From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 146

From Rejected Mate to Luna

Chapter 146

Nathan’s POV

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The Alpha training facility beneath our Star Shadow community center was designed for privacy and strength. Reinforced walls,

wolf. I stood in the center of the soundproofed rooms, specialized equipment built to withstand the power of a fully transformed Alpha main chamber, shirtless, my skin glistening with sweat as I focused on controlling my new abilities.

Three days had passed since I’d taken the Alpha title. Three days since the power had surged through my veins when my father took his final breath. The strength was intoxicating, unlike anything I’d experienced before. But something wasn’t right.

I closed my eyes, concentrating on establishing a mindlink with Connor, my head of security waiting outside.

Connor, position check.

The connection flickered like a faulty light bulb, pain shooting through my temples. I grimaced, trying again.

Connor, report-

A wave of agony crashed through my skull. I dropped to one knee, my vision blurring as my body began to shift involuntarily. Bones cracked and reformed, fur sprouting across my back before receding again. The partial transformation was excruciating, trapping me between human and wolf form.

The door burst open. “Alpha Reynolds!” Connor rushed forward, then froze as my eyes flashed red, my face contorted in a grotesque half-

shift.

With a roar that was half human, half beast, I forced myself back into human form, panting on all fours. “Get out,” I growled.

“Sir, what happened? Do you need-”

“I said get OUT!” My voice carried the Alpha command, making Connor flinch.

As the security chief backed toward the door, I straightened, wiping blood from my nose. “Wait.” I stalked forward, grabbing his arm. “Not a word of this to anyone. Understand? Swear it through the mindlink.”

Connor’s eyes widened. An Alpha requesting a mindlink oath was serious–breaking such a promise could result in expulsion from the pack. “I swear it, Alpha,”

I released him, listening as his footsteps retreated. The full moon was only ten days away. My first as Alpha. If I couldn’t control my abilities by then, the entire pack would witness my weakness.

That was unacceptable.

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12.12 Sat, Mar 28 M

Chapter 146

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Helena Hayes lived in a cottage on the eastern edge of pack territory. At eighty–seven, she’d served as pack healer for over fifty years Before retiring I had never paid her much attention before, but desperation had a way of changing priorities.

I wondered when you’d come, she said, not looking up from the herbs she was grinding in a stone mortar.

I dosed the door behind me, keeping my voice neutral. ‘I have some questions about Alpha abilities.

1 imagine you do. Helena finally looked up, her faded blue eyes sharp with knowledge. “Sit down, boy. Let me look at you.”

I bristled at being called “boy, but complied. The old woman set aside her work and approached, placing gnarled fingers on my temples. Her touch was surprisingly gentle as she closed her eyes.

Hmm. Your energy is unstable. Fluctuating. She stepped back. “When did the symptoms start?”

“What symptoms?

Helena’s mouth twitched. The headaches. The loss of control during shifting. The mindlink disruptions.”

I stiffened. “How did you-

Tve served five Alphas in my time. I know the signs.” She returned to her chair. “Now answer my question.”

“Since I took the Alpha position, I admitted grudgingly.

Helena nodded as if confirming a theory. “Alpha power is unique. Unlike Beta or warrior wolves, an Alpha’s strength is partially channeled through their Luna. The matebond stabilizes the enhanced abilities.” She fixed me with a knowing stare. “You rejected your fated mate.”

My jaw tightened. That’s none of your-”

“It’s exactly my business when it affects pack security,” she interrupted. “You rejected the mate the Moon Goddess chose for you, and now you’re experiencing the consequences.”

“What consequences?‘ I demanded.

“The instability will worsen, especially during the full moon. Without a Luna to balance your power, your control will deteriorate.” She xaxymed grinding her herbs. “You need to complete a matebond with someone. The sooner, the better.”