From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 142

Chapter 142

Julia’s POV

My stomach clenched as Eric slid into the seat across from me at breakfast. His expression was unreadable, but the tension in his shoulders told me

something was wrong.

“Alpha Reynolds wants to see you,‘ he said, stirring creamer into his coffee. “Today. As soon as possible.*

The piece of toast I’d been nibbling dropped from my fingers. “Why? What did I do now?”

“I can’t say.” Eric’s eyes met mine briefly before darting away. “Just… trust me on this one, okay?”

“Is this about what happened with Nathan?” My voice dropped to a whisper.

“Just be ready in fifteen minutes.” He stood, then hesitated. “And Julia? Things are changing. For the better.”

The drive to the Reynolds estate was excruciating. Every time I tried to question Eric about what awaited me, he deflected, only offering cryptic reassurances that “it’s going to be okay” and “there’s been a development.”

When we pulled through the wrought–iron gates of the sprawling Reynolds property, my wolf Kaia whimpered inside me. The last time I’d been summoned here, it had been to bow my head and apologize to the arrogant Nathan.

What surprised me was how the security personnel nodded respectfully as we passed. No suspicious glares. No hostile posturing. Even more shocking was what I witnessed as we entered the grand foyer–the family’s long–time manager was carefully boxing up what appeared to be Nathan’s personal items from

the main living area.

Eric led me to Alpha Reynolds‘ private study and knocked firmly on the heavy oak door.

“Enter, came the authoritative voice I’d learned to fear.

The Alpha himself rose from behind his massive desk as we entered. I braced for coldness, for accusations, for the weight of his disappointment. Instead, he gestured to a comfortable chair across from him.

“Miss White. Thank you for coming. He even poured me a cup of tea with his own hands rather than calling for staff. ‘Eric, give us a moment, please.”

After Eric left, closing the door behind him, I sat rigidly, waiting for whatever blow was coming.

“I owe you an apology, Julia.

My head snapped up so fast I nearly spilled the tea. Alpha Reynolds–the most powerful werewolf in our territory–was apologizing to me?

“Sir?” I managed to croak.

“I’ve known about my son’s behavior toward you for years.” His voice carried regret I’d never heard before. I chose to believe his dismissals and excuses. 1 failed in my duty as Alpha to protect every member of this pack, especially you.”

My mouth opened and closed without sound. This had to be some kind of trap.

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:20 pm

Chapter 142

I’ve spoken with Alpha Collins of Spring Valley, he continued, and my heart stuttered at Matthew’s name. “Something that rarely happens between pack

leaders without formal councils.”

“You… spoke with Matthew?” I whispered, forgetting formality in my shock.

He nodded. ‘Your safety has become a matter of inter–pack concern. His fingers tapped a folder on his desk. “This is Nathan’s psychological evaluation. It

reveals severe control issues and vengeful tendencies that make him unsuitable as a future Alpha.”

He slid the report toward me, but I couldn’t bring myself to touch it. I didn’t need clinical terms to confirm what I’d experienced firsthand for years.

“I’ve removed him from the line of succession, Alpha Reynolds stated flatly. “But I must warn you–this may make him more dangerous, not less. His need for control, particularly over you, has become… obsessive.”

A weight I’d carried for years began lifting from my chest, even as a new fear took its place. “What happens now?”

Alpha Collins and I have reached an agreement. During your university studies, you’ll reside within Spring Valley territory. This includes summers and holidays, to minimize any contact with Nathan.” He paused, studying me. “Your father and I have formed an unexpected alliance on this matter. He’s been quietly working to prevent Nathan from gaining any leverage over you.”

Tears stung my eyes. My father? The same man who’d seemed to cave to Nathan at every turn had been protecting me?

“He’s had to balance his duty as Beta with his role as your father, Alpha Reynolds explained gently. It hasn’t been easy for him.”

Back home, I moved through my room like a ghost, packing only essentials. My mother stood in the doorway, tears in her eyes but no longer trying to stop me. The change in her was yet another shock in this day of revelations.

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