Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 37

**Briony's POV**

Conrad quickly arranged tableware on the table, creating a makeshift terrain map. He positioned glasses, napkins, salt shakers, and his phone to construct a mock landscape. Silver napkin rings formed a circle in the center, representing the "core area."

"Here's our simulated terrain," he explained. "East is forest, west has rivers, south shows plains with outposts, and north is mountains. The core area needs constant protection. How would you defend it?"

I studied his improvised map, realizing this wasn't just a theoretical exercise.

"I'd need to know about available manpower and tech first," I said. "Different resources would change the whole approach."

"Assume sufficient people, medium technology," Conrad replied. "Distribution is up to you."

I took a deep breath, my mind racing. "I'd create four defense layers: perimeter monitoring, intermediate patrols, close security, and core defense. For the eastern forest, we need sonic and heat sensors. Trees block sight lines, but sounds and scents travel well there."

"The western river looks like a barrier but it's actually vulnerable. Water dilutes scents and masks sounds. I'd increase monitoring upstream and at crossings. The southern outposts should have overlapping visibility. Each needs static observers and mobile response teams."

"The northern mountains are most complex and perfect for sneaking in. I'd place hidden observation points at ridges and passages, with pressure and vibration sensors to detect movement."

I paused for water, noticing their surprised expressions. I shrugged and continued.

"The core area needs multiple systems. First, hidden outer sensors, then physical barriers, and finally guards. Communications should be encrypted with backups."

When I finished, Conrad, Alpha King Nathan, and Alpha Adam were all staring at me with obvious respect.

"I'm curious," Alpha King Nathan said slowly. "You've never had formal defense training, yet you provide such thorough analysis. How did you develop this thinking?"

"Just observation, I guess," I answered carefully. "During my morning runs, I notice details, and I'm always thinking about how to protect myself and others."

The Alpha King nodded, then asked, "If you suddenly faced a powerful enemy during a mission, what would be your first reaction?"

"Assess the threat and my condition, then decide whether to fight or run," I answered immediately. "If running makes sense, I'd find the best escape route and leave distractions. If fighting's necessary, I'd use terrain advantages. Either way, the mission objective stays priority one."

"What if you're protecting an injured Luna, and you're heavily outnumbered?" he pressed.

"Have her hide her aura," I replied without hesitation. "Use terrain and weather to mask our trail. If possible, send the fastest warrior for help while the rest build defenses. If discovered, I'd create decoys and traps to give the Luna a chance to escape."

Alpha King Nathan nodded slightly.

"You think like a Sentinel," Conrad said, "not just fighting skills, but comprehensive analysis and adaptation."

"Thanks," I said quietly.

"This has been enlightening," Alpha King Nathan stood up, signaling the end of our gathering, "but it's late, and these young people have important tests tomorrow." He gave me a small nod of approval.

As I began to stand, Prince Derek appeared at my side. "Briony, after the selection test tomorrow, I'd like to ask you to - "

"She already has plans," Maxwell cut in from behind me, his hand resting lightly on my shoulder. "Goodnight."

His move was smooth but firm, blocking Derek from finishing his invitation. Maxwell guided me and the others out of the terrace.

As we passed through the kitchen, I caught Alpha Nathan saying quietly, "Do the boys always circle her like that? Like satellites around a planet."

"Yes, and it's becoming more obvious..." Alpha Adam's voice faded as we headed toward the stairs.

Maxwell held my hand the whole time, his grip gentle but unmistakably possessive. When we reached the third-floor hallway, Derek somehow caught up with us.

"Hey, Briony," he called, "may I walk you to your room?"

"Her room is on this floor," Christopher jumped in, practically positioning himself between us, "right next to our suite."

"I see," Derek nodded, either oblivious to the tension or deliberately ignoring it. "Who will you be watching the selection with tomorrow? I'd be happy to explain some details."

"Chill out, Chris," I whispered to the clearly bristling triplet beside me, then turned to Derek. "Actually, I won't be in the audience."

Seeing his confusion, I added, "I'm participating in the selection test, not watching from the stands."

"But I'll see you at breakfast tomorrow morning. Goodnight, Prince Derek," I said, then turned toward the stairs.

Christopher opened the door, and we filed up one by one.

"God, I'm dead tired," Ethan groaned. "What time do we need to be at the training ground?"

"Warriors gather at ten, selection starts at noon," Maxwell answered. "Bri, Griffin specifically said you can't show up before nine-thirty. No matter how early you wake up, you need to actually rest. No early training." His tone was unusually serious.

"What if I wake up at four like usual?" I half-joked. "You can't expect me to sit around waiting for you lazy bums to crawl out of bed."

"Then come find any of us," Benjamin moved closer. "We'll find ways to make you fall back asleep."

"Since Briony has her own room now," Maxwell announced, "tonight's plan is: Chris and I share my room, Ben gets his own room, Ethan and Noah take the couches, and Layla decides for herself."

"Wait, what about Chris's room?" I asked.

"We usually stay together," Maxwell and Christopher said almost in unison.

"Been that way forever," Christopher added. "Even after we got our own rooms, we rarely sleep apart." That explained why I slept so well in Christopher's room - that bed was clearly used to holding more than one person.

"Only Benjamin is the odd one," Maxwell glanced at his brother, a teasing smile appearing. "He insisted on his own space since we were kids, because his meditation rituals are unbearable. Fifteen minutes of total silence, plus those weird-smelling herbs."

Benjamin shrugged. "Mental balance requires proper environment preparation. Not everyone understands that."

"Alright, goodnight everyone," I turned toward my door, suddenly feeling the day's exhaustion. "Layla, I'll wait for you."

"Hold up, Little Lightning." Noah hugged me from behind, planting a kiss on top of my head. Ethan moved in too, dramatically kissing my cheek. Layla laughed as she pushed open my door, heading in ahead of me.

"They can't stand being away from you for even a minute, can they?" she teased, looking back. "I'll go change first. You take your time with these clingy guys."

Noah and Ethan headed to their temporary sleeping area. I turned to face the three remaining figures in the hallway - the triplets standing side by side, shirts slightly rumpled, hands in pockets, expressions somewhere between sleepy and expectant. There was something weirdly harmonious about them standing there together.

I took a deep breath, waiting for them to speak or move. But they just stood there silently, their gazes filled with emotions I couldn't quite read. Since they were breaking their usual pattern of maintaining a careful distance, but now seemed stuck in hesitation, maybe I could push them a little?

"What's wrong? Don't the future Alphas want to kiss me goodnight? I'm a little disappointed."