From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 185

From Rejected Mate to Luna

Chapter 185

Matthew’s POV

I arranged the medical supplies methodically on the shelves of my temporary quarters, my fingers lingering on a vial of antiviral medication specifically formulated for werewolf metabolism. My mind kept replaying the scene from earlier–Julia standing before her pack, shoulders squared, voice steady as she accepted the temporary leadership role. Pride swelled in my chest, but something else twisted alongside it. A distance I couldn’t quite name.

I could still feel the turbulent mix of determination and disbelief pulsing from her. She’d looked so different from the woman who had first arrived at Spring Valley–terrified of her own shadow, running from Nathan’s control. Now she commanded a room full of werewolves who once dismissed her, who now looked to her for salvation during their darkest hour.

I placed the vial down harder than intended, the small clink echoing in the quiet room.

“She doesn’t need your protection anymore, I muttered to myself, the words both liberating and painful.

Hati rumbled in agreement but with a note of concern. We both sensed the inevitable conversation approaching–one that would force us to confront

realities neither of us wanted to face.

I walked to the window, gripping the frame as I stared out toward the Star Shadow territory. The twilight cast long shadows across the trees, mirroring the conflict stretching across my thoughts. Two packs. Two Alphas. Two separate responsibilities that couldn’t be ignored.

My hands tightened until my knuckles turned white. Spring Valley needed me. I had responsibilities to my people that I couldn’t abandon, not even for my mate. And Julia—she was now bound to Star Shadow in ways neither of us had anticipated. This epidemic had thrust her into a position of leadership she never sought but was proving remarkably suited for.

The painful truth settled heavily in my chest: what we had built together might not survive the weight of our separate duties.

I took a deep breath, making the decision that had been forming since I watched her accept her new role. I would stay here until the crisis stabilized, until Julia had firmly established her leadership. I would support her, guide her if she asked, stand beside her as she navigated the treacherous waters of pack

politics.

And then I would have to return to Spring Valley. To my people. To my duty,

‘Perhaps this is our fate,” I whispered to the empty room, feeling a dull ache spread through my chest. “To heal each other, then walk separate paths

I turned from the window, gathering the medical reports and outbreak containment protocols I’d brought from Spring Valley It these were to be our hinal weeks together, I would make them count. I would give Julia every advantage, every piece of knowledge I could offer. Not just as het mate, but as a fellow

Alpha respecting a peer.

My eyes hardened with resolve even as my heart continued its quiet breaking I was an Alpha before I was a mate. So was she now we both understood the weight of that responsibility, even if neither of us had anticipated facing it on opposite sides of a territorial boundary.

As I organized the papers, my mind drifted to Rachel, my first mate Id failed to protect her from roque wolves that failure had nearly destroyed me. With Julia, the threat wasn’t physical danger but the cruel reality of our positions This time, protecting her meant something entirely differnt it meant preparing her to stand without me

I paused, pulling a small notepad from my desk drawer There were things I needed to say that might be easier written than spoken My pen hovered over the paper, searching for words that could bridge the impossible gap between duty and desire

Julia,

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Chapter 185

When I first saw you accept the leadership of Star Shadow tonight, I felt a pride so fierce it nearly brought me to my knees. You ve grown into a woman and a leader I scarcely could have imagined when you first arrived in Spring Valley.

We now stand at a crossroads neither of us anticipated. You belong to your pack, as I belong to mine. The Moon Goddess has a strange sense of humor, bringing a together only to place these responsibilities between us.

I will stay as long as you need me during this crisis. I will help you establish your authority and protocols. But when this epidemic passes, we must face difficult truths about our separate duties.

Whatever comes, know that you have transformed me. You brought me back to life when I thought that part of me died with Rachel. For that alone, I would love y

across any distance.

Always yours,

Matthew

I folded the note carefully, uncertain whether I would ever give it to her. Perhaps these words were just for me–a way to organize the chaos of emotions threatening to overwhelm my carefully maintained control.

I slipped the note into my pocket as I heard her footsteps approaching in the hallway. My heart accelerated despite my best efforts to remain calm. Throug our bond, I could sense her determination tinged with uncertainty–so similar to my own emotional state.

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