Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 39

**Briony's POV**

"Yes, I am." I met Derek's gaze directly. "I might not be old enough to join yet, but it's good experience."

"I'm not sure I can bear to watch," Derek said, his face paling slightly.

"Enough, Derek," Alpha Nathan shot his son a warning look. "No special treatment or hints." He winked at me, suggesting something I couldn't quite decipher.

The conversation killed my appetite, but I forced myself to eat anyway. Who knew how long the tests would last?

At nine, I stood up. "I can't wait any longer. I know Griffin said not to arrive before nine-thirty, but I really can't sit still."

I'd barely taken a few steps when I felt myself being lifted onto someone's shoulder. The honey scent told me it was Benjamin.

**Benjamin's POV**

When I saw Briony crawling out from between Maxwell and Christopher this morning, I felt jealous.

I've always slept alone. My nightly meditation needed complete silence and those herbs that help me stay balanced. Max and Chris never got it; they've shared space since we were kids.

But seeing Briony emerge from between them, cheeks flushed - I regretted my habit for the first time.

So when she headed for the training grounds alone, I acted on instinct. Before she could react, I had her on my shoulder.

"You didn't think we'd let you face this alone, did you?" My voice came out deep.

"Could you at least carry me normally?" she protested, though I heard laughter in her voice.

"You can climb on my back," I offered. "But you have to come with me. Max and Chris already had you all night."

**Briony's POV**

Benjamin's words stunned me. He set me down, and I climbed onto his back. My legs were too short to wrap around his waist, so he supported my thighs. I wrapped my arms around his neck, resting my chin on his shoulder.

"Are you really jealous?" I turned to catch his expression.

His face remained blank, but he glanced at me, green eyes direct. "Maybe I am."

The others followed behind, giving us space.

"Look, I don't fully get what's happening," he said softly. "But we're all drawn to you. Not just me. I like having you around, like touching you, but it's not exactly normal attraction."

He paused. "It's stronger than friendship, but Maxwell, Christopher, and I feel it differently. You bring peace to my mind. This morning, when I thought you'd left, I nearly panicked. When I found you in their room, I wished you'd come to me too."

I held my breath, shocked at hearing Benjamin say so much at once.

"I'm not sure how to handle this," he continued, voice rough. "But we all need you. You have reasons to want to leave - I get that. I hope someday you'll trust us with your story. But thinking of you leaving makes us crazy. So you'll have to deal with our possessiveness."

With that, he faced forward again, as if confessing had been casual conversation. I'd never had anyone be so honest with me before.

I hugged his neck tighter, breathing in that honey scent. As we approached the training ground, my nerves finally settled.

"Thanks for telling me," I said quietly. He trembled slightly but said nothing.

"Alright, lovebirds," Ethan bounced up beside us. "Time to cheer for our little warrior!"

I slid down, hugging Ethan, who kissed my forehead. Noah approached for his hug too. Then Benjamin, squeezing harder than usual. Layla put her arm around me.

"I have so many questions," she whispered, "but focus now. Beat everyone like always. We'll talk later."

I nodded, turning to Maxwell and Christopher. Like last night, they sandwiched me between them - Maxwell in front, Christopher behind. Their hands stayed in their pockets, avoiding touching me.

Maxwell leaned down to my ear. "Be proud, Lightning. We've got your back." His cheek brushed mine, his nose sliding along my ear, sending a shiver through me.

"Show 'em what you're made of, shorty," Christopher flashed his brilliant smile. "Can't wait to see you wipe the floor with everyone." He mimicked Maxwell's gesture, brushing his cheek against mine - distinctly territorial.

They walked me to the arena entrance where guards were registering participants. A grating voice shattered my calm.

"Hey boys! I knew you'd be waiting for me!" Victoria's high-pitched tone hit like nails on a chalkboard.

"Victoria, not now," Layla said coldly. "Go find your minions elsewhere. Today's important for Briony."

"How dare you speak to your future Luna like that!" Victoria shrieked. "Maxwell, Christopher, tell her I should sit with you. As your future mates, we should show unity!"

She flipped her fake silver-blonde hair dramatically.

"Listen up," Layla's voice dropped. "My status is way above yours. You're just riding coattails. Leave before I call guards." She winked at me over Victoria's shoulder.

My friends? When had I started thinking of them as mine? But they were, weren't they? Maxwell and Christopher implied it last night, and Benjamin outright said it. The realization brought a sense of belonging I'd never felt before.

Griffin appeared from the entrance, smiling when he saw me.

"Well, I'm shocked," he teased. "Thought you'd be here before dawn. Finally learned some control?"

I snorted. "Didn't have much choice. They basically forced me to stay in bed."

"Come register." He handed me a form asking for basic information.

At ten sharp, participants began arriving - nearly a hundred warriors of different ages. After registration, we split into groups: high schoolers, wolves between 20-30, and adults over 30. I was glad they didn't separate by gender.

"Now that grouping's complete," Sentinel Instructor Conrad announced, his voice firm, "we'll take you to your areas. You'll be randomly paired for tests: one-on-one combat, two-against-one scenarios, and mixed human versus wolf battles."

He scanned the arena with hawk-like eyes. "We're assessing multiple factors, especially how you handle disadvantages and pressure. After the first round, we'll regroup, make our first cut, then begin the real challenge - tests you can't prepare for."

Someone raised his hand. "When are meal breaks?"

Conrad's expression cooled instantly. "There are no breaks. This isn't summer camp - it's war simulation. If you're not mentally ready, the audience entrance is right there." He turned and left.

Murmurs spread among participants. I'd expected this - Sentinels don't get days off.

I glanced toward the stands. The VIP section was separated from regular seating by a low wall. The Alphas and Lunas sat in the top row with guards behind them.

My friends were at the very front, cheering enthusiastically. Ethan's voice carried above the others: "Go Little Lightning!" Victoria had somehow wedged herself just in front of the triplets, trying to look like she belonged with them.

My first opponent was a guy built like Benjamin but bulkier, maybe a few years older. He greeted me with a friendly smile, but I just nodded and moved to my side of the combat circle. I wasn't here to make friends - I wanted to test my limits.

A deep horn sounded across the arena, and everything became clear and focused.