CHAPTER 79: _ BURST OF A BEAST

Heidi’s breath comes out shaky, but she squares her shoulders. No way, absolutely no way she’s letting Sierra see how rattled she is. That girl already walks around like the universe put her on earth just to remind everyone else they’re pathetic. Heidi won’t give her that satisfaction.

But her palms are clammy, even though her jaw is tight, and that strange itch has returned. It’s like a restless animal is pacing in a cage within her. Her pulse is whipping so loudly she swears Sierra can hear it.

The queen bee’s voice is high-pitched. "Now that I have something that can ruin your entire school life," Sierra says, lips curling into a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes, "you’d better listen to me."

Heidi forces herself to breathe evenly, but her lungs are shallow, and almost useless. A bead of sweat slips down her temple. She can’t look away from Sierra’s painted smirk.

Instead, she swallows down the knot in her throat. Something in her chest is stirring, itchy, restless—like something furry is crawling under her skin. That same heat, that weird thrumming pulse she felt back when she almost smashed the striker’s head in. Except now it’s worse and louder, like it’s clawing from the inside.

Sierra tilts her head, letting her hair swing dramatically over her shoulder. "I’ve got a little not-so-little task for you. And you’d better do it. Do it right. Or you’re going down the ditch either way."

She’s got a task for her? How dare she say that to her face right now when she’s just dropped the blow of her being set up by the pumpkin face? Heidi can’t stop seething internally.

Her chest is tight. She digs her nails into her palms, fighting the buzzing anger. Her wolf—if that’s what this is, scrapes harder against her skin. She can almost feel claws at the tips of her fingers, aching to burst out.

Sierra mistakes the tightening of Heidi’s fists for fear. She smirks wider, stepping close enough that Heidi can see her foundation line against her neck. "I’m being generous. You get the privilege of working for me. Do it well, and maybe... maybe I’ll keep your little scandal safe."

Oh... and that definitely makes that rage burst as Heidi snaps.

"You know what, Sierra? You are unbelievable. Actually... no, let me correct myself. You’re disgusting. You set me up and then you have the guts... no? the actual gall—to stand here and threaten me with it?" Her throat is hot, every word is like fire spat from an erupted volcano. "You’re terrible. I mean, you’re the kind of person whose reflection probably looks away in shame. And you think I should be scared of you?"

For the first time since Heidi’s known her, Sierra’s mascara-thick lashes blink in a tiny flinch of surprise. But then she composes herself, painting on a mask of mock shock. She presses her hand to her chest like Heidi just accused her of murdering a saint.

"Set you up?" Sierra gasps dramatically. "Me? Oh, sweetie. Who’s going to believe you? You? The girl who can’t even hit the striker like everyone else without breaking it with her bad luck? Or me, the only daughter of the prestigious Castell family when I’ve got video proof?" She slides her phone out and waves it slightly, the screen flashing like a weapon. "Everyone will believe what they see. And guess what, darling? What they’ll see is you. Not me."

Then, as quick as a whip, Sierra slaps her. The crack ricochets off the walls.

The sting on her cheek blooms hot, but deeper than that, a feral rage snaps into place within. Like her skin isn’t thick enough to hold what’s inside.

"So don’t you dare talk back at me again, Shut up, and listen to what I have to say."

But Heidi doesn’t shut up. She couldn’t even if she wanted to because suddenly... her control is gone.

Her pulse rockets. Her body shakes, and then, her vision changes and sparks. The road in front of her suddenly glowed too bright, like someone had turned up reality’s contrast. Sierra’s voice grows distant, echoing like she’s underwater. Heidi clutches her stomach, gasping, but it’s too late, her wolf is clawing its way up.

Her eyes burn. Literally.

Then snap! They glow with light bursting through her irises like wildfire. Her fingernails lengthen into sharp, curved claws that slice into her palms when she curls her fists. Her jaw aches, stretching, her gums throbbing as sharp points press against her lips and fangs.

She’s not fully transformed yet. But she’s way too close.

Even Sierra’s squad of three mean girls does not grin this time... they freeze at the intensity. Their mouths part, and their eyes widen. For once, Sierra doesn’t look arrogant. Her lips tremble.

Heidi growls so loudly, it surprises even her.

Sierra recovers quickly, though, because she’s Sierra. And Sierra doesn’t admit fear. She lets out a high shaky laugh. "Oh. So Heidi wants to show off her awakened wolf now?" She smirks, though her shoulders stiffen. "Cute. But can you stand it if the four of us let out our wolves as well?"

At once, Sierra and her three minions bare their teeth. Their fangs extend, claws sliding out with soft clicks. Their combined aura thickens the atmosphere. It’s a challenge.

Four experienced she-wolves against a novice.

The aura in the air, the tension, and Heidi’s wolf? It’s not like theirs.

It pulses out of her like a storm breaking. Her aura blasts into them. It’s invisible but undeniable, thick as smoke, and wild as thunder. For a split second, Heidi flashes back to Rayne’s words.

I’m quite sure she won’t continue to be called an omega at the end of today.

Could Rayne be right? Could her wolf possess such a distinct and powerful aura? Heidi can’t help but wonder.

The girls freeze too. Sierra’s smirk disappears. One of the minions actually takes a step back before catching herself. Heidi can evidently see how their confidence wavers.

But she doesn’t understand it herself. She just feels powerful. Too powerful. Like her wolf isn’t a puppy waking up for the first time, but a monster stretching after a long nap.

She doesn’t know if she’s transforming or burning. Is this power hers? Or is her wolf hijacking her body like a thief behind the wheel?