From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 205

Chapter 205

Matthews POV

With a sigh, I leaned back in my chair, my hand unconsciously drifting to my chest where a hollow ache had taken up permanent residence

Juisa Mate… Hati & low growl of disapproval rumbled through my consciousness.

‘I know, I whispered to the empty office.

I couldn’t continue like this–torn between responsibility and desire, between the past and the future I desperately wanted.

A collection of postcards caught my eye–my parents photographic chronicle of their world tour.

I picked up the most recent one, postmarked from Norway. My fathers grinning face beamed back at me from the edge of a stunning fjord, my mother

taking the selfie with her arm extended. They looked so carefree, so happy. So unburdened by responsibility.

The memory hit me suddenly–my father’s words four years ago when he d surprised everyone by stepping down as Alpha early: “You’re ready, Matt. And when you find your mate, if you ever need me to step back in for a while, Im just a call away.”

At the time, I’d thought it was just his way of easing my anxiety about taking on leadership. But now…

Before I could second–guess myself, I grabbed my phone and checked the time difference. It would be afternoon in Norway. I found my father’s number and initiated a video call, my heart pounding as I waited for him to answer.

My mother’s face appeared first, her expression lighting up. ‘Matthew! What a lovely surprise! Richard, come quick, it’s Matthew!”

She turned the phone, and I saw my father’s face appear, wearing a captain’s hat at a jaunty angle. The fjord stretched out behind him, the cruise ships railing visible along the bottom of the frame.

‘Son! How’s pack business? Everyone behaving themselves?” He grinned, but his eyes narrowed slightly, taking in my disheveled appearance and the dark

circles under my eyes.

“Dad, Mom… I need to talk to you about something important.” My voice sounded steadier than I felt.

My mother s smile faltered. “What’s wrong, sweetheart? Is everyone all right?”

I took a deep breath. Yes, everyone’s fine. It’s… I’ve met someone. Her name is Julia White.”

My father s eyebrows shot up. White? From Star Shadow pack?”

I nodded. ‘I want her to be my mate, Dad. I feel it. Hati knows it

“Well, that s wonderful news! My mother beamed When do we get to meet her?

That s… complicated. I ran a hand through my hair She’s acting as Alpha for Star Shadow during the epidemic crisis, and I’m still Alpha here Were caught between two packs, two responsibilities

Understanding dawned in my mother’s eyes, but my father frowned, his captam’s hat sirding slightly as he leaned closer to the camera

173

Chapter 205

What exactly are you saying Matthew

I met has gaze directly: Im asking you to come back, Dad. To take over as Alpha again, at least temporarily. So I can… so Julia and I can figure things out without abandoning either pack

My father’s face reddened, the playful demeanor vanishing. You want me to cut short the retirement I’ve earned after twenty years of service because you got love troubles? Absolutely not! You accepted the responsibility of Alpha. You cant just-

“Richard, my mother interrupted, placing a hand on his arm. “Let’s hear him out.”

I leaned forward. “Dad, I’ve led the pack faithfully for four years. I’ve expanded our territory, strengthened our alliances, improved our security. I’ve never

asked you for anything.”

And now you want me to give up sailing the Norwegian fjords to clean up your romantic mess?” He waved his arm dramatically at the stunning scenery

behind him.

‘Richard! My mother scolded, but i could see she was fighting a smile at his theatrics.

I remember what you said when you retired early. I continued, my voice tightening. You promised that if I ever found my mate, you’d be willing to step

back in. Well, I’ve found her, Dad. And I’m asking you to keep that promise.

My father’s expression cycled through several emotions–irritation, surprise, and finally, a reluctant guilt. He removed the captain’s hat and ran a hand through his silver–streaked hair.

‘I did say that, didn’t I?” he grumbled, looking to my mother for support, but finding none. ‘Damn it, Matthew. I was planning to see the Greek islands next

month.

My mother smiled gently. “The Mediterranean has been there for thousands of years, dear. It can wait a little longer.”

My father sighed dramatically. ‘Fine. FINE. But there are conditions.”

I felt a weight lifting from my chest. “Name them.”

“First, this is temporary. Six months, maximum. He held up a finger. “Second, you will ensure the bloodline continues. That means finding a proper home with this Julia and producing at least one future Alpha candidate as soon as possible.”

‘Dad!‘ I protested, feeling my cheeks heat.

‘Don’t Dad me,‘ he countered, but I could see the twinkle returning to his eyes. “If I’m giving up cruising through the Greek islands to wrangle unely pack teenagers again, I want grandchildren as compensation.”

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