From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 106

Chapter 106

Matthew’s eyes held mine with an intensity that made my heart

flutter. “He was lucky to have found you,” he said quietly.

I felt heat rise to my cheeks and looked away. “He helped me see

myself differently. As someone valuable, just as I am.”

Matthew shifted slightly closer, his shoulder now just inches from

mine. “And then Nathan attacked him.”

I nodded, feeling the familiar surge of guilt. “Because of me. Because I

dared to be happy without him.”

“No,” Matthew’s voice was gentle but firm. “Because Nathan is

possessive and cruel. That was never your fault.”

The conviction in his words wrapped around me like a warm blanket.

We sat in comfortable silence for a moment, and I realized how close

we’d moved toward each other.

“It’s strange,” I said finally. “A week ago, I would never have imagined

sitting here with you like this.”

Matthew’s lips curved into a small smile. “A week ago, I was still

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trying very hard to avoid you.”

“And now?”

His eyes met mine, something warm and unexplored flickering

between us. “Now I’m wondering why I ever tried.”

The air seemed to thicken around us. I could feel my pulse quicken as

Matthew’s gaze dropped briefly to my lips before returning to my

eyes. For a moment, I thought he might lean in, close the distance

between us. Part of me–a growing part–wanted him to.

Instead, he cleared his throat softly and leaned back slightly,

breaking the tension. “It’s getting late,” he said, his voice a little

rougher than before. He glanced at the damaged door frame, the

splintered wood a reminder of how he’d broken through to save me.

“The door’s broken. I’ll stand guard right outside tonight.”

“Please don’t go,” I grabbed his wrist, my voice almost pleading. “I

don’t want to be alone.”

Matthew hesitated, then nodded. “I can make a bed on the floor.”

He fashioned a makeshift bed using spare blankets and pillows on the

floor beside my bed, then walked back to check the door. He adjusted

the chair wedged under the broken doorknob, testing its stability

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with a gentle push. “It’s not the most secure setup,” he admitted,

turning back to face me, “but I’m here. You don’t need to be afraid.”

His words, simple and direct, carried a weight of promise that made

my chest tighten. I changed into my pajamas and slipped under the

covers, feeling an odd sense of calm and safety. There was nothing

but the sound of our steady breathing in the room.

Lying in the darkness, I thought about everything that had happened tonight. Matthew had saved me, not just from Nathan but from

isolation and fear. My hand moved unconsciously toward the edge of

the bed, then dropped down, pretending it was unintentional. I hoped

he might take it, but feared asking for that contact.

Minutes passed, and nothing happened. Perhaps he was asleep. Perhaps I was overthinking things. Just as I was about to withdraw my hand, I felt warm fingers gently capture mine. My heart seemed to

skip a beat, then raced ahead.

“Won’t this cause gossip in the pack?” I whispered. “You staying here

overnight.”

Matthew’s laugh was low and warm. “Honestly, they’re probably

hoping I find a mate sooner rather than later. Most don’t even know I

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