From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 10

Chapter 10

Julia’s POV

60%

I clutched my nursing textbooks to my chest, power walking across campus toward the library. The autumn air was crisp against my face, a welcome change from the suffocating atmosphere of my weekend at home

My backpack felt heavy with additional study materials, but that weight was not compared to the burden of my recent visit to Star Shadow pack.

Two days later, and I still felt Erics claws digging into my wrist, still heard his sering voice telling me my nursing degree wouldn’t matter. The memory made my steps quicken, determination fueling my pace.

This scholarship exam was my chance–a real opportunity to secure financial indipendence. If I could win it, I’d receive enough funding to cover my remaining fuition and even some living expenses. It wouldn’t just ease the final burden, it could be my ticket to freedom from Nathan’s control.

I ran through my mental checklist of topics to review: advanced pharmacology,

thophysiology, critical care procedures. The exam was notoriously difficult,

but I’d been preparing for weeks, After years of being told I was worthless by Natin and my brother, there was something deeply satisfying about excelling academically–something they couldn’t take from me.

Hey, Julia! Looks like you re on a mission to conquer something big!

I nearly collided with Daniel Wright, who stepped into my path with a friendly le. As the dorm’s RA, he seemed to be everywhere at once, always ready with a greeting or helpful advice. Today, he wore a forest green sweater that brought out the deep green of his eyes. His gaze lingered on me a moment longer than necessary, something I d been noticing more frequently lately.

Oh, hi Daniel Tadjusted my grip on my textbooks. “Just heading to the library, ve got a lot of studying to do.”

For the Spring Valley scholarship exam?” he asked, glancing at the materials iny arms. “You look really focused today. It’s a good look on you.” He smiled,

and there was something warm in his eyes that wasn’t just friendly

I felt a small flutter of surprise. Was Daniel flirting with me? Since starting colle, I’d noticed more male attention than I was used to. Without Nathan’s

shadow constantly looming over me, people actually seemed to see me the real e

“Yes, actually It’s in three weeks, and I really need to ace it.”

Daniel’s face brightened Sounds intense. How about taking a quick break first? e campus cafe just launched their new seasonal drinks. He leaned

slightly closer. “Nothing helps studying like a pumpkin spice latte with an extra ot of espresso. My treat.”

The offer was tempting, and not just because of the caffeine. Daniel was attractiv, intelligent, and genuinely kind. In another life–one where I hadn’t been rejected as a mate and wasn’t trying to escape a controlling pack I might have en interested.

You could still be interested, Kala whispered in my mind. He smells nice. And he’s king at you like you’re the most fascinating person he’s ever met

1 ignored her. My shoulders ached from carrying my books, but the clock was ticg, and I couldn’t afford distractions–especially romantic ones

Thanks for the invitation, but i really need to for us on reviewing “I tried to soot apologetic rather than dismissive. This scholarship is really important

Or maybe you’re not interested because you’ve already got your eye on someone elseaia suggested styly. Someone taller, with Alpha energy and those intense

blue eyes.

That’s not it at all, I shot back mentally. Im just prioritizing my future

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Chapter 10

If you say so, Kaia replied, sounding unconvinced.

Daniel nodded understandingly, though I caught a flicker of disappointment in expression I get it. Actually, I took the Spring Valley scholarship exam last year and won it. He paused, watching my reaction. Though I’m in public health, not nursing. But the format and approach are similar across medical

disciplines:

I stopped in my tracks. “Really? I didn’t know you’d applied for the same scholarship.

Sure did. The questions change each year, but I’m pretty familiar with their testing style and what they prioritize. He hesitated, then added, “If you’d like. I could walk with you to the library and share some tips? Might save you some time in the long run

His fingers brushed against mine as he offered to carry some of my books, the contact brief but deliberate

See? Definitely interested. Kaia commented.

That’s not helpful right now, I told her.

I considered his offer. Extra insight into the exam could be invaluable, especially from someone who d successfully navigated it. And unlike most people whod offered to help me throughout my life. Daniel seemed to have no ulterior motive beyond… well, maybe he did have some interest in me, but it wasn’t manipulative like Nathan’s behavior.

“That would be really helpful,” I admitted. “If you re sure you don’t mind.”

“Not at all.” He fell into step beside me, walking slightly closer than necessary, remember how stressed I was before the exam. It’s competitive, but honestly, your nursing knowledge combined with good test strategy should put you in a strong position. You re one of the smartest people in our program.”

The compliment felt genuine, and I found myself blushing slightly. It was still strange to be appreciated for my intelligence rather than criticized for it.

You re blushing, Kaia observed. Maybe you do like him.

I’m just not used to compliments, I replied.

Or maybe Matthew Collins has ruined you for normal men, she teased.

That’s ridiculous! I barely know Mr. Collins, I protested internally. And he’s an Alpa from another pack. Nothing could ever happen there.

I didn’t say anything about something happening, Kaia replied smugly. You went there all on your own.

You’re being mean, I told her.

Fine, thats just my own opinion then, I think he was impressive. But Daniel seemse too.