Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 41

**Briony's POV**

"My little warrior!" Noah spun me around. "You were freaking amazing out there!"

He barely set me down before Ethan grabbed me next, his face split with that signature grin of his.

"Watching you boss around those grown warriors was insane!" he exclaimed. "Total genius move!"

"It wasn't that big a deal," I said, even as warmth spread through me at their genuine praise. "Just basic tactics."

"There you go again," Ethan said, releasing me with a shake of his head. "Always downplaying how badass you are."

I walked toward the triplets, taking in their expressions. "Honestly, all I need right now is a hot shower and sleep. I barely slept last night in that new room."

"Whatever you want, Lightning," Maxwell said softly. "It's your victory. You call the shots."

"Isabella's waiting for us," Christopher extended his hand, which I took without thinking.

As we walked along the path toward the lodge, Benjamin said. "That two-meter-tall guy almost had you. Nearly gave me a heart attack."

"Ben, she's stronger than all of us," Noah laughed, clapping his shoulder. "Just comes in a smaller package."

When we reached the lodge, Luna Isabella was waiting at the door, arms crossed. Her expression mixed pride with concern and a hint of annoyance. She reached out, gently cupping my face.

"Watching you fight those trained warriors was more stressful than I expected," she said quietly. "And you have to do it all again tomorrow. It breaks my heart."

I hugged her impulsively, burying my face against her shoulder.

"I need a shower," I mumbled, not wanting her to see the tears threatening to spill. "I'm covered in grime."

"Of course, dear," she stroked my back. "Dinner downstairs or would you rather rest upstairs?"

"Upstairs, if that's okay," I pulled back. "I don't want to seem rude to Alpha Nathan by being half-asleep."

"He'll understand perfectly," Isabella smiled, a mischievous gleam in her eyes. "Would you mind if Derek joins you all? He seems bored with all the serious adult talk."

"Sure, no problem!" I said instantly, then heard several low growls from the boys behind me. I turned to glare at them. "He can hang out with us in the entertainment room."

"I'll have kitchen prepare something substantial," Isabella said, her eyes sweeping over the boys with their suddenly rigid postures. "That should give you time to shower and change. Maybe enough time for certain individuals to overcome their caveman instincts."

"She's not your territory, and she doesn't need you growling every time a boy approaches. Save that behavior for your future mates, Goddess help them."

With that, she turned and left, leaving several embarrassed-looking boys behind.

I couldn't help laughing as I headed upstairs with Layla following close behind.

"You were incredible out there," Layla said at the bathroom door, handing me towels. "Those warriors were like twice your age, but they followed your orders without question."

"Honestly," I said, "I had no clue what I was doing. I just... reacted."

I showered quickly, afraid I might fall asleep under the warm water. When I came out wrapped in a towel, Layla had laid out comfortable clothes.

"Hours of non-stop fighting," I said, drying my hair. "I've trained that long before, but this was totally different. Trusting strangers, fighting equals, making split-second decisions. But weirdly, I've never felt so... free. Like I could just be me."

Layla looked at me knowingly. "Because in that arena, you were just a warrior, a leader. Not the Beta's daughter or the 'problem girl.' Just you."

A knock interrupted us.

"Coming in whether you're decent or not!" Ethan announced, barging in and dramatically flopping onto my bed. "So what are you ladies gossiping about? It's about me, right? Even if it's not, just lie and say it is."

We both burst out laughing at his ridiculousness.

"Seriously though," he sat up, suddenly more serious, "your fan club is assembled outside. They've been arguing for like thirty minutes about who gets to escort you. Max nearly had to pull rank to shut them up."

"What fan club?" I rolled my eyes, grabbing another towel. "Don't exaggerate."

"See for yourself," he smiled mysteriously, nodding toward the door. "I've never seen those three fight over anyone like this before."

The entertainment room had been transformed, with couches arranged around a table loaded with food - everything from grilled meats to sides and drinks.

"It's official - you're her favorite," Noah teased as I sat down. "The rest of us might as well not exist."

"Don't be stupid, this isn't just for me," I settled into a corner of the couch, grabbing a piece of meat. "I'm just the hungriest."

"Not even close," Christopher said from his spot by the bar, Prince Derek awkwardly standing beside him. "If we'd done twice what you did, Mom would've sent up, at most, a plate of sandwiches if we were too lazy to come downstairs."

"Derek, come sit by me," I patted the cushion next to me. "You've gotta tell me the inside scoop on these selection tests so I can prep for tomorrow."

I caught Layla's approving wink. Time to teach these boys some manners - they couldn't treat me like property.

Derek sat down to my left, Layla on my right. The boys looked tense but at least weren't making a scene. Derek wisely kept a proper distance, unlike certain people who constantly needed to be draped all over me.

Conversation started awkwardly but eased as we ate and laughed. Derek turned out to be a blend of Christopher's charm and Ethan's humor, but with Maxwell's leadership qualities.

After dinner, the boys cleared the table and left everything in the hall for staff. They rearranged the couches. Christopher quickly wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me to the center couch. Noah sat beside me, and everyone else found spots.

Christopher had just opened his mouth to speak when my head dropped against his shoulder, my eyes closing against my will. The day's fighting had finally drained my last bit of energy, and I fell into a deep sleep.

---

I woke to a gentle knock and the smell of food. Luna Isabella entered carrying a tray of breakfast, smiling down at me.

"Morning, dear. You look like you slept well," she said. "I brought you breakfast for today's challenges."

"Thank you," I sat up, realizing I was in my own room with Layla stirring beside me. "This looks amazing."

"Better eat before those boys smell food and come barging in," Isabella laughed. "I don't normally deliver breakfast to their rooms, even when they beg."

"They mentioned that," Layla yawned. "Said Bri was your favorite, and whined about it."

Isabella just smiled before heading to the door. "It's about seven now, so you have an hour before you need to leave. I know you like getting to training early."

"Wait," I called after her. "How did I get back here? Last I remember, I was in the entertainment room."