From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 125

Chapter 125

Julia’s POV

I tensed as Matthew’s arm slipped around my waist while we stood at the lectern. The classroom was dimly lit as the educational video played, with my classmates focused on the screen, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of exposure. His touch was subtle–just a hand at my waist–but in a room full of our peers, it felt dangerously obvious.

Matthew, someone might see, I cautioned through our mindlink.

He looked down at me, his expression mildly amused in the blue glow from the projector. They’re all watching the video. No one’s paying

attention to us.

When Matthew had specifically called on me to help with today’s presentation, using my “highest GPA in the class” as a perfectly serious justification for why I should assist him with the equipment operation. Now I understood his real motivation as his fingers traced small circles against my hip.

We’re supposed to be paying attention to the documentary, I reminded him, though I couldn’t deny the pleasant warmth spreading through me at his proximity. I’m going to miss everything important.

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I’ll give you private lessons later, Matthew promised, his mental voice

carrying that distinctive Alpha timbre even through our link. I’m an

excellent teacher when properly motivated.

I cast a nervous glance across the classroom. None of my classmates were looking in our direction; all seemed absorbed in the

documentary about ecosystem conservation. Still, my heart raced at the public display of affection, however subtle it might be.

What if they notice? I asked, unable to relax.

Matthew’s expression was puzzled as he studied my face. Notice what? I’m hardly making a scene, Julia. His mental voice held a hint of amusement. And even if they do notice something between us, why would that be a problem? I’m not ashamed of being attracted to you.

I bit my lower lip, uncertain how to explain the complex emotions swirling within me. It’s not that simple.

It could be, he countered, his arm tightening slightly around my waist. If they notice, they notice. We could just acknowledge it. I don’t mind going public.

The casualness with which he approached the idea made my stomach knot. I mind, I projected firmly.

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I felt his body stiffen slightly beside me, his hand pausing its gentle movements. Why? The single word carried a weight of confusion and

the slightest edge of hurt.

Can we not do this right now? I pleaded through our link, gesturing

subtly toward the classroom.

But Matthew wasn’t backing down. No, I want to understand, he pushed back. What are you afraid of? That people will know you’re involved with me? Is that so terrible?

I took a deep breath, trying to organize my thoughts while still appearing to watch the documentary. It’s not that. I don’t want to be defined by who I’m… involved with rather than by who I am.

That wouldn’t happen, he argued, though his mental voice had softened somewhat.

It absolutely would, I countered. I’d immediately become “the Alpha’s girlfriend” instead of just “Julia.” Plus, I added, things between us are still so new. I’m not ready to make public statements when we’ve only just admitted how we feel.

Matthew’s arm slowly withdrew from around me, leaving a cold spot where his warmth had been. His expression remained neutral as he stepped slightly away, but through our link, I could feel his

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disappointment and confusion.

I see, he responded, his mental voice carefully controlled.

The sudden distance between us felt greater than the few inches he’d created. I wanted to reach for him, to explain better, but the students in the classroom made that impossible.

And I’m going to miss everything in this video, I added lamely, trying to lighten the mood.

Like I said, Matthew replied, his mental voice cooler now, I can help you catch up later.

The documentary continued playing, the narrator’s voice droning on about forest ecosystems while tension hummed between Matthew and me. I stared straight ahead, hyperaware of his presence beside me yet unable to bridge the gap I’d created.

When a student in the back row raised her hand with a question about the documentary, Matthew stepped forward to answer, his Alpha persona sliding seamlessly into place. I watched him engage with the student, his voice confident and knowledgeable, showing no sign of our personal discord.

You don’t have to stay up here if you don’t want to, he told me privately

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as he returned to the lectern. I can handle the equipment.

I’m fine, I insisted, not wanting to draw attention by moving now.

As the video concluded and the lights came back on, I struggled to appear normal. My classmates began packing up their notebooks, chatting among themselves as they filed out of the classroom.

When the last student had gone, Matthew turned to me, his expression carefully neutral, though I could sense the tension radiating from him. The air between us felt charged with unspoken

frustration.

I bit my lip, uncertain what to say. Should I apologize? Try to lighten the mood? Kaia urged me to do something–anything–to erase the distance between us, but my human side hesitated, unsure how to navigate these complex emotions.

We need to talk about this, his voice came through our mindlink, firm but not harsh. Really talk, not just dismiss it.

I looked up, surprised. Despite his evident frustration, he wasn’t shutting down or walking away. Instead, he was creating space for us

to address what happened–giving me a chance to explain myself

better.

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“Matthew, I…” I started, then gathered my courage. “I like you. A lot.

That’s not the issue at all.”

His expression softened slightly, encouraging me to continue.

“I’m serious about whatever this is between us,” I said, gesturing between us. “But my past experiences… they’ve made me cautious. I’ve been defined by my relationships before–as Eric’s sister, as Nathan’s rejected mate. I need to figure out who I am here first, on

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