From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 156

Chapter 156

Julia’s POV

When we finally dressed and composed ourselves, our breathing still uneven, I rested against Matthew’s chest, listening to his strong heartbeat as i whispered, ‘At the next Moon Gathering, I want to hold your hand where everyone can see.”

Matthew held me tight, placing a kiss on the top of my head. ‘It would be my honor, Julia White.”

The forest floor felt surprisingly comfortable beneath us, cushioned by years of fallen pine needles. Matthew’s strong arm encircled my shoulders as I rested my head on his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart. Patches of sunlight filtered through the tall ponderosa pines above us, casting dappled patterns across our entwined bodies.

I sighed contentedly, feeling more at peace than I had in years. Matthew’s fingers lazily traced patterns on my bare shoulder, occasionally twirling a strand of my hair. Our clothes were reassembled, though I still felt deliciously disheveled.

“What are you thinking about?‘ Matthew whispered, pressing his lips to the top of my head.

How I never thought I’d feel this way,” I admitted, tilting my face to meet his gaze. “Safe. Happy.”

His eyes softened, and he brushed his thumb across my cheek. “You deserve all of that and more, Julia.”

We lay in comfortable silence for several minutes, the forest alive with subtle sounds around us–birds calling, leaves rustling in the gentle breeze, a distant stream bubbling over rocks. I felt my wolf, Kaia, stretching contentedly inside me, completely at ease in Matthew’s presence.

A thought drifted into my mind, and I found myself asking, “By the way, I haven’t seen Jason around all summer. Is he still part of the security team?”

Matthew’s eyebrow quirked up in amusement. “Really? We just shared this incredibly intimate moment, and you’re asking about another man?”

I playfully swatted his chest. “You know perfectly well I’m asking for Sophia’s sake.”

His teasing smile faded, replaced by a more serious expression. “Jason’s mother’s pack up north was attacked. Joint effort between some rogues and a huntes organization.”

I sat up slightly, alarmed. ‘Attacked? Is he okay?”

“He’s fine,” Matthew reassured me. He went back to help. With his modern tactical training, he’s valuable to them right now. The northern packs are different from our modern packs. More isolated, more traditional.”

‘How dangerous is it?” I asked, thinking of Sophia. “These attacks?”

“You seem very concerned,‘ Matthew noted, a hint of mock jealousy in his voice.

“I think he might be Sophia’s mate,” I explained. ‘I noticed how their scents changed when they were together, even though I don’t think Sophia realized it.

She’s still so young.”

‘How old is she now?” Matthew asked.

“Just turned eighteen. Actually, she had her awakening the week before we moved here. But she hasn’t seen Jason since.”

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8:08 am

Chapter 156

Matthew’s expression grew thoughtful. “Jason can take care of himself. He’ll be back soon. The attacks have mostly subsided.” He paused, studying my face. “You know, I’m curious–what are your thoughts on fated mates?”

The question surprised me. “I… It’s complicated. After Nathan- I stopped myself, not wanting to spoil the moment by mentioning him.

“I understand, Matthew said softly. I’ve seen both sides. Some find perfect happiness with their fated mates. Others… his voice trailed off, and I knew he was thinking of Rachel.

“Do you think the Moon Goddess ever makes mistakes?” I asked carefully.

Matthew’s chest rose and fell with a deep breath. “I don’t know. But I do believe we have choices, even within fate’s design.” He shifted slightly to look at me better. “There’s a girl at the reservation–Abigail. She helped me once when I… Anyway, I promised I’d take her to some university events when the semester

starts.”

I felt a momentary twinge of something–not quite jealousy, but uncertainty. “Abigail?” The name triggered a memory, and I couldn’t help but laugh. “Is this the same Abigail you suddenly needed to meet when you practically ran away from me that day?”

Matthew’s cheeks colored slightly, and he ran a hand through his hair. “Yeah, about that… You thought I was interested in Daniel back then. I panicked and used her as an excuse. His embarrassed smile was endearing. “Though to be fair, she has actually been a big help.

‘She’s interested in modern education,” he explained. “I was thinking she could work as a TA next semester. Maybe meet some of the pack members her age.” He looked at me carefully. “Would that bother you?”

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