Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 27

**Briony's POV**

I charged Maxwell without hesitation. The surprise on his face told me he hadn't expected such an aggressive start. I used his momentary shock to try circling behind him.

But Maxwell recovered fast, blocking my path with a quick pivot. I feinted a retreat, then dropped low to go for his knees.

He used his size to his advantage, driving me toward the mat. I squirmed underneath him, struggling for leverage. When he shifted his weight, I seized my chance and drove my knee into his stomach.

He grunted but tightened his hold instead of loosening it. I needed a new strategy.

I went limp for a second, making him think I'd given up, then exploded upward with everything I had. The sudden move caught him off-guard. As his balance faltered, I scrambled away to create distance.

Maxwell was on his feet in a flash, charging me like a freight train. I barely dodged his first strike, but his elbow caught me right in the ribs - exactly where Benjamin had hit me earlier.

White-hot pain ripped through me, making each breath a struggle. A flash of guilt crossed Maxwell's face before his expression hardened again.

*Perfect. That hesitation is exactly what I need.*

I fought through the pain, launching a high kick meant to push him back. I didn't expect him to lean forward right as my foot connected - straight with his nose.

Blood sprayed, and gasps erupted from the crowd. Maxwell stepped back, one hand pressed to his face. But his eyes weren't angry - they looked almost... excited?

He came at me harder this time, each blow carrying real force. I blocked what I could, but his assault drove me back steadily toward the circle of spectators. If my back hit that human wall, I'd be trapped.

When he lunged again, I made a split-second decision. Instead of retreating, I charged forward, ducking under his extended arms and slipping past his guard.

Before he could turn, I was on his back, my arm locked around his throat. Maxwell thrashed, trying to throw me, but I clamped my legs tight around his waist. His face reddened as I applied just enough pressure to make him understand he was caught - not enough to hurt him, but enough to win.

"Stop!" Conrad's command cut through the air.

I released my hold immediately, sliding down. My legs threatened to buckle as I gasped for air. Maxwell looked just as wrecked, hands on knees, chest heaving.

"How dare you attack a future Alpha like that!" Victoria's shrill voice pierced the moment. "You should be kicked out of the pack for such disrespect!"

I kept my eyes closed, too tired to deal with her drama.

"Give it a rest, Victoria," Ethan snapped. "This is warrior training, not your prissy dance class. Max and Ben are bleeding, and Bri's taken more hits than you've had boyfriends. This is how real fighters train."

Laughter rippled through the crowd. When I opened my eyes, Victoria's face had turned the color of a tomato. Under Conrad's stern gaze, she finally shut up.

"One of the most impressive matches I've seen recently," Conrad nodded approvingly. "Now, let's move on to wolf form combat."

---

Hours later, every muscle in my body screamed in protest, but I refused to show weakness in front of Conrad.

I glanced at the clock, shocked to see we'd been at it for nearly six hours. The training grounds had emptied except for our group and a handful of senior warriors.

"Everyone gather up," Conrad called, his tone brooking no argument. "A few observations before we finish."

We formed a half-circle around him, even the fidgety younger warriors standing perfectly still.

"I saw some impressive skills today," he began, scanning our faces, "but also areas needing work."

He paced before us, hands clasped behind his back.

"Combat isn't just about fighting skill. True warriors know when to fight, when to back off, and when to talk it out." His eyes lingered on the triplets. "As future leaders, preventing unnecessary fights is just as important as winning necessary ones."

Maxwell nodded slightly while Christopher looked thoughtful. Benjamin remained stone-faced, though his eyes sharpened with interest.

"Second, teamwork beats solo heroics every time," Conrad continued. "Your group works well together, but in real combat, you might fight alongside strangers. You need to build trust quickly."

He turned to Layla and me. "Ladies, your individual skills are impressive, but relying too much on just yourselves could get you killed. Learn to trust your team. Let them carry some of your weight."

I lowered my head, heat rising to my cheeks. He'd nailed it - I always handled things alone, rarely asking for help.

"Last and most important," his voice dropped, "know what you're fighting for. Without clear purpose, even the best skills will lead you nowhere."

"That's it for today," Conrad concluded. "Excellent work all around, especially you, Briony." His professional assessment made me stand straighter. "Few warriors can maintain that level through consecutive high-intensity matches."

I tried keeping my face neutral despite the pride swelling in my chest. "Thank you, sir."

"Get cleaned up," he said. "Alpha wants to discuss today's results over dinner at the pack house."

At the mention of food, my stomach let out an embarrassingly loud growl. I ducked my head, hoping no one noticed.

"Someone's running on empty," Ethan laughed, messing up my hair. "Even the mighty Little Lightning needs fuel."

I batted his hand away with mock annoyance, secretly enjoying the easy camaraderie.

"Let's head back," Maxwell said, voice nasal from his injury. "Adam's barbecue is worth hurrying for, trust me."

As we walked toward the parking lot in the golden sunset light, Benjamin suddenly scooped me up and tossed me over his shoulder like a sack of flour.

"Put me down!" I protested, squirming uselessly. "I'm gross and sweaty and probably getting Max's blood all over you! I can walk fine!"

"Not happening, Little Lightning," Benjamin replied, not breaking stride. "At your height, we'd hit midnight before reaching the cars. Plus, we can't let you disappear on us again."

"Disappear?" My voice jumped an octave. "Why would I do that?"

"Because you've been dodging us all weekend," Maxwell said, walking alongside us with an unreadable expression. "You can't keep running away, Bri."

"There's nothing to run from," I said quietly. "That's all behind us."

No one answered, but their silence spoke volumes. They didn't believe me for a second.

Minutes later, I found myself wedged in the middle seat of Maxwell's SUV between Noah and Benjamin - a strategic position that left me zero escape options.

**Conrad's POV**

I watched the young wolves leave from the edge of the training ground. Today had been enlightening, especially regarding that girl, Briony.

According to records, she's Beta Raymond's daughter, but she lacks the entitlement typical of high-status children. Her fighting style shows a resilience and adaptability that usually comes only from facing real danger.

Even more intriguing is her mastery of wolf form techniques. Those skills require deep understanding of wolf physiology and mentality - knowledge she shouldn't possess at her age.

I jotted quick notes in my field book:

*Briony Raymond: Beta's daughter. Exceptional combat skills, abnormal endurance. Wolf form communication exceeds all expectations. Early awakening confirmed. High-potential Sentinel candidate.*

*Alpha Triplets: Strength as expected, but show unusual protective behavior toward Briony beyond normal pack bonds. Relationship warrants further observation.*

I closed my notebook and watched their vehicles disappear before turning to leave.