Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 181

**Briony's POV**

Noah was clearly flirting with Freya. Maybe his wolf was picking up on some connection now that they were both adults? I shook my head - not my business.

"Ugh, stop it." Freya pushed Noah away, shooting a look at Sophia.

After dinner, everyone headed upstairs. I grabbed both girls. "Come to my room. We need to talk."

Since we'd arrived, every one of us had at least one guy trailing around. I wanted some actual girl time. The boys complained when I blocked them from following us inside, which just made us laugh harder.

"At least dinner wasn't ruined by Victoria and her dad," Freya said, dropping onto my bed. "It's impossible to have a normal conversation when they're lurking around, twisting everything into gossip."

I leaned against the closed door. "I always kept my distance from everyone, so I never realized how messed up their behavior really was. Even getting bullied constantly, I never thought anyone should step in."

"Why does she think she can become Luna?" Freya frowned. "How does anyone let her get away with this crap?"

I walked to the window. "Luna Isabella told me Victoria's parents have been pushing for her to be the triplets' designated mate since she was born."

"That's completely insane," Sophia said. "And what's your dad's deal? Why is he so cold to you?"

"Not much to say." I covered my face. "Mom died having me. I'm the reason he lost his mate."

The room went quiet.

"Alpha King Nathan explained later that women in our bloodline face danger giving birth to daughters. Too many abilities in the genetics. You need special potions and witch help for safe delivery." I laughed bitterly. "Every family needs some kind of curse, right?"

"So when you have kids, if it's a daughter, it'll be dangerous?" Sophia looked worried.

"Pretty much. But I really hope I can wait until after twenty to worry about any of this. The more I learn, the more I think the Moon Goddess should give us more time before finding mates."

"You just want time to mess around with guys before settling down," Freya teased.

I jumped up, blushing. "That's not it! Being forced to settle down and have kids right at eighteen is just too young."

"She totally wants to date around!" Sophia was cracking up.

We all started laughing, finally lightening the mood.

"But seriously," Sophia's expression turned serious, "your pack's attitude toward Victoria and her dad is weird. I noticed it during patrol too. Everyone talks about them behind their backs, but indirectly. Nobody likes them or thinks they're useful, but there's this fear. What's really going on?"

"They have power and influence, and they're completely lawless," I said. "It's always been like this. The school's covered in cameras, but every time I got beaten up, there was never evidence. So her dad would claim I was lying for attention. After all, I must be jealous of her intelligence and beauty."

"Hahahaha!" Sophia actually fell off the bed laughing, then popped back up. "You're kidding, right? That fake socialite with her face caked in makeup? Who'd be jealous of her? That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard! Their whole family's living in fantasy land."

Freya stood up, cold anger flashing in her eyes. "We need to get into that school. I need access to their computer systems. With all the trouble she's caused, there's no way she hasn't left evidence."

She put her hands on my shoulders. "You're the smartest person I know. There's no way she could manipulate you. You just took her threats seriously, and she was crazy enough to follow through. But there has to be something we haven't found yet."

"You're a Beta - you should fight back and beat the hell out of her. I've been here two days and already want to knock her teeth out. I have no idea how you survived all those years."

"Agreed." Sophia stood too. "We're stuck here anyway, and our training's going fine. No need to hang around with your boys all day. How do we get into the school? We need a reason to move around freely and search everywhere."

Warmth filled my chest. Having people willing to help felt amazing.

"We could tell Luna Isabella we want to assess the school's security measures," I said, forming a plan. "With all the recent attacks, as Sentinels, we're responsible for ensuring the children's safety."

"Perfect excuse!" Freya's eyes lit up. "And Victoria's father will definitely try to stop us. That gives us even more reason to investigate thoroughly."

We sat on the carpet, planning in detail. Sophia took notes, Freya handled tech support, and I'd deal with the administration.

"We need a base of operations," Freya said. "Preferably inside the school, so we can act anytime."

"What about Victoria's father's office?" The idea hit me suddenly. "He has a big office right next to the principal's. If we could take it over..."

"Are you crazy?" Sophia's eyes widened. "How would he possibly give up his own office?"

I smiled mischievously. "Who said anything about his permission? Luna's orders - would he dare disobey?"

Freya started laughing. "I like this version of you, Bri. Time to show them the bullied little girl grew up."

We planned until late, discussing scenarios and responses. Finally, both girls were exhausted.

"Don't go back to the second floor," I said. "Just sleep here. My room's huge - no need to sleep downstairs dealing with Victoria trying to sneak where she doesn't belong."

"Exactly," Freya yawned. "We need to figure out how to get her kicked out. But that's tomorrow's problem. Right now I just want to sleep."

We squeezed into my bed like childhood sleepovers. Freya slept in the middle so if nightmares hit, Sophia and I could comfort her immediately.

Late into the night, I listened to my friends' steady breathing. Tomorrow we'd begin our mission. The thought made me excited and nervous.

For years, I'd endured Victoria's bullying. Now I finally had a chance to fight back. And this time, I wasn't alone.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the curtains. I woke first, feeling surprisingly refreshed.

I walked to the window and pulled the curtains open. Golden light instantly filled the room.

"Mmph... too bright..." Sophia complained, pulling covers over her head.

"Wake up, sleepyheads!" I laughed. "Today's the first day of our mission."

Freya stretched and sat up, rubbing her eyes. "What time is it?"

"Six-thirty." I glanced at the clock. "Perfect for breakfast."

We quickly washed up and changed into clean training clothes. Looking at my reflection, I took a deep breath.

We linked arms and walked out, ready to head downstairs.