From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 140

Chapter 140

Eric’s POV

1 gripped the steering wheel so hard my knuckles turned white as I tore through the quiet streets of Star Shadow territory. The engine of my truck roared, drawing disapproving glances from pack members out for their morning walks. I didn’t care. The scene at home kept replaying in my head–Luna’s fury,

Julia’s defiance.

“What the hell was I thinking?‘ I muttered, slamming my palm against the wheel.

For years, I’d stood by Nathan through everything. We’d been inseparable since childhood–training together, hunting together, planning our futures as Alpha and Beta. And now I’d thrown it all away in an instant, challenging Luna and, by extension, Nathan himself.

As I drove past the high school football field, I caught a glimpse of my team running drills. Just yesterday, I’d lectured those boys about loyalty, integrity, and standing up for what’s right. The irony wasn’t lost on me. How long had I ignored what was happening to Julia? How long had I pretended not to see

what Nathan was becoming?

My phone rang, the sound cutting through my thoughts. Lisa’s name flashed on the screen, and I hit the Bluetooth button.

“Eric? Are you okay? Your heart rate is all over the place through our link. Her voice was filled with concern, instantly calming the storm inside me.

Nathan used Luna to try to force Julia into a marking ceremony,” I said, the words still tasting bitter. “I stood against them.”

A moment of silence followed. “You did the right thing,” Lisa finally said. “But this might affect your position as future Beta. The Reynolds family doesn’t forgive what they see as betrayal.”

“I know.” I turned onto the main road leading to the wealthier part of our territory. “But I can’t keep pretending everything is normal. Nathan has changed, or maybe I’ve been blind to who he really is. I need to confront him, but I don’t want you caught in the crossfire.”

I’m already in this with you,” she said firmly. “Whatever happens, we face it together.”

Her words steadied me as I pulled up to the imposing gates of the Reynolds estate. The security guard recognized me but still made me sign in–a first in all

my years visiting.

Nathan was waiting on the wide front porch, his smile too bright, too forced.

“Eric! Perfect timing!” He clapped me on the shoulder like nothing had happened. ‘I need your help planning some details for the marking ceremony.”

The casual way he said it, as if last night’s confrontation meant nothing, made my blood boil. I stepped back, breaking the physical contact.

“I came to ask you why you’re using pack law to force Julia into something she clearly doesn’t want. I met his eyes directly. ‘She’s rejected you, man.

Multiple times,”

His expression shifted from friendly to cold in an instant. ‘She’s my fated mate. She just needs to accept reality. His tone hardened. I thought you, of all

people, would understand.”

“Understand what? That you think you can own someone because the moon chose them for you?‘ The words came out harsher than I intended, but I couldn’t stop. “You rejected her first, remember? You humiliated her. And now that you’ve changed your mind, you expect everyone to just fall in line?”

Nathan’s eyes flashed dangerously. Watch yourself, Eric. Our friendship only stretches so far.”

1/3

3:20 pm

Chapter 140

“Is that a threat?‘ I stepped closer, my wolf rising to the surface, bristling at his tone.

“Nobody will stop me from getting what’s mine, he hissed. “Not even you.”

Before things could escalate further, the butler appeared in the doorway. “Alpha Reynolds requests both of you in his study immediately.”

Nathan’s jaw tightened, but he nodded. As we walked through the grand foyer, I noticed fresh cuts on his knuckles. The ‘suicide attempt that had gotten

him out of isolation suddenly seemed more calculated than desperate.

The butler stopped us outside the study door. “Alpha will see Eric first, he announced, and I couldn’t help but notice the flash of panic in Nathan’s eyes.

Alpha Reynolds stood at the door, looking tired but alert. His eyes, so similar to Nathan’s yet somehow kinder, assessed me carefully. “Come in, Eric. Nathan,

wait out here.”

I entered the imposing office, instantly noting the scattered papers on his usually immaculate desk. Files with Spring Valley letterhead, psychological

assessments, and what looked like medical reports were spread across the surface.

“Sit down, son.” Alpha Reynolds gestured to the chair across from his desk as his assistant quietly delivered a tray with coffee and breakfast sandwiches.

“You look like you left without eating.”

I hadn’t realized how hungry I was until the smell hit me. “Thank you, sir.”

He waited until I’d taken a bite before speaking again. “I’ve reviewed Nathan’s psychological assessment. He tapped a folder on his desk. “The results are… concerning. His levels of control issues and paranoia are far beyond what we’d consider acceptable in a future Alpha.”

My sandwich froze halfway to my mouth. “Sir?”

‘I’ve made a difficult decision. His eyes were steady, resolute. “Nathan will not be my successor as Alpha. I’m considering other candidates.”

The implications hit me like a physical blow. Our entire future–everything Nathan and I had planned since we were pups–gone in an instant.

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