From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 28

Chapter 28

“I… I got it?” I stammered, the reality slowly sinking in.

“You didn’t just get it–you got first place!” Daniel’s face broke into a wide grin as he turned to me. “Julia, you did it!”

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A wave of relief and joy crashed over me so powerfully that I felt dizzy. This wasnt just a scholarship–it was my freedom plan coming to fruition. With this achievement, I could apply for positions in any hospital system, including Spring Valley Medical Center, far from Nathan’s reach.

Without thinking. I threw my arms around Daniel’s neck, hugging him tightly. “Thank you,” I whispered against his shoulder. “For all your help, for believing in me.”

Daniel laughed, his arms wrapping around my waist. In one swift motion, he lifted me off the ground and spun me in a circle, our combined laughter drawing attention from nearby students.

For the first time in years, I felt genuinely, completely happy. The weight that had pressed on my shoulders since Nathan’s rejection seemed to lift, if only temporarily. In this moment, spinning in Daniel’s arms, I wasn’t the rejected mate or the pack outcast–I was simply a successful student celebrating an achievement with someone who cared about me.

As Daniel twirled me, my gaze drifted over his shoulder. My breath caught when spotted Matthew Collins standing at the edge of the crowd. He wore a dark charcoal suit that emphasized his broad shoulders, his expression a complex mixture of approval and something else I couldn’t quite identify. Unlike his coldness at Edwards retirement ceremony, there was a warmth in his eyes that made my heart skip a beat.

“Well, he doesn’t look like such an asshole today, does he?” Kaia remarked with interest.

1 suddenly became acutely aware that Matthew might be here in his capacity as a scholarship committee member. My cheeks burned as I realized how

childish our celebration must appear to him–an Alpha of his standing would certainly expect more dignified behavior.

“Daniel,” I murmured, gently tapping his shoulder. “You can put me down now.”

I felt oddly self–conscious, struggling to compose myself into someone more professional, more worthy of the scholarship. Why I cared what Matthew

thought confused me–he had been dismissive before, so why should his opinion matter now?

As Daniel lowered me to the ground, he leaned in, clearly intending to kiss me in celebration of my achievement. Without thinking, I shifted slightly, my

eyes inadvertently drifting toward Matthew again. The kiss landed awkwardly on the corner of my mouth instead.

Daniel pulled back, a flicker of hurt crossing his features. “Is something wrong?” he asked quietly.

The noise of the celebrating students around us seemed to fade away, leaving on the uncomfortable silence between us.

‘No, I just–I felt dizzy from spinning,” I lied, immediately hating myself for it. The excuse sounded weak even to my own ears,

“He deserves better than that explanation, and you know it,” Kaia chided.

I recognized the unfairness of my reaction. Daniel had been nothing but supportive, and I had just hurt him because… because what? Because Matthew

happened to be watching? The realization made me feel ashamed.

Determined to make things right, I leaned forward and initiated a kiss myself, trying to pour my gratitude and apology into it. Daniel responded, but I could sense his confusion lingering beneath the surface

“I’m sorry,” I whispered against his lips. Im just overwhelmed.

When we broke apart, I gathered my courage and looked back to where Matthewd been standing, but he was gone. In his place, a professor approached,

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15.03 Mon, Jan 26

Chapter 28

congratulating me on my scholarship and reminding me about the award ceremony the following week.

The realization hit me–as a committee member, Matthew would be there at the ceremony. I would have to face him again, and soon.