From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 116

Hidden Footsteps Beneath Ivory

From Rejected Mate to Luna

Chapter 116

By late afternoon, a knot of worry had formed in my stomach. Had I

misread things? Was he avoiding me now that the project was

ending? Perhaps he’d just been polite all along, and now that his

obligation to host our research team was concluding, he was pulling

away.

Don’t be ridiculous, Kaia scolded. You know that’s not true.

But doubt is a persistent shadow, especially for someone who’s been

rejected before.

After dinner, I made a decision. I’d go find him. I could use the research report as an excuse–we did need Alpha approval before submitting our findings. It was perfectly reasonable for me to seek

him out.

I walked to the administrative wing where Matthew’s office was located, trying to appear casual, as though I were simply taking an

evening stroll. I passed his door once, then twice, pretending to

admire the artwork hanging in the hallway.

S

Half an hour later, there was still no sign of him. I considered

knocking, but what if he wasn’t alone? What if I seemed too eager?

What if-

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Chapter 116

You’re overthinking again, Kaia interrupted. Just knock.

I raised my hand, hesitated, then let it fall back to my side. Maybe

this was a mistake. Maybe I should just go back to my room and wait

until tomorrow. If Matthew wanted to see me, he knew where to find

1. me.

With a sigh of defeat, I turned and headed back toward the residential

wing, my heart heavy with disappointment.

As I rounded the corner to my hallway, I stopped dead in my tracks.

There, standing in front of my door with his hand raised as if about to

knock, was Matthew. His back was to me, and he seemed to be having

some sort of internal debate, his hand moving forward and then

pulling back uncertainly.

My heart suddenly raced, and Kaia practically spun in circles inside

1. me. Without thinking, I hurried forward.

“Matthew?” I called.

i

He turned, surprise registering on his face, followed by a warm smile

that crinkled the corners of his eyes. Before I could overthink it, I

closed the distance between us and threw my arms around him.

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Chapter 116

He caught me easily, strong arms wrapping around my waist as he

lifted me slightly off the ground. His scent enveloped me–pine and

earth and something uniquely him.

“I thought you were inside,” he said as he set me down gently. “I’ve

been standing here trying to decide if I should knock or if it was too

late.”

I looked up at him, taking in his slightly rumpled hair and the way his

ears had turned pink at the tips. “Too late? It’s barely past eight.”

He laughed, a deep rumble I could feel through his chest. “I know, but

I wasn’t sure if you’d be tired after your big presentation today. How

did it go, by the way? I’m sorry I couldn’t be there.”

“It went well,” I said, not wanting to waste time on research talk.

“Where were you all day? I looked for you.”

“You did?” His expression brightened, then turned sheepish. “I had to

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