From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Matthew’s POV

The laughter and chatter from Edward’s retirement ceremony washed over me like white noise as I stood at the edge of the community centers courtyard, nursing a drink I had no interest in finishing. As Alpha, I had responsibilities–hting duties, making sure everyone felt welcome, ensuring security was tight. But my heart wasn’t in it. It hadn’t been in anything for a long time.

“You’re doing great, brother! Everyone seems to be celebrating well,” James said,apping a hand on my shoulder.

1 forced a smile that didn’t reach my eyes. Thanks. Edward deserves a proper send–off after all his years of service.”

Just an hour ago, we’d completed the formal Beta transition ceremony–a tradition almost as old as werewolf packs themselves. I’d stood before the assembled pack members, Edward at my right side and James at my left. The weight of the silver Beta medallion had gleamed in the courtyard lights as Edward removed it from his neck and placed it in my hands. As Alpha, it was my responsibility to bestow it upon the new Beta.

“With this symbol of authority, I release you from your duties as Beta of the Spring Valley pack,” I had said to Edward, my voice carrying across the hushed

crowd. “Your wisdom and service have strengthened us all.”

Edward had bowed his head, acceptance and relief evident in his posture. When turned to James, I saw the gravity of the moment reflected in his eyes.

“James Parker, do you accept the responsibility of Beta, to serve as my second, to protect our pack, to uphold our laws and traditions even at the cost of your

own life?

I do, James had answered, his voice steady.

As I placed the medallion around his neck, the pack had erupted in howls and applause. It was a powerful moment–one that should have moved me more than it did. But like everything else since Rachel’s death, it felt distant, as if I were watching someone else’s life unfold.

Now, my gaze swept over the gathering, taking mental inventory of who was present and who wasn’t. It was instinct now, this constant assessment of my surroundings–part Alpha responsibility, part leftover vigilance from the night I’d failed to protect Rachel.

Matthew? Olivia s gentle voice pulled me from my thoughts. James’s pregnant mate stood beside me, her face glowing with that maternal radiance everyone always talked about. “You seem distracted. Are the sleep issues bothering you again?”

I sighed. There was no hiding anything from Olivia. She’d been trying to mothern me since Rachel died, and my resistance had done nothing to deter her.

“Just tired.” I admitted. “I’m worried I didn’t organize this ceremony well enough. Edward served as Beta longer than I’ve been alive.”

Olivia’s smile was warm as she patted my arm. “Don’t be so hard on yourself. Edward is having a wonderful time. And trust me, after everyone has had a few glasses of that special wolfsbane whiskey, nobody will care about the details.”

I nodded, grateful for her kindness even if I didn’t deserve it. As she moved away o talk to other guests, I returned to my quiet observation post From here. I could see Edward across the courtyard, surrounded by friends, laughing more fly than I’d seen in months. The newly retired Beta seemed to have shed years off his shoulders tonight, the silver streaks in his hair catching the light as he gestured animatedly.

That’s when I noticed them a family Edward was speaking with, gesturing animatedly as if they were old friends. The father looked vaguely familiar, perhaps from inter pack meetings. But it was the daughter who caught my eye.

Those bright brown eyes, alert and wary like a deer caught in headlights. The sa eyes that had looked up at me outside the pharmacy counter at State University, offering unsolicited but oddly comforting advice about natural sleepmedies. The nursing student. What was she doing here?

Our gazes locked across the courtyard, and I felt something I hadn’t experienced years a flicker of interest, a moment of connection that made my chest

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Chapter 14

tighten unexpectedly. Before I could process this reaction, Olivia was beside me again.

Matthew, this little one is particularly active tonight, she said, gently ruling her swollen belly. Draining all my energy. Definitely James’s child–doesn’t

know the meaning of quiet

My mind flashed back two years, to Rachel sitting on our bed, hands resting on her still flat stomach, eyes bright with excitement as she talked about our future child. A child that never got the chance to exist. The familiar pain twisted through me, sharp and unforgiving. We hadn’t even completed our mate bond before she was taken from me.

Olivia must have noticed the change in my expression. Listen to all the later and conversations,” she said, quickly changing the subject. That’s proof enough that the ceremony is a success. You ve done well.”

I nodded mechanically, trying to force my thoughts away from Rachel and ck to the present. The nursing student was still across the courtyard, now looking uncomfortable as Edward continued his animated conversation with her parents.

“You know.” Olivia said, following my gaze, you ve already fulfilled your Alpha duty here. You gave the official speech, conducted the transition ceremony.

No one would mind if you slipped away early.”

I raised an eyebrow at her. “Trying to get rid of me?”

She laughed. “just being practical. Besides, I want to see Edward after he’s had a few more drinks. Remember last year’s winter gathering when he tried to demonstrate his old Beta authority moves and knocked over the ceremonial candles?”

Despite myself, I felt my hips quitk upward. “That was something I’ll never get.”

Just then, my phone screen lit up with a message from the security team. I sighed, reading the alert about a potential rogue wolf sighting near our souther

border.

Looks like I have a reason to leave after all, I muttered.

But as i prepared to make my excuses. I realized something strange–I didn actually want to leave. Not yet. The feeling caught me off guard, this reluctanc 10 escape a social situation I d been dreading all week. It had something to do with those brown eyes across the courtyard, and the realization sent a spike et pane through me. How could I even think about another woman? The mere possibility felt like a betrayal of Rachel’s memory.

Alohi Matthew Edward’s voice boomed across the courtyard. I turned to see him weaving toward me, his gait slightly unsteady, a glass of wolfsbane -wisickey clutched in his hand. “There you are, you antisocial pup!”

“Congratulations on your retirement, old man,” I said, accepting his one–anted hug..

Mation. I have a friend’s daughter you absolutely must meet,” he said, ev twinkling with mischief that immediately put me on guard.

sould I am eademy excuses then. Should have mentioned the security art and left. But some part of me–a part I thought had died with Rachel–was now istmed, men al foward’s band clamped firmly on my shoulder and began steering me across the courtyard toward those familiar brown eyes.