From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 11

Chapter 11

Julia’s POV

As we walked toward the library, I found myself relaxing slightly despite Kaia’s sing Daniel’s presence was calming so different from the constant

tension I felt around Nathan or my family

What made you apply for the scholarship?” I asked, eager to change the subject my own mind.

Proving myself, mostly, he replied. “My family could afford tuition, but I want money they help students gain real independence, especially those who need it

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to earn it on my own merit. Besides, scholarships aren’t just about the

is hand brushed against mine again, and this time I was certain it wasn’t

Independence. The word hit home hard. That’s exactly what I was chasing the fedom to support myself without being tied to pack resources that came

with Nathan’s invisible leash.

“That’s my goal too,” I said quietly. “If I can secure this scholarship, I might have more options after graduation. Maybe even work opportunities away from

home.

Daniel glanced at me curiously but didn’t press for details. The Spring Valley mical community has excellent connections. They sponsor graduates for

positions all over the country. One of last year’s winners is doing her residency in Seattle now.”

He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear in a gesture that was both casual and intimate. “You know, you’d probably qualify for several positions they offer.

You’ve got the brains and the dedication. Plus, you’re not hard on the eyes either He grinned, making it clear he was flirting now.

My heartbeat quickened, partly at the compliment and partly at the possibility het described. Working somewhere distant from Star Shadow pack- somewhere Nathan’s influence couldn’t reach. The scholarship wasn’t just about money; it could be my path to geographic freedom as well

“I didn’t realize the scholarship came with those kinds of opportunities,” I said, pe creeping into my voice while carefully sidestepping his flirtation.

“Oh yeah, they re big on career development. Mr. Collins–you know, the Alpha who spoke at the welcome ceremony–he personally mentors some of the

recipients

The mention of Matthew Collins made me pause. The Alpha who had confronted Nathan on my behalf. The memory of his protective stance still felt surreal.

Your heart just skipped, Kaia noted with interest. I felt that.

Before I could respond to either Daniel or Kaia, my phone rang. I juggled my bouls to reach into my pocket, then froze when I saw the caller ID. Dad

“I need to take this,” I said to Daniel, stepping slightly away. “Hello?”

Thear you ve been causing problems for our future Alpha, my father’s stern vor came through immediately, no greeting

Dad, what are you talking about?”

“Nathan had to go to your school to address your behavior, Dad continued, his ce tight with disapproval. What did you do to upset him?”

My stomach dropped, a weary resignation settling over me. Dad wasn’t a bad father–far from it. Most of the time, he was loving, supportive, even funny

when he wasn’t worried about pack politics He’d taught me to ride a bike, helped with my science fait projects, and even secretly encouraged my interest in

bealing herbs when I was younger

But whenever anything involved the Alpha or in Nathans case, the future Alpe it was like a switch flipped Suddenly family loyalty, his children’s feelings, even basic fairness went out the window. The fetas duty to his Alpha k precedence over everything else. I understood the tradition

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Chapter 11

intellectually, Retas were meant to be loyal to their leaders, to support them witout question. That was the foundation of pack hierarchy that had

sustained our kind for generations.

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But was that always right? What happened when the Alpha himself was the problem? When he was cruel or selfish or, like Nathan, determined to make someone’s life miserable simply because he could? Shouldn’t there he limits to it loyalty? These were dangerous questions, ones I’d never dare voice aloud. But they echoed in my mind every time my father chose Nathan’s side av mine

I turned away from Daniel, lowering my voice. I didn’t do anything. He showed uninvited and made a scene

I couldna understand what Nathan was doing–first complaining to Eric, now aprently to my father Was he trying to turn my entire family against me?

You promised you would complete you studies quietly, without causing any trouble, Dad reminded me, his disappointment evident “That was the

agreement.”

I am focusing on my studies, I insisted, frustration building. “Nathan is the one who

He had to go to your campus to find you, Dad interrupted. Whatever you did st have been significant.

The unfairness of it all made my throat tight. “Dad, that’s not what happened.”

Your mother and I expect you home this weekend,” he continued as if I hadn’t spoken. “You need to apologize to Nathan and smooth this over.”

“I can’t come home this weekend, I protested. “I have a major scholarship exam prepare for.”

Julia Dad’s voice hardened. “If you don t agree to this, we’ll have to reconsider ur financial support. Nathan is important to our family’s standing in the

pack.”

The threat hung in the air between us. The stethoscope they d just helped me buy suddenly felt like a chain around my neck.

Fine, I said tightly, knowing I had no real choice. Not yet, anyway. “Ill be there Friday evening.*

After ending the call, I turned back to Daniel, who was pretending not to have overheard. The sympathetic look in his eyes told me he’d heard enough.

“Family drama,” I explained vaguely. “Looks like I’ll need to head home again the weekend.”

Daniel nodded. All the more reason to maximize your study time now. Let’s get the library and I’ll show you my notes from last year’s exam

As we resumed walking, I felt a new determination hardening within me. The scholarship wasn’t just about academic achievement anymore–it was about survival. Each step toward the library was a step toward possible freedom.

Until I was truly independent, I would have to play by Nathan’s rules, endure my amily’s pressure, and navigate the suffocating politics of Star Shadow

pack. But if I could win this scholarship, secure a job far away after graduation

For the first time, I could see a concrete path forward–a glimpse of escape through the academic excellence Nathan had always belittled. And I would chase

that possibility with everything I had