chapter five

Sienna's POV

If there’s one thing I’ve learned about college weekends, it’s that they’re sacred.

They’re for sleeping in, binge-watching shows, maybe dragging yourself to brunch if you’re feeling ambitious. For me? They’re for catching up on reading before cheer practice, avoiding unnecessary drama, and—if the universe is kind—spending at least a few hours not thinking about Scott McCall.

Spoiler alert: the universe is never kind.

I was sprawled across my bed, psych textbook open in front of me, highlighter in hand, and a mug of coffee teetering way too close to my comforter. Harper was glued to the Korean drama on her laptop, earbuds in but eyes wide, fully immersed. The dorm was blissfully quiet—just me, my notes, and the soft hum of the heater.

Then came the knock at the door.

I frowned. “If this is a sales pitch for Girl Scout cookies, I’ll take five boxes of Thin Mints and one of Samoas.”

No answer. Just another knock.

I padded over and pulled the door open—then froze.

“Dad?”

Yikes. The universe really hates me.

“Sienna.” His voice was clipped, formal. Not the warm “hey, kiddo” I got when he was in a good mood.

I stepped aside. “Uh… come in?”

He entered like he owned the place, which, to be fair, he probably thought he did. My father wasn’t just my dad—he was Alpha of Crescent Moon, the pack that raised me, and he carried that title into every room like an invisible crown.

Harper caught sight of him and went rigid. She scrambled off the bed so fast she lost her footing, landing hard on her butt. With a wince, she sprang back up, head bowed in respect, one hand massaging her elbow. The sight alone was enough to send a chill racing down my spine.

Harper’s face burned crimson as she straightened, still rubbing her elbow.

“Uh, Alpha Carter—sir—I didn’t mean to, um, fall like a clumsy potato,” she babbled, flashing a nervous grin. “But, hey, at least I landed gracefully. Sort of.”

I shot her a look, that screamed stop talking before he eats you alive.

To her credit, she shut her mouth—but not before adding a tiny, awkward wave.

“Dad, this is my roommate Harper…”

Dad arched one eyebrow, clearly unimpressed and his gaze shifted back to me, all business.

“We need to talk. Alone.”

My stomach dropped. Harper glanced between us, biting her lip. “Uh, yeah, no problem. I’ll… go grab snacks. Or maybe move to another continent.”

She slipped out, shutting the door behind her, leaving me alone with the Alpha. My father. My storm.

“An omega is your roommate?” He started immediately he left the room.

“Dad!” I snapped, frustration bubbling.

“Who made these arrangements?” His voice carried the weight of authority.

“You’re here to make Crescent Moon proud,” Dad said, stepping closer. “To represent us with strength, grace, and discipline.”

And there it was—the speech.

“You are an heir, Sienna. I sent you here to make real connections.”

“Well, maybe you should’ve asked my opinion before shipping me off,” I shot back.

“Every decision I make is for you.” His tone sharpened. “Do you know how many eyes are on you, Sienna? Every mistake you make reflects on me. On our pack. You cannot afford to slip.”

Something in my chest twisted. I’d heard this lecture a hundred times, but it still hit like a sucker punch. “I’m not slipping,” I said quietly.

“You’re distracted,” he countered. “And distractions get wolves killed—or worse, humiliated. You will focus. You will.”

“Can you just listen to me for once?” I shouted, voice cracking with anger.

The air between us vibrated with tension. My wolf paced restlessly inside me, hackles raised. His authority pressed against my skin, pushing me to submit—but I was too angry, too tired of pretending perfection was easy.

“I can’t be perfect all the time,” I snapped.

His eyes flashed. “You don’t have a choice.” With that, he turned and left.

I stood frozen, fists clenched, heart hammering. The second the door clicked shut, my control shattered. I bolted, running until I reached the field. Everyone was already gathered—everyone except Harper.

I stood frozen, fists clenched, heart hammering. The second the door clicked shut, my control shattered. I bolted, running until I reached the field. Everyone was already gathered—everyone except Harper.

“Hey, Maria,” I tapped one of my squad mates on the shoulder. They all turned. “Have you seen Harper?”

“Not yet,” Maria said. “We still have thirty minutes before practice. She should be here soon.”

“Thanks.” I forced a smile and walked toward the bleachers. Sitting down, I wrestled to keep my wolf caged. Deep down, I knew I was losing. Dad’s words echoed in my head like a curse.

I paced the field until Harper finally walked in.

“Harper.”

“Sienna.”

We said each other’s names at the same time.

“Listen to me, Harper—I’m so sorry.” My voice cracked. “Don’t listen to my father. You’re not just an omega to me.”

“Trust me, it’s okay.” She cupped my face gently. “But… How are you feeling? Was it really that bad with your dad?”

The sharp whistling from the football squad cut through our moment.

“Hey, Captain Pom-Pom,” Scott called, smirking. “Your time isn’t for another hour.”

I checked my watch, jaw tightening. “Twenty-five minutes. Cheer practice starts in twenty-five minutes.” I kept my voice calm.

“Well,” Scott smirked wider, “I’ll be the one to decide that.”

A ticking time bomb—that’s what I felt like. Heat ripped through me, bones shifting, muscles tightening. My vision sharpened, colors flaring too bright, too loud. My wolf surged forward. Before I could stop her, white fur burst along my arms, claws replacing my nails.

Gasps erupted.

I stumbled back but caught myself. My white wolf stood exposed for everyone to see. Breath ragged, chest heaving, I growled low. She hated being cornered. Hated being forced into a box she didn’t fit in.

I howled.

“Calm down, Sienna!” Scott’s voice rang out. He howled back, meeting my gaze head-on, a challenge sparking in his eyes.

It took a long, agonizing minute of grounding breaths before I wrestled her back into submission. My claws retracted, fur fading, though my hands still trembled.

“Practice is cancelled for today,” I said flatly, turning on my heel.

I left the field in silence, the weight of shocked stares burning into my back.