Chapter 5 Not Just A Rat

Sienna

I was absolutely sure that comment about “catering the best” was meant to get under my skin. Despite being the guest of their Alpha, I was obviously an outsider, and probably a spoiled brat, in the eyes of everyone else here.

“How old is our young lady here?” the Headmaster followed up. I frowned. Why was my age suddenly so relevant?

“Nineteen,” Sev replied simply, sparing me a brief glance.

“So young. I assume she at least has her wolf already.” The Headmaster’s tone was laced with disappointment as he looked at me.

Excuse me, nineteen is not young! But fine, he wasn't wrong about the other part. We don't usually meet our wolf until age twenty-one. I already had a name picked out for mine, though I figured she'd probably show up with her own ideas.

“I’m afraid she hasn’t yet, but Sienna here is a genius; she just needs direction.” Sev rested his hand on my head for a moment, giving my hair a quick ruffle. That little, gentle touch made me feel all warm and crazy inside again.

I seriously wondered what would happen if he ever figured out that the person he treated like a little sister had feelings for him that were getting impossible to ignore.

“I take it you’ll take good care of her, Headmaster.”

“But of course, if the Alpha says so.”

Oh, I doubt it. The way that guy had looked at me was exactly the same way people look at something gross they just stepped in. I know a pretentious old trash heap when I see one; the city has plenty of them.

I faked a sweet smile. “If there’s anything you’re curious about, I’m right here, Headmaster. I’m not mute.”

As much as I wanted to be the sweet, innocent girl in front of Sev, I just couldn't contain my anger toward these pompous people.

“Indeed, she speaks. Don’t worry, little one, I’ll be assigning you to one of our great advisors. Well then, Alpha.” He started to turn, but then stopped like he suddenly remembered something.

“Oh, and I’ll be sure to remember to ask you any questions since you’re no mute.” And with that final, petty shot, he walked off and disappeared around a corner.

“I know it’s difficult to adjust, Sien, but the Headmaster means well.” Sev's voice was gentle.

Oh, he means well, alright. I didn't know if Sev was genuinely too kind and naïve, or if he was deliberately ignoring the jerks around him. So far, among his people, the only person I actually liked was Jordan, the butler.

“Of course, I’m sorry,” I replied, trying to sound apologetic. “I'm just used to the city, where people are… straightforwardly awful.”

He gave me a small smile. “Alright, let’s keep moving. Shall we?”

I gave him a quick nod and fell into step beside him. He continued the tour, pointing out the standard campus stuff: the huge, echoing cafeteria, the gym that looked suspiciously old-school, the music room, and probably ten other important locations that instantly slipped my mind the second he said their names. Seriously, my brain was already full.

Finally, we hit the Registrar’s office to grab my actual class schedule, a terrifying piece of paper that confirmed I was officially starting this "bootcamp", and then we headed straight back to the mansion.

We got back just as it was hitting dinner time.

“Is it okay if I eat in my room tonight?” I asked him right as we reached the entrance hall.

He paused, looking me over like he was trying to figure out if I was actually exhausted or just trying to bail. Then he nodded. “Of course. You look like you need the rest.”

“Yes, thank you.” I started to turn and walk away, but then stopped, remembering something. “Uh, Sev…”

He looked back, raising an eyebrow in confusion.

“Goodnight,” I managed to say, instantly feeling embarrassed over such a simple word. But it was enough. The small, sweet smile returned to his face.

“Goodnight, Sienna.”

As I started climbing the massive staircase, my heart started hammering in my chest. The way he had said my full first name, Sienna, was sending a wave of total exhilaration through me. Forget being tired—I felt like I could run a marathon.

I bit my lip, feeling giddy as I paused on the last step, savoring the moment before heading to my room.

Then, my gaze drifted toward the North Wing, and just like that, I was pulled in. Curiosity didn't just kill the cat; it was apparently going to get me under punishment.

The hallway felt endless—just two plain walls covered in simple wallpaper and a crimson carpet that stretched into the shadows. At the far end, I could clearly see the black-painted door. When I finally reached it, I couldn't help but lift my hand, my fingers wrapping around the cold metal knob, turning it tentatively.

Click. It was locked.

I yanked my hand back as if I'd been electrocuted. What in the hell was I doing? Jordan made it clear this was the one major rule, and I was breaking it within my first twenty-four hours here.

I sighed at my own blatant stupidity and turned around, only to gasp out loud.

Jordan was standing there, silently, about twenty feet down the hall.

He mirrored my sigh. “I thought I was clear, Miss. I’m afraid the Alpha should know of this.” He turned his back, ready to walk away.

“Wait!” I bit my lip, feeling instantly guilty. “I won’t come here again. I promise. Please, just this one time, can you let it pass?”

He watched me for a long, quiet moment before finally giving a small, stiff nod. “Well, Miss. It would indeed look bad when the Alpha finds out about your disobedience. It is one thing he never lets pass.”

“Thank you,” I breathed, giving him a quick, grateful bow.

Suddenly, THUD. THUD. THUD.

Something was hitting the wall repeatedly from inside the room. "W-what is that?" I stammered, looking back at the ominous black door.

“Don’t worry, Miss,” Jordan said smoothly. “It must be a rat. That’s just an old storage room that belonged to the Alpha’s mother, that’s all.”

“Oh, I see.”

“So, shall we?” he asked, motioning with his hand for me to go first.

As I walked quickly back through the winding hallway, I couldn't shake the fear. I swear, above the rhythmic thudding, I heard a faint, muffled noise—something that sounded exactly like someone being gagged inside that room.