Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 50

**Briony's POV**

I'm not sure what possessed me, but something about running with Layla under the bright sunshine felt like pure freedom. For a few moments, all the darkness hanging over us disappeared.

We sprinted across the lawn, checking over our shoulders to see if the guys were following. They trailed behind at a respectable distance, clearly letting us have our moment even though they could've caught us in seconds.

"Slow down!" Layla gasped between breaths. "Not everyone has your crazy stamina!"

"Too bad!" I called back, letting go of her hand to sprint ahead. "Last one to the lodge does everyone's dishes tonight!"

I was laughing as I raced up the steps, turning back to confirm the boys were still hanging back when I slammed into someone standing in the doorway. We both tumbled to the ground in a heap.

"Watch where you're going!" Victoria's angry voice cut through my momentary happiness. "This isn't some playground for you to run wild in!"

I stood up, brushing dirt off my clothes. "Sorry, didn't see you there."

"Of course not," she sneered, straightening her dress. "You never notice anyone else, do you? Just wrapped up in your own little world."

"Why are you even still here?" I asked. "I thought all the guests had left."

"I had to come back," she announced loudly, clearly performing for everyone approaching. "As a board member's daughter, I have responsibilities." Her eyes narrowed. "Plus, I was curious why you suddenly have a room on the third floor, wearing their clothes and covered in their scents."

She took an exaggerated sniff. "The only way someone like you climbs this high is on your back. One at a time, or do you take them all together? Does your boyfriend mind?"

"What boyfriend?" I blinked, completely thrown by her disgusting implication.

"Interesting question," Benjamin said from behind me, his voice deceptively calm. "When did Briony get a boyfriend? Where'd you hear that?"

Victoria's smug smile told me she thought she'd succeeded in causing trouble.

"The source is Victoria's imagination," I said flatly. "She's always making up lies to mess with my friendships. This time she's going for my reputation."

"That's enough," Ethan stepped forward, unusually serious. "Your visit's over, Victoria. Thanks for the gossip update. If your room reservation's expired, I'm sure you know where the door is."

He positioned himself between us as the other guys formed a protective circle. Ethan gently guided me toward the lodge while Layla shut the door in Victoria's face.

"We need to find that girl a hobby," Layla muttered. "Her obsession with you is getting weird."

"You okay?" Maxwell asked quietly.

"I'm fine," I shrugged. "Can we talk about dinner? I'm starving after that run."

Food was always the perfect distraction with these guys. When we reached the kitchen, Dora - an Omega who'd worked here forever - had already prepared a plate for me with sandwiches, fruit, veggies, and water.

"Thanks, Dora," I said, surprised. "How'd you know I'd need this?"

"You always come by after training," she smiled like it was obvious. "Someone's gotta make sure you're eating enough, especially with these boys around."

I gave her a quick hug before grabbing my plate.

"What about us?" Christopher asked with puppy-dog eyes. "We're dying here too!"

"Refrigerator and cupboards are fully stocked," Dora replied without looking up. "Layla's plate is there. You big boys can handle yourselves."

"That's not fair," Ethan whined dramatically. "Why do they get special treatment?"

"Because they clean up their messes," Dora shot back. "Unlike some people who expect others to pick up after them. Help yourself - I believe in you."

Layla and I exchanged grins as we headed upstairs to tackle homework. Despite missing just a week of school, I felt behind. I liked staying ahead - it gave me control when everything else felt chaotic.

After finishing assignments, we wandered outside to enjoy the sunset. Layla dozed beside me in the hammock while I lost myself in a book, but one thought kept circling in my mind.

"When are you actually leaving?" I asked suddenly. "Everyone's going away - all the guys to summer training, you back to your original pack... I'll be alone again."

Layla hesitated before answering softly, "Nothing's final yet. They say we need to go, but I want to stay too."

"In the end, I'll be left alone," I sighed. "Everyone always leaves."

"Don't think like that," she squeezed my hand. "Besides, maybe you could apply for early Sentinel training?"

"True. Then I could come to your territory, start fresh somewhere new."

Benjamin materialized from the bushes, causing our hammock to sway. "Stop talking about leaving, shorty," he said, his tone light but eyes serious. "That kind of talk makes my wolf nervous."

He pretended to lose his balance, half-falling onto the hammock and nearly flipping us over.

"Watch it!" I yelped, grabbing the sides as Benjamin steadied us.

"What brings you here?" Layla asked. "You've been extra attentive to Bri today."

"She almost suffocated yesterday," he shrugged. "Seems like a good reason."

He turned to me, expression suddenly serious. "Alpha wants to see you. Alone. Says it's important."

My stomach tightened. "Why? Did something happen?"

"He didn't say," Benjamin shook his head. "Just asked me to bring you to his office."

"Alright," I stood up reluctantly. "Layla, I'll be back soon. Where's Ethan? You won't be alone, right?"

"Her white knight has arrived!" Ethan called, appearing with an exaggerated bow. "May I have the honor of your company, beautiful lady?"

"But of course, good sir," Layla played along, laughing.

"Let's go before the theater performance starts," Benjamin murmured, guiding me toward the lodge.

"Don't mess up my hammock!" I called over my shoulder, receiving only laughter in response.

"Why so nervous?" Benjamin asked as we walked. "Dad's not the type to call you without reason."

"With everything that's happened lately, being summoned alone doesn't sound like good news," I admitted.

He wrapped an arm around my shoulders. "Whatever it is, we're with you. Don't worry."

Inside Adam's office, I found him sitting alone behind his desk. I'd expected Luna Isabella to be there too, which made me even more anxious.

"Briony, please sit," he gestured to a chair. "Benjamin, wait outside. This won't take long."

I watched Benjamin leave before turning back nervously. "Have I done something wrong, Alpha Adam?"