Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 28

**Briony's POV**

"What now?" Layla asked as the car pulled into the pack house driveway. "We're all filthy with no change of clothes."

"Don't worry," Maxwell caught my eye in the rearview mirror. "Luna Isabella keeps clothes in all sizes for unexpected guests."

"And you can use the bathroom in the Alpha suite," Noah added. "The shower's amazing."

Just then, Victoria appeared at the edge of the parking lot. Her purple dress was practically painted on, heels clicking aggressively against the gravel.

"I'm here!" she announced, voice dripping with fake sweetness. "I heard about the important dinner tonight, so I dressed up!"

Benjamin sighed beside me while Maxwell and Christopher exchanged looks. As we climbed out, the boys instinctively formed a loose barrier, keeping Layla and me protected in the middle.

"You boys should go change," Victoria continued, eyes lingering on the triplets. "I brought ties for you that perfectly match my dress!"

"You've misunderstood," Maxwell replied politely but firmly. "This is just a working meeting about today's training, not a formal event."

Her smile froze momentarily before snapping back into place. "Stop joking! Daddy told me this is the perfect chance to practice my Luna duties. I need to learn hosting skills since I'll be your Luna soon."

I couldn't help rolling my eyes. Moon Goddess mate bonds were sacred and couldn't be faked or forced. Yet Victoria's family seemed convinced they could override these divine rules through sheer persistence.

"We've told you multiple times," Christopher's voice lost its usual playfulness. "We're not even eighteen yet. Nobody knows who our mates will be. It's the Moon Goddess's choice, not something you can just decide."

Victoria's gaze swept between us, finally landing on Layla and me. "Why are they here?" She jabbed a finger our way. "You said no extra guests! If these nobodies get invited, I definitely have more right to be here as your future Luna!"

Just as tension peaked, Luna Isabella approached from the main house, her presence immediately calming the situation.

"Kids, you're finally back!" She smiled warmly, her gaze taking us all in before settling on Victoria. "Can I help you?"

Victoria's attitude flipped instantly. "Luna Isabella, it's such an honor! My father mentioned you're hosting a Sentinel tonight. I hoped I could attend and learn some Luna duties."

Isabella's smile remained fixed, but her eyes grew sharper. "What a shame. If you'd called ahead, I could've prepared more food. Tonight is just for family and special guests. Perhaps another time."

"Victoria," she introduced herself, her smile looking increasingly forced.

"Yes, Victoria. Maybe next time." Isabella's tone was gentle but left no room for argument. "Kids, come inside now. You can clean up upstairs. Adam's eager to hear about today's training."

Victoria tried speaking again, but Isabella had already turned to lead us inside, conversation clearly over.

Once in the entrance hall, Isabella chuckled softly. "That girl's family has been grooming her as a future Luna since birth, as if mate bonds work that way!" She shook her head. "You all need showers. Girls, follow me to my bathroom. Boys, use the guest bathroom, and make it quick!"

The boys immediately headed upstairs like they'd received direct orders. Layla and I exchanged amused glances at their automatic obedience.

"Come," Isabella extended her hand. "I'll show you around before you rest. Tonight will be important."

Following her graceful steps, we took the elevator to the upper floors.

When the doors opened, I stepped into a bright, spacious area. This was the Alpha suite entrance hall - pristine white walls contrasted with dark wooden beams, and floor-to-ceiling windows offered a stunning view of Silver Pine Forest.

"The third floor is the territory of the boys. The fourth floor is Adam's and my private space," Isabella explained. "Usually only family comes up here, but today you're special guests."

I took in my surroundings, drawn to an elegant stone fireplace flanked by towering bookshelves filled with leather-bound volumes. Two oversized armchairs faced the hearth, looking incredibly comfortable. The room was decorated primarily in white with silver and light blue accents - sophisticated yet welcoming.

"It's beautiful," I said softly, attracted to the peaceful atmosphere.

Isabella smiled, placing a gentle hand on my shoulder. "I thought you might like it here. Whenever you need a quiet place to read or think, you're always welcome."

Her invitation warmed something inside me. I'd spent so long finding my own hidden sanctuaries, never expecting anyone would actually offer me shelter.

"The bathroom's through there," she pointed toward the master bedroom. "I'll find clothes for you and prepare snacks. After such intense training, you must be starving."

"I could eat a whole deer!" Layla rubbed her stomach dramatically, making us laugh.

The bathroom was stunning - walls and floors lined with pale silver marble, a huge double bathtub in one corner and a massive shower stall with multiple heads in the other.

"This bathroom's bigger than half my bedroom!" Layla exclaimed, already peeling off her sweaty clothes.

I turned away awkwardly. "I can wait until you're done."

She looked confused. "Why? There are four shower heads. We can each take a side and be done in half the time. I want to check out that fireplace before dinner."

"This feels weird," I hesitated, not used to sharing personal space.

"What's weird about it?" Layla laughed. "It's just like gym showers. Besides, Isabella and I have both seen your scars already. Don't be so uptight."

Taking a deep breath, I reluctantly agreed. She had a point - this was just practical. I removed my clothes and walked to the opposite side of the stall, keeping my back turned.

The warm water felt incredible against my tired muscles, but I rushed through washing, wanting this awkward situation over with.

"What's the hurry?" Layla asked. "You're scrubbing like you're racing against the clock."