From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 145

Chapter 145

A ripple of approval moved through the crowd. It wasn’t unexpected–I had been groomed for the position, just as Nathan had been

groomed to succeed his father. But the timing felt wrong, manipulative somehow.

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I stepped forward, aware of the expectant faces turned toward me. To refuse would cause division within the pack at a vulnerable time. It would also remove any chance I had of protecting my sister Julia or discovering what really happened to Alpha Reynolds.

‘I accept the honor,” I said, kneeling briefly before rising to stand at Nathan’s right hand. The words felt like ashes in my mouth.

“Just like we always planned,” Nathan said later that night, pouring two glasses of scotch in his father’s–now his–study. “You and me,

running this pack together.”

I accepted the glass, studying the amber liquid. “It happened faster than we expected.”

Nathan settled into the leather chair that had been his father’s, looking momentarily vulnerable. “I still can’t believe he’s gone. After

everything…” He trailed off, eyes distant.

“After everything what?”

Nathan sighed, swirling his drink. “You know how it was between us. He never thought I was ready. Always finding fault, holding me

back.” His voice dropped. “You were lucky, Eric. Your father respected you.”

1 remained silent, knowing this wasn’t entirely true. Nathan and his father had clashed often in recent months, but Robert Reynolds had

been a fair Alpha, if strict. The portrayal felt revisionist.

“We need each other now, brother.” Nathan leaned forward, intensity in his gaze. “All the shit with Julia, my father’s death–it’s left a

mess. I’m counting on you to have my back.”

I set my glass down carefully. “About your father…the doctor said heart attack, but he was in perfect health at his last check–up. Doesn’t

that seem strange?”

Something flashed across Nathan’s face–irritation? Fear? It vanished so quickly I couldn’t be sure. Then Nathan’s expression softened into sad understanding.

“Grief makes us look for reasons, for someone to blame.” He placed a hand on my shoulder. “My father worked too hard, carried too much stress. The doctor said these things can be unpredictable.”

His grip tightened almost imperceptibly. “Best not to spread unfounded suspicions. That kind of talk could undermine pack confidence when we need unity. Wouldn’t want anything threatening your new position–or your family’s safety.”

The threat was so smoothly delivered it took me a moment to recognize it for what it was.

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2

cy to ale stufy

not a phong he didasad white waiting fre the heatin,

h

yosiye, inspite one tittorrents, so tailed in grease ser see from Nathan’s

**** 1 contume, kah I’ve a NAINA YAA/

A long dence, “Will you be okay? Working, so closely with him?

THW bow, I wanted her, chovány, words carefully, uncertain who might be listening. And I’ll make sure you and the family are safe.

You wind different, tulis dinerved. Is something wrong?

I stared at the security footwyr, frozen on Nathan’s face as he directed staff the night of his father’s death. “Nothing I can’t handle. Trust

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