From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 160

Chapter 160

Julia’s POV

A shrill beeping sound tore me from my dreams. I fumbled for my phone, squinting at the bright screen as I silenced the alarm. Beside me, a mass of dark

hair peeked out from under the covers, accompanied by a muffled groan.

“Is that a fire alarm? Sophia’s voice emerged from beneath the pillow she’d pulled over her head. “Do all nurses have to have firefighter hearing or is that

just a pack rule?”

I snorted, stretching my arms above my head. Sharing my bed with my sister had been an exercise in patience. She’d kicked me at least three times during the night and somehow managed to claim two–thirds of the mattress despite being smaller than me.

“You can keep sleeping if you want, I offered, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. ‘I need to get to the medical center early, but you don’t have to

come with me.”

The pile of blankets shifted as Sophia emerged, her hair a wild tangle around her face. “No, I’ll come. I want to organize those photos I took yesterday.” She yawned widely. “The printing equipment at the center is way better than anything I have access to.”

Twenty minutes later, I stood in the bathroom, running my fingers through my damp hair. Sophia had convinced me to try some new styling product that promised to enhance my natural curls. I had to admit, it made my hair look shinier and more defined.

“Look at you,” Sophia said, leaning against the doorframe with an approving nod. “Not the serious Beta family girl anymore. Matthew is going to be completely mesmerized.”

I felt my cheeks warm at the mention of Matthew.

Your heart rate just picked up just thinking about seeing him in a few hours, Kaia teased through our mindlink. My wolf seemed particularly playful this

morning.

“Shut up, I muttered, not entirely sure if I was responding to my sister or my wolf.

“What? It’s true,” Sophia said with a smirk, misinterpreting my comment. “You’re glowing lately. It’s disgusting how happy you two are.”

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t suppress my smile. Things with Matthew had changed so much in the past weeks. The thought of officially announcing our relationship at the moon gathering still made my stomach flutter with nervous excitement, but it was a good kind of nervousness–the kind that came with finally embracing happiness instead of running from it.

In the bedroom, I slipped into my light blue nursing scrubs and comfortable white clinical shoes while Sophia pulled on a pair of black skinny jeans and a t- shirt with photography terminology splashed across the front. Her camera bag and laptop case sat ready by the door, evidence of her growing professionalism.

“Do you think the pack will be okay with us going public at the gathering?” I asked, voicing the worry that had been nagging at ine. “I mean, he’s the Alpha and I’m just-

“Just what? The most qualified nurse in two territories? The woman who single–handedly delivered James and Olivia’s baby when no one else could get there in time?” Sophia interrupted, zipping up her boots. “Julia, you need to stop selling yourself short,”

The sincerity in her voice caught me off guard. This supportive version of my sister was still something I was getting used to.

“When did you get so wise?” I asked, grabbing my keys from the nightstand.

1/3

8:08 am P P P P .

Chapter 160

Sophia flashed a grin. I’ve always been the smart one. You were just too busy being the responsible one to notice.”

As I pulled open the apartment door, I nearly collided with a solid wall of muscle. Matthew stood on the other side, his hand raised as if about to knock. We all froze for a moment, startled by the unexpected encounter. Matthew’s eyes lit up when they landed on me, his surprised expression melting into a warm

smile.

‘I was coming to surprise you,” he said, looking a bit sheepish in his dark work pants and forest green henley. Thought I’d drive you to the medical center.”

You guys have such a photographable aura right now, Sophia’s voice teased through the pack mindlink. Pure Alpha–nurse chemistry.

My cheeks flamed. Shut up! He can hear you!

Matthew’s smile widened, confirming he’d caught the exchange. He reached out to take my hand, his thumb brushing over my knuckles in a subtle caress that sent warmth cascading through me.

‘Good morning to you too, Sophia,‘ he said, his eyes never leaving mine. “Nice to see you both ready on time.”

The drive to the community center was filled with comfortable conversation, mostly about Sophia’s photography and the upcoming moon gathering. When we arrived, Sophia immediately announced her departure.

I need to sort through my portfolio submissions for the institute,” she said, gathering her equipment. “You two can… continue making eyes at each other.” With a knowing smirk, she headed off toward the arts room.

In the medical center hallway, Matthew pulled me aside, his hand gently cupping my elbow. The corridor was empty, but he still spoke in a low voice that sent pleasant shivers down my spine.

‘You look… different today,‘ he said, his eyes taking in my enhanced curls and the subtle lip gloss I’d applied. “Beautiful. There’s a confidence about you that makes you glow.”

“Sophia’s been giving me beauty tips,” I admitted, feeling strangely shy.

Matthew shook his head slightly. “It’s more than that. His fingers brushed a curl away from my face. “I could barely sleep last night without you. Hati was restless the entire time.”

‘I missed you too,” I whispered, leaning into his touch.

We’re really doing this at the gathering? Matthew asked through our private mindlink, his eyes searching mine. Going public? You’re sure? Once we do this, the entire werewolf community will know.

I nodded, my mind made up. I’m tired of hiding how I feel about you. I want everyone to know.

His eyes darkened with an intensity that made my breath catch. Just as he leaned closer, a piercing scream echoed through the mindlink, followed by a wave of shock and confusion so strong it made me physically stagger.

Oh my god! OH MY GOD! Sophia’s voice filled my head, her emotions cascading through the pack bond with overwhelming force.

Matthew and I exchanged alarmed looks before sprinting toward the arts room, our conversation forgotten. Something was wrong with my sister

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