From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 186

Julia’s POV

I followed Matthew’s scent–pine and rain with that underlying alpha musk—through the quiet corridors of the community center toward the guest quarte My body ached with exhaustion, but my mind refused to slow down. Just an hour ago, I had accepted temporary leadership of the Star Shadow pack, a position I’d never imagined holding.

Before entering Matthew’s quarters, I stopped at the small sanitizing station outside his door. Old nursing habits died hard, especially during an epidemic scrubbed my hands thoroughly with the special antibacterial soap, then sprayed disinfectant over my forearms, taking the extra precaution against potentially spreading the virus.

Through our bond, I sensed Matthew’s emotional turmoil–pride and concern swirling with something darker I couldn’t quite name. Why had he walked aw after the ceremony? The question gnawed at me as I raised my hand to knock. “Matthew?”

Matthew opened the door. He stood there, his broad shoulders outlined by the dim light behind him. He’d removed his jacket, his white shirt wrinkled fror

the day’s tension. The shadows beneath his eyes spoke of his own exhaustion, but when our gazes met, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

“I could feel you coming,” he said quietly, tapping his temple.

He stepped back, allowing me space to enter. The small guest quarters were meticulously organized–medical supplies arranged on shelves, papers stacked neatly on the desk. Through the window, the full moon cast silver light across the floor.

Matthew stood by the window, staring out at the night sky. His body language spoke volumes–the tight line of his shoulders, hands clasped behind his bac My Alpha. My partner. My rock during this chaos.

“You did brilliantly today,” he said without turning. “I’ve never seen anyone accept that kind of responsibility with such grace under pressure.”

Our bond hummed with sincerity, but I also caught the undercurrent of something else–worry, perhaps, or resignation. He turned then, his eyes finding

mine in the moonlight.

“How are you feeling?” he asked, his voice gentle.

I sank onto the edge of his bed, suddenly aware of how my legs trembled with fatigue. ‘Overwhelmed. Terrified. I gave a humorless laugh. Completely out

of my depth.

Matthew moved closer, crouching before me so we were eye–to–eye, “You’re exactly where you need to be, Julia. These people need a leader who understands both medicine and compassion.”

“What if I make the wrong decisions? People could die, Matthew.”

He took my hands in his. “People are already dying. But fewer will because of you.”

I searched his face, noticing the weariness etched there. “You left the ceremony. I thought-

‘I’m staying,” he interrupted, his voice firm. At least until the situation stabilizes.

My breath caught. “What about Spring Valley?”

‘James can handle things temporarily.” Matthew’s thumbs traced circles on my palms. “You need me here. Now.”

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6:27 pm

Chapter 186

PPP

12:1

No time limit. No conditions. Just a simple promise to stay by my side. The warmth that flooded through our bond made my throat tighten with emotion.

“Thank you, I whispered.

Matthew reached up, his fingers brushing my cheek with such tenderness that tears threatened. “You don’t need to thank me.

The reality of our situation suddenly hit me. I’d been working directly with infected patients all day. ‘I should shower first,” I said, pulling back slightly. ‘I don’t want to risk exposing you to the virus.”

He nodded, understanding immediately. “There’s fresh towels in the bathroom.”

Under the hot spray of the shower, I finally allowed myself a moment of weakness. The weight of responsibility, the fear of failure, the physical exhaustion- it all crashed over me like a wave. My hands trembled as I scrubbed every inch of my skin, following the decontamination protocols I’d drilled into the volunteers. I bit my lip hard, refusing to break down completely.

When I emerged wearing the soft robe hanging on the door, I found Matthew had turned down the bed. A steaming mug sat on the nightstand, the scent of chamomile and lavender wafting up.

“It will help you relax,” he said, motioning to the tea.

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