Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 25

**Briony's POV**

I woke up before my alarm. Monday had arrived, and with it the reality I'd been avoiding. My muscles ached as I rolled out of bed, punishment for yesterday's workout.

I pulled on my training clothes and brushed my hair mechanically, barely registering my own reflection. Total stalling tactic.

*All Sunday I hid in my room, only sneaking out when nobody would spot me. Now I have to face the people who know my secrets.*

I squared my shoulders and opened my door. No more hiding.

The smell of bacon and eggs hit me as I walked downstairs. I followed my nose to the kitchen and stopped in the doorway, surprised by what I saw.

"Morning," I said quietly.

Noah spun around with a spatula, his face brightening. "Hey, Little Lightning. Just pulled the bacon off."

I stared at him. "What are you doing?"

"Making breakfast," he grinned. "Training day. Gotta eat."

I slid into a chair, watching him work. The scene felt weird - Noah cooking, talking easily, sounding warm. After everything that happened, this normal moment felt jarring.

"Where's Dad?" I finally asked.

"Left early," Noah said, putting a loaded plate in front of me. "Actually, he hung around waiting for you, but had some emergency meeting."

My fork stopped halfway to my mouth. Dad waited for me?

"What did you tell him?" I asked, instantly suspicious.

Noah sat down. "Let's just say we talked."

I pushed food around my plate. Noah put his fork down.

"Look, Bri," he said, voice softer. "Things are gonna be different now."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means I won't let anyone mess with you anymore," Noah said firmly. "Not even Dad. I told him straight up - if he keeps treating you like that, I'm out. And you're coming with me."

My jaw dropped. "You stood up to Dad?"

"Should've done it years ago." Noah ran a hand through his hair. "Dad's attitude is changing. Think he's finally getting how messed up he's been to you."

I had no clue what to say. Years of disappointment told me not to get my hopes up, but Noah looked dead serious.

"Thanks, but don't start World War Three over me," I said. "One more year and I can apply to get out anyway."

Noah looked up sharply. "Get out? Where?"

"The Sentinels," I said, unable to hide my excitement. "When I was working out yesterday, I overheard they're doing early screenings. They're even letting high schoolers apply."

"You're actually serious about this?"

"Always have been," I said. "It's my ticket out. Don't want to wait for college or some mate to escape. I want to be a real warrior now."

Noah's face got serious. "You already matter, Bri. And I don't want you leaving Polaris."

"I need this chance," I said. "Too many bad memories here. With the Elite Warriors, I get a clean slate."

Noah squeezed my hand. "If that's what you really want, I'll back you. But just promise me one thing - see if things change around here first."

"Change what?"

"Everything. We're all trying, Bri. Not just me. Those guys too. Even Dad."

I looked down so Noah wouldn't see my eyes getting watery.

"Don't make promises you can't keep," I muttered. "Once we're back at school, everything goes back to normal."

"Not happening," Noah said. "I swear on the Moon Goddess, this time's different."

He checked the clock. "Wanna ride with us?"

"Think I'll go myself," I said. "Need space to think."

"Fair enough. Layla's waiting for you there, by the way."

That pulled a small smile from me. "Yeah, that tracks."

I took the back way to the training center, needing time to sort through my thoughts. The cold air cleared my head while I walked.

When I got close, I spotted Layla leaning against the entrance, foot tapping impatiently. She locked onto me immediately.

"About time!" she called out, hands on hips. "Why'd you ghost me yesterday?"

"Needed space," I said. "Just had to be alone."

Her face softened. "No more disappearing acts, okay? I was freaking out."

Her worry got to me. "Sorry."

Layla stepped closer. "So how you holding up? Still set on joining the Elite Warriors?"

"Yeah," I whispered. "Think it's my only escape route."

Layla frowned. "Running might not be smart. Especially now when stuff's actually changing."

"Change? What are you talking about?"

"Those guys," Layla nodded. "They're actually doing something real for once. Digging for evidence, trying to fix things properly."

"Meaning we're finally doing what we should've done ages ago."

I spun around at Maxwell's voice. He stood nearby with Christopher and Benjamin. I hadn't heard them approach.

"What exactly are you doing?" I asked cautiously.

"Fixing our screwups," Maxwell said. "Not just for you - for everyone being bullied."

"We know what Victoria's been doing," Christopher added, "and who's backing her."

"We're collecting evidence the school board can't ignore," Benjamin said.

Panic shot through me. "If Victoria catches even a hint you're investigating her, she'll destroy anyone who helps you."

"That's why we need you," Maxwell said. "We're done making calls for you. But we need your insight. You get this system better than we do."

I stared at them. "You're asking what I think?"

"Yeah," they said together.

"We thought we knew everything," Christopher admitted. "Turns out we didn't know anything."

Benjamin looked me straight in the eye. "We need your help. If you'll give us another chance."

I looked for any hint of fakeness but only saw determination. These overconfident guys were actually asking for my advice.

"You still mad at us?" Maxwell asked, sounding uncertain.

I shook my head. "Not mad. Just careful. This whole personality transplant is weird."

"We don't expect instant trust," Christopher said. "Just a chance to prove we mean it."

Ethan and Noah joined us then. Ethan bounded over, holding out a small paper bag.

"Hey Tiny! Got you breakfast."

It was my favorite pastry from Wolf's Corner. Such a simple thing, but it hit me hard.

Looking at all of them, I thought about Noah's words. Maybe they really were trying.

"Fine. I'll help, but ground rules," I said. "One, nobody gets hurt. Two, we stay inside the rules. Three, this isn't just about me - it's about fixing the whole system."

"One hundred percent," Christopher nodded. "This is about our pack's future."

Just then, a familiar voice cut through our conversation.

"Hey sweeties!" Victoria sang, strutting up in a skintight lavender outfit. "Planning fun without me?"

The guys shifted around us, forming a protective circle. Their instinct both warmed and annoyed me.

"Anyone know about special training today?" Victoria shouted for everyone to hear. "I'm just so pumped! I've gotten sooo much better!"

Delta Griffin watched from across the yard, expression serious. Nobody cared about Victoria's performance.

"We're full," Noah said coldly. "Try another group."

Victoria pouted. "What's wrong? Don't like girls?" She gestured to Layla and me. "Then what about them?"

"Not about gender," Benjamin replied. "It's about skill and attitude. Briony and Layla have proven themselves."

Victoria's smile vanished instantly. She leaned in, whispering just to me.

"Don't get comfy, Beta garbage. These bodyguards won't stick around."

Layla stepped forward. "I heard that. Threaten my friend again and you'll regret it."

Victoria sneered and stalked off.

"Better start warming up," Maxwell said, changing the subject. "Heard we've got a guest instructor today."