Scarred Wolf Queen Chapter 98

**Briony's POV**

"Did I cross a line?" I asked, wiping sweat from my forehead. "That girl was just so pushy."

Derek pulled me into a casual hug, both of us still warm from our run. "You didn't cross anything, but do you realize what you implied?"

"In theory, sure," I laughed awkwardly, "but practically speaking, I'm clueless about this stuff."

He stepped back, studying my face. "Sometimes I forget how young you are. You've dealt with more than most adults, but you're still innocent about normal relationships."

"Holy crap, I never noticed!" Rowan's eyes widened. "You talk like a veteran commander in those meetings, but you're only sixteen? You haven't even had your first real kiss, have you?"

I noticed Derek tense up, his breathing changing as he waited for my answer.

"Nothing romantically meaningful," I admitted. "Just forehead or cheek stuff like Derek does - basically brotherly." I bit my lip. "Until last year, nobody approached me. Victoria made sure anyone who tried being my friend became her next target. It wasn't until Layla showed up that Noah and the others actually noticed me. Everything I know about dating comes from watching them."

"You really should tell me who this girl is," Derek growled softly, his face in my hair. "The more I hear, the more I want to deal with her personally. You're not my mate, but your scent calms me like Rowan's does. That's super rare."

"Way to change the subject," I said, still in his arms with my heart racing.

"For real," Rowan agreed. "I noticed it last night too with that elder. Being near you clears my head, but you're definitely not our mate. It's weird."

"Must be one of those bloodline gifts," Derek mused. "I should ask my father about it. This doesn't make sense - usually only a mate's scent has that effect."

The elevator doors opened at our floor.

"Get ready in my room this morning," Derek suddenly suggested.

"What? Why?" Rowan and I asked together.

"That crowd downstairs is already stirring, especially after your little showdown. Having you close would make me feel better."

Rowan's expression shifted. After our earlier conversation, this could be awkward.

"How about I promise not to leave until you come get me?" I pleaded. "I feel weird invading your space. You do your thing, text me when you're ready, and I won't open the door for anybody."

"Oh, he'll definitely come for you himself," Rowan muttered, making my cheeks burn. I pretended not to hear him.

"I wish your dad would give me that Sentinel mark already so I could use mind links," I said, rubbing my temples as I walked to my room. "Take your time. I swear I won't step outside."

I winked at them and slipped into my room, locking the door before they could object.

Alone with my thoughts, I wondered who my mate might be. The faces that came to mind were all familiar ones from Polaris City. Noah was my brother, obviously impossible; Ethan clearly had feelings for Layla. But Benjamin, Maxwell, and Christopher... as I stripped off my sweaty clothes and stepped into the shower, their images took turns in my mind. If the Moon Goddess really gave me a choice, how would I decide?

Each protected me in their own way, making me feel valued. What would it be like with any of them? Under the warm water, this question became increasingly distracting.

Maxwell, the steadiest brother. Those deep green eyes always showing wisdom and determination, shoulders broad enough to carry any burden. He thought through everything, catching every detail, with natural leadership no one could match.

Christopher was totally different, with unmatched charm. Those blue-green eyes seemed to read the heart's deepest secrets with warm understanding. His touch always gentle and thoughtful, like he sensed what I needed before I knew myself.

Then Benjamin, mysterious and intense. His gold-green eyes sharp enough to cut through any disguise, speaking rarely but always meaningfully. His protective instincts were strongest, that contradiction of wildness and tenderness fascinating me.

Water ran down my skin as my mind wandered further. Imagining Maxwell before me, Christopher behind, and Benjamin watching from the side, my breathing quickened. Maxwell's hand on my cheek, Christopher's lips on my shoulder, while Benjamin observed with that intense focus - this fantasy made me tremble.

When the feeling peaked, I bit my lip to stay quiet. This entirely new sensation shot through me like electricity, leaving me breathless against the wall. Was this what the Moon Goddess wanted us to experience? This intense feeling of being desired?

Coming back to reality, I quickly turned off the water. Realizing how long I'd been in there, I hurriedly dressed, not wanting to keep Derek and Rowan waiting.

They showed up thirty minutes late.

"Sorry about that," Rowan explained awkwardly. "Some things we couldn't control. When you find your mate, you'll get it. That pull is pretty much impossible to fight."

Seeing his embarrassment, I laughed, though I still felt a blush on my face. "When I find mine, I'll definitely ask for tips."

I meant it as a joke, but Derek turned to stare at me while Rowan wore a mischievous smile behind him. I had a feeling Rowan and I would be great friends.

"Okay, stop," Derek rubbed his face, trying to hide his discomfort. "I feel like Maxwell, Christopher, Noah, and Benjamin are all screaming in my head right now."

"Let's pretend this conversation never happened," I said casually, just like I would with Layla. These two were definitely trouble.

"By the way," Rowan leaned close to whisper, though we knew Derek could hear everything, "who were you thinking about earlier?"

"What do you mean?" I asked, confused.

"That look on your face. Nobody came into your room, so you must've been thinking about someone special, right?"

"Does it count if I thought about more than one?" I half-joked, hoping this would satisfy his curiosity without further embarrassing me.

In the elevator, Rowan and I laughed while Derek dramatically complained that if "those boys" knew what we were talking about, they'd find creative ways to kill him.

The hall was still crowded when we arrived, though less formal than yesterday. The women who saw me as competition watched carefully, but with Derek and Rowan beside me, there wasn't much they could do. I noticed several men I hadn't seen at yesterday's meeting - probably guards or warriors based on their build. I wondered why they were here.

Alpha King Nathan and Luna Queen Selena were already at the main table, waiting for us. I worried they'd been there long, but Derek seemed unconcerned.

"Glad you could join us, Derek, Briony, Rowan," the Alpha King said politely, though his tone held a hint of teasing disapproval. He clearly guessed what had delayed the guys, while I didn't dare explain the truth, letting the misunderstanding fade like morning mist.