Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 33

**Briony's POV**

"It's not anger, Ben," I said, meeting his gaze. "It's disappointment. You thought you knew what I needed without asking me."

The table went quiet. Christopher bit his lip, Maxwell frowned, and Benjamin's face stayed blank. Noah stared down, tapping his fingers like he always did when guilty.

"You don't get it," I sighed. "I'm not used to people caring about me. I don't know how to handle it, and I'm not convinced you'll still care tomorrow."

"Bri - " Maxwell started.

"Let me finish." I raised my hand. "I need space. My life has been different from yours. I appreciate what you're trying to do, but forcing good intentions on someone is just another form of control."

I grabbed my backpack and stood. "It's late now."

Outside, the cool air felt good on my face. I took a deep breath, trying to calm the mix of emotions swirling inside me. Caring about people was complicated - especially when I wasn't sure how long it would last.

Layla joined me moments later. "They need time to process. But now they know you're not some damsel who needs rescuing."

I smiled slightly. "Never wanted to be rescued anyway."

School was buzzing with excitement. Students clustered in hallways, whispering eagerly to each other.

"What's going on?" I asked Layla.

Before she could answer, Victoria's voice cut through the noise.

"Future Alphas!" She ran toward the triplets in her purple mini-skirt. "There'll be VIPs at the Sentinel selection! The Alpha King himself is coming!"

She grabbed Maxwell's arm. "You three will be the center of attention! What an opportunity!"

She suddenly kissed Maxwell's cheek. He froze completely, looking like he'd rather be anywhere else.

"If that's true," Christopher said, stepping back, "our father will tell us. Now, excuse us."

As he turned away, Christopher caught my eye with a quick apologetic glance that made my stomach do a weird flip.

Tuesday and Wednesday blurred together in a haze of intense training. By Wednesday noon, even the strongest students were dragging themselves between sessions. The school canceled afternoon classes for selection preparation, giving Victoria's rumor some weight.

Despite my earlier frustration with them, I noticed the guys and Layla stuck with me through every training session. Their silent support made me feel both confused and comforted.

At lunch, we sat at Wolf's Corner. Rosa gave me extra fries and a free milkshake, making Ethan dramatically pout.

"About the ball," Noah said through a mouthful of burger. "We need to figure this out."

"Which one?" I asked.

"Spring Ball," he sighed. "Chloe and Zoey won't stop texting me about it."

"'Them,' plural?" Ethan wiggled his eyebrows. "Two at once?"

"Not like that!" Noah's face reddened. "They're messaging separately, pretending the other doesn't exist."

"Because it's about competition," Layla explained. "Each wants to claim you first."

"We need to go together," Noah insisted. "With the Mating Ball coming up, it's the perfect excuse to turn them down."

"What about Victoria?" Layla asked the triplets. "She must be after you guys too."

"She tried," Christopher said. "I told her we were planning to invite Briony."

"What?" I nearly choked. "You said what?"

"Don't worry," he leaned forward. "Friends go to things together. That's normal, right?"

"You know Victoria," Layla said seriously. "This just painted a bigger target on Bri's back."

"Briony's beaten almost every warrior in training," Maxwell said firmly. "And she won't be alone anymore."

I stayed quiet, my mind racing. They didn't understand Victoria's methods. She never did her dirty work directly. She wove traps that caught people when they least expected it. She might not hurt me in front of the triplets, but that wouldn't stop her from working in the shadows.

"About Spring Ball," Benjamin spoke up. "All seven of us are going together. Anyone asks, the answer is 'already have plans.'" His tone left no room for argument.

Looking at their determined faces, I felt something soften inside me. Maybe they were trying their best with the only tools they knew. Maybe I needed to give them a chance to learn.

"Fine," I agreed. "But I'm not wearing heels or spending hours on makeup."

Layla protested dramatically while the boys laughed.

After classes, restlessness crawled under my skin like electricity. My muscles felt tight with pent-up energy that needed release.

"I'm going to Silver Pines," I told Layla. "I need to run."

"You sure?" She looked concerned. "Things have been weird lately."

"I need this like I need to breathe."

She nodded. "Be careful. If you're not back by sunset, I'm sending a search party."

In the forest, I started with a slow jog. As my blood pumped faster, the restlessness grew stronger, pushing me to move faster.

*Want to talk about it?* my wolf asked gently.

*Not now. I just want to run until I can't feel anything.*

*Then run, child. I'm right here with you.*

I broke into a sprint, jumping logs and dodging bushes. The wind rushed in my ears, drowning out my thoughts. After a while, I realized I wasn't alone.

Benjamin ran a few steps behind me. He didn't speak, just matched my pace. Soon Christopher appeared on my left, while Maxwell moved through the trees on my right.

Strangely, I didn't mind their presence. They kept their distance, offering support without intruding.

Benjamin sped up to run beside me. "Not bothering you. Just running together."

I nodded and kept going. The feeling was odd - both familiar and foreign. I was used to being alone, but this silent companionship felt oddly right.

When I finally slowed down, we reached a small clearing. No one spoke, just our steadying breaths filled the silence.

Noah handed me water, and Ethan draped his jacket over my shoulders. These small gestures made my throat tight with emotion I couldn't name.

Maybe this was friendship - understanding without words, not demanding perfection, just offering sincerity.

"Better?" Layla asked, sitting beside me.

I nodded with a genuine smile. "Much better."

"Good," she patted my shoulder, "because I'm starving. You little monster made us chase you for two hours!"