategy, and adaptability. Even against stronger opponents, the right approach can make all the difference."

The boys approached, Ethan clapping enthusiastically. "That was awesome! Those moves on the cargo nets were insane."

"I totally lost track of you," Noah admitted. "That crossing pattern was brilliant."

Maxwell stepped forward, his analytical gaze sweeping over us. "The real question is: who was your core? Who should have been the primary target?"

The children erupted in debate.

"Beta Briony!" one boy declared. "She's the leader!"

"No, the other Sentinel," argued another. "She was always in the key positions."

"I think it was the Alpha," a third chimed in. "She moved fastest!"

"Who cares?" The complainer rolled his eyes. "They won, game over."

Maxwell fixed him with a stern look. "It makes a huge difference. Identifying the primary target lets you focus your resources where they matter most."

"In real combat," Christopher added more gently, "wrong judgment could mean mission failure."

"Looks like someone needs extra training," Ethan teased the boy. "Devil's training tomorrow, 4 AM."

"What? I didn't do anything!" the boy protested.

"Your attitude is the problem," Benjamin said quietly. "Never dismiss a learning opportunity. Even games have value."

"Devil's training?" I asked. "What's that?"

Christopher's eyes twinkled. "Our new special program. Starts at four every morning, inspired by someone who always trained at crazy hours."

"You mean me?" I stared at him.

"Yep," Ethan grinned. "After you left, we realized dawn training actually works, especially for kids who need motivation."

Griffin clapped his hands. "That's it for today. Pack up your gear - the principal wants you in ten minutes."

The children scattered, their chatter fading. Watching them go, I felt a surge of pride. Maybe my efforts had made some small difference after all.

"Quite a show," Maxwell said, appearing at my side. "But Mom's waiting. She told us to take care of you three."

"Already?" I frowned. "So soon?"

"You just finished a dangerous mission," he replied firmly. "Plus, Mom's prepared a huge brunch, and you know how she gets."

"Let me at least say bye to Griffin," I protested, but Maxwell was already steering us toward the parking lot.

"Don't even try to slip away," Christopher whispered, his hand resting lightly on my back. "All three of you - in the car."

"Why drive? The pack house is like five minutes away," I grumbled. "They always forget I spent years at this training ground until they decided I was 'qualified' enough to ride in their precious car." I climbed in anyway.

"Alpha Freya, please get in," Noah said, holding the door open with a polite but firm tone.

"Has he always been this pushy?" Freya whispered to me, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

"With me, he's not pushy," I murmured back. "Just protective to the point of suffocation."

"Move over!" Sophia nudged Freya. "I'm starving! Pack house food is amazing."

She shoved Freya toward the middle just as Noah slid in from the other side, causing Freya to crash into him. I turned to the window, fighting a grin.

Benjamin took the farthest seat, keeping his distance. His expression remained serious, eyes filled with emotions I couldn't read. I made a mental note to talk to him later.

The ride back was surprisingly relaxed. Ethan rattled off funny stories about what I'd missed, while Noah and Freya engaged in some silent power struggle, neither able to hide their interest. I wondered how Freya could seem so affected despite her Sentinel mark, which should suppress attraction.

The car bounced along the uneven road. Fatigue washed over me, but I forced myself to stay alert. The boys' familiar scents wrapped around me like a security blanket, almost lulling me to sleep. I watched the familiar landscape pass by the window, feeling a strange mix of comfort and unease.

At the pack house, we climbed out and headed to our rooms to freshen up. Freya and Sophia went to the guest rooms on the second floor, and we agreed to meet in the dining room. The boys and I walked toward the third-floor stairs.

A sugary voice called from behind: "You're finally back! We couldn't find you at school - thought you'd gone training again!"

Maxwell kept hold of my hand. Christopher's arm stayed around my waist, and Benjamin stood right beside me. No one tried to hide me or push me away. Instead, they moved closer, forming a silent protective barrier around me.