Beast Tamer's Rebirth National Treasure Edition novel Chapter 5

Chapter 5 Wonderwild Live

The police showed up super fast. After looking through the security footage Jenny pulled and the vet’s report, they hauled Jenny’s boyfriend away right then and there.

Sierra wrapped things up with the vet and headed out with Payton. Just as they stepped outside, her phone started buzzing. She checked the screen; it was her father, Jimmy Sterling. She didn’t even think twice before she hit decline and blocked him right away.

*****

Back at the Sterling residence, things weren’t so chill. The whole family was sitting around looking tense as Mary blew up every detail of her side of the story.

Jimmy was beyond mad. He tried calling Sierra to tear into her, but she sent him straight to voicemail before blocking his number.

The rest of the Sterlings tried calling, too, but they all got blocked. Jimmy nearly chucked his phone across the room. “Figures,” he snapped, “she’s got that village attitude with zero class.”

Natalie was sitting there sniffling, tears rimming her eyes like she carried the weight of the world. “Mom, Dad, Jon, please don’t be upset with Sierra. Really, if my birth parents hadn’t screwed things up, she wouldn’t be acting this way.”

“Nat, honey,” Jimmy jumped in, “don’t blame yourself for their mess. You’re the real victim here. If anyone should make it up to Sierra, it’s us, not you.”

Natalie looked up through teary eyes, and then broke down crying as his words hit her right in the heart.

After she got it together, she said all serious-like, “Mom, Dad, don’t worry. From now on, I’ll try extra hard to get along with Sierra. I’ll be more patient with her.”

Jimmy felt a tug in his chest. “Nat, you’ve been through so much already.”

“It’s what any good daughter would do,” Natalie replied softly.

And the sweeter Natalie acted, the more Jimmy couldn’t stand Sierra. ‘Both of them are my daughters. How are they this different?’ he wondered angrily.

*****

Meanwhile, Sierra headed back to the cozy crib she bought last year.

Payton was losing its mind in a good way. At the Sterling residence, it had been stuck in some sad doghouse on the lawn with a collar on day and night. It barked wildly, basically saying, “Sierra, you finally brought me home.”

Payton didn’t even wipe its paws before launching onto the couch, burying its fluffy tri-colored head into the pillows, and doing its signature “death roll” wiggle like it was its kingdom now.

Seeing Payton that hyped just made Sierra feel worse inside. She grabbed her tablet from the drawer, pulled up a shopping site, typed “dog clothes,” and put it right in front of Payton.

“Gonna go freshen up. Take your time and pick whatever grabs you,” she said.

Payton could actually get what she was saying. It was way smarter than average pooch. Sierra didn’t think that it would actually shop online, but she promised Payton back at the vet.

The meds had started working, and Sierra was all sweaty by the time they got back. She grabbed fresh clothes and ducked into the shower.

Meanwhile, Payton camped out on the couch scrolling through fancy dog gear on the tablet. It tilted its head, those sharp sapphire-blue eyes slowly getting wider as it swiped at the screen with its paw. And the screen actually moved.

“Sierra, have you lost your mind?” Maggie snapped. They’d worked together a long time and used to get along okay. But ever since Natalie signed with the agency, Maggie’s attention had completely shifted to her.

Thinking Sierra was just throwing a fit, Maggie suddenly switched to a fake-sweet tone. “Is this because I gave that Mr. Turner role to Natalie? Look, if you’re upset, I can get you something even better.”

“No need,” Sierra said flatly. “I’ll come by next month to sign the termination papers.”

Just as Sierra was about to hang up, Maggie blurted, “Wait!” She took a sharp breath, finally realizing Sierra was dead serious. She dropped the act completely.

Maggie barked, “Who said you could hang up? The company just booked you for WonderWild Live. I remember you studied animal science, right? You’re going on the show with Natalie. So be smart. Don’t start anything with her on camera.”

Sierra froze. WonderWild Live was the nightmare from her previous life. That was the show where Natalie set her up, making it look like she’d abused protected animals. Her reputation was destroyed overnight. Even after the truth eventually came out, nobody cared enough to listen.

While Sierra was silent, Maggie jumped in, sounding smug. “If you don’t wanna go, that’s fine. Either renew your contract, or pay ten million for breaking it. Your call.”

Sierra’s eyes went cold. “I’ll go.” Before Maggie could start gloating, Sierra added, “Just so you know, I recorded this call. You’d better have my termination papers ready next month.” She hung up before Maggie could get another word in.

That show had been her worst nightmare in her previous life. But this time, she’d make sure it was Natalie and the whole company, who paid the price.