Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 46

**Briony's POV**

I hugged Layla a bit longer than necessary, whispering, "Have fun. My room's always open if you want to crash."

"Does that invitation apply to all of us?" Ethan butted in, eyebrows dancing suggestively.

I shot him a look. "What do you think?"

He clutched his chest, staggering backward. "Shot down! Guys, did you see that? So cold!"

"Give it a rest, Ethan," Maxwell said, his mouth twitching despite his stern tone.

"I'll walk you up," Benjamin said from behind me, his voice unexpectedly soft.

I turned, raising an eyebrow. "Seriously? After I just held my own against elite fighters, you think I can't handle stairs?"

Benjamin stepped closer, his gold-flecked green eyes unusually intense. "I know you can handle yourself," he said quietly. "But after that guy earlier... my wolf's been pacing like crazy. Just let me do this one thing, okay?"

Something in his voice made it impossible to refuse. "Fine," I sighed. "Your protective instincts are working overtime."

"Only with you," he murmured, placing his hand lightly on my shoulder.

We walked in comfortable silence. Halfway to the second floor, I asked, "Is your wolf always this restless?"

He thought for a moment. "Only around you, Bri. Since you came into our lives, it's been... different. Never felt anything like it."

"I get that," I admitted. "You have this weird calming effect on me too. Like an anchor when everything's spinning."

He smiled then - a real, genuine smile that transformed his whole face.

"Wow," I blurted without thinking. "Whoever ends up with you is going to be so jealous."

His eyebrows knitted together. "Of what?"

"That smile," I pointed at his face. "It's deadly. Your brooding thing is already working for you, but when you smile? Game over."

His smile widened, lighting up his entire face. We reached my door as he nudged my shoulder. "Stop it, or my ego won't fit through the doorway."

"I'm dead serious," I teased. "Try smiling at Luna Isabella sometime. Watch what happens."

At my door, I looked up at him. "Thanks for the escort. Hope your wolf chills out now." I stood on tiptoes to hug him, wrapping my arms around his waist. Even through his clothes, he radiated heat like a furnace. "You're a great friend. Like another brother."

His arms tightened around me as he whispered, "Thanks, Bri. That means a lot." When he stepped back, he seemed to be waiting for something.

"Night, Ben," I smiled before closing the door. I didn't bother changing, just face-planted onto the bed and was out within seconds.

I woke to unusual warmth surrounding me. Struggling to open my eyes, I found myself trapped in a human cage. Maxwell's face was inches from mine, his breath warm on my cheek. Another body pressed against my back.

"Stop squirming," Maxwell mumbled, voice rough with sleep. "It's too early."

"I need to pee, and you two are making that impossible," I whispered, trying to sound casual despite my racing heart.

"I could show you what 'impossible' really means," Christopher teased from behind, his voice husky.

"Guys, come on," I sighed. "Let me up. I promise I'll come back, but I really need the bathroom."

"Three minutes," Maxwell said, releasing his hold. "Any longer and we're coming to find you."

I wriggled free and carefully climbed over Maxwell, only to step on something solid that definitely wasn't the floor. I lost my balance, falling straight onto Benjamin's chest.

"What the - ?" he grunted, hands steadying me. He was instantly alert. "You okay?"

"Why are you on my bedroom floor?" I asked, confused.

He closed his eyes with a sigh. "Bed was too crowded. Couldn't sleep anyway. Felt wrong until I was here, close to you."

"What?"

He wrapped an arm around my waist, pretending to roll over. "Tired of those two already? Coming to give me special attention?"

"Bathroom. Seriously." I escaped his grasp, nearly tripping over Noah at the foot of the bed. Ethan and Layla were curled up by the fireplace, sound asleep.

"What is happening?" I whispered. "Why is everyone in my room?" But they just kept sleeping like this was perfectly normal.

After using the bathroom, I found myself wide awake and hungry. I grabbed Maxwell's hoodie off the floor and slipped out quietly.

The hallway was eerily silent, all doors firmly shut. Unusual - the boys never closed their doors unless they were inside. Same with the guest rooms on the second floor. The whole lodge felt weirdly still.

When I reached the first floor, a huge Sentinel blocked my path. I recognized him from yesterday's final selection.

"We're under lockdown. Please return to your room," he said firmly.

"I just wanted food," I replied, curiosity growing. "What's going on?"

"We're under lockdown," he repeated mechanically.

"When did this start? I went to bed while the party was still going."

He looked me up and down suspiciously. "You live here? Not a restricted guest?"

"Yes, third floor," I crossed my arms, making it clear I wasn't leaving easily.

"Alpha King has ordered everyone to remain in designated locations until further notice. Please return to your room."

"Could I at least get something to eat? Yesterday drained me, and I'm starving."

"I'll see what I can do. Go upstairs first." His tone softened slightly.

"Thanks...?"

"Taric," he nodded. "Upstairs now, little one. Not safe out here," he added quietly.

Just then, a grating voice came from the stairway: "Why does she get to walk around while we're stuck in our rooms? That's not fair!"

Taric and I exchanged a look, and he subtly rolled his eyes. I couldn't help smiling. Based on his expression, he'd been dealing with Victoria all night.

"Child," his voice turned cold, "Alpha King has commanded everyone to remain in place. The lockdown will lift when possible."

"If she's allowed here, so am I!" Victoria stomped down the stairs.

Perfect opportunity to redirect her. "I was just discussing yesterday's selection with Warrior Taric since I can't reach him through mind link. Now I'm heading back to wake those boys - they're all still passed out. Last night's party must've been wild after I left." I winked at Taric, who seemed surprised but quickly played along.

"Briony," he said almost friendly, "find me before we leave. I'd like to continue our discussion." His cheek twitched like he was holding back a smile.

Wait - how did he know my name? He wasn't at registration, and instructors barely used names during selection.

I nodded and turned toward the stairs.

Behind me, Victoria's voice rose shrilly: "Wait, you live with the triplets?"