From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 177

Nathan’s smile widened, revealing the predator beneath. I realized my mistake immediately. My submission hadn’t appealed to any noble leadership instinct

-it had fed his desire to dominate me.

“Look at you,” he said softly. “The mighty Spring Valley nurse, head bowed in my basement.” He reached out, tilting my chin up with one finger. “I’ve missed

this look on you.”

I pulled away, but not quickly enough to hide my revulsion.

“Fine,” he said, his tone suddenly cold. “You can stay–temporarily. Not because we need your precious medical skills, but because watching you scurry

around like a good little nurse might be… entertaining.”

His eyes hardened. “You’ll report directly to me. Daily updates. And you’ll remember your place here. This isn’t Spring Valley with its progressive ideas and

Matthew’s gentle leadership.”

I nodded, suppressing my disgust. “I understand.”

“And Julia?” He leaned close, his voice dropping to a whisper. “If I catch even a hint that you’re using this as an spread dissent, I will personally escort you to the territory border. Are we clear?

opportunity to undermine my authority or

“Crystal,” I replied, holding his gaze longer than was strictly respectful.

With a final measuring look and satisfied smirk, Nathan turned and climbed the stairs. I waited until his footsteps faded before sagging against the workbench, my knees finally giving out. I gave myself exactly thirty seconds to tremble, then straightened, grabbed my bag, and followed him up.

In the living room, Eric and my mother waited with tense expressions. My father was propped up on the couch, looking better but still weak.

“Well?” Eric demanded as I entered.

“He’s letting me stay,” I said, setting my bag down. “To help with the outbreak.”

Eric’s eyebrows shot up. “Nathan is actually allowing you to work as a medical professional here? In Star Shadow?”

I nodded. “Under strict conditions. I report directly to him, follow pack protocols.”

My mother touched my arm hesitantly. “Julia, are you sure this is wise? After everything with Nathan…”

“I don’t have a choice, Mom,” I said, glancing at my father. “Dad’s recovering, but others will get sick. This strain is aggressive in werewolves–our accelerated metabolism actually works against us, speeding up the virus replication.”

Eric crossed his arms, frowning. “You realize Nathan will make this hell for you, right? He’ll monitor your every move, question every decision, use this to

reassert his control over you.”

“I know,” I said quietly

“The pack council won’t support you if there’s conflict,” he pressed. “Most of them owe their positions to Nathan or his father. If something goes wrong with a patient-

“Eric,” I interrupted, ‘I get it. This is complicated and potentially dangerous. But there are people here who will die without proper treatment.” I met his

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Fri, Apr

Chapter 177

gaze steadily. “Sometimes doing the right thing matters more than personal comfort or safety.”

Eric stared at me for a long moment, then shook his head with something like grudging respect.

“When did my little sister become so stubborn?” he muttered.

“Always was, my father said weakly from the couch. “Just like her old man.”

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