From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Julia’s POV

Daniel had insisted on taking me to celebrate my scholarship win at an Italian restaurant off campus. “They have the most amazing handmade pasta, he’d

told me with such enthusiasm that I couldn’t say no.

What he didn’t know was that I had my own reasons for agreeing. Human restaurants were rarely frequented by werewolves who typically preferred

establishments within their territories. This meant the chances of Nathan finding out about our dinner date were slim to none–a small freedom I

desperately needed.

“Its just dinner,” I whispered to myself, adjusting the delicate silver necklace my mother had given me for my eighteenth birthday. “Just a celebration

dinner!

At a fancy restaurant you’ve never been to, Kaia chimed in. “With a guy who clearly wants to be more than just your study buddy.”

I sighed. I couldn’t deny the truth in Kaia’s words. In the month since Daniel asked me to be his girlfriend, our relationship had deepened considerably. We

studied together, ate together, and had shared several sweet kisses. But tonight fet different–more official somehow.

A knock at my door announced Daniel’s arrival. When I opened it, I found him locking handsome in dark slacks and a blue button–down shirt that brought

out the green in his eyes.

“Wow, he breathed, taking in my appearance. “You look beautiful.”

I felt my cheeks warm. “Thanks. You don’t look so bad yourself.”

The drive to downtown took about twenty minutes. When we pulled up to the restaurant, my eyes widened at the elegant stone facade and tasteful lighting. “Salvatores? I read the name aloud. “Daniel, this place looks expensive.”

“Don’t worry about it, he said with an easy smile, handing his keys to the valet. Tonight is about celebrating your achievement.”

Inside, the hostess led us through the dimly lit space with its rich mahogany tables and soft jazz playing in the background. Crystal glasses gleamed under subtle lighting, and the air was filled with the aroma of fine Italian cuisine. When we were seated at a window table–apparently one of the best in the

house–I shifted uncomfortably in my chair.

I feel like I don’t belong here, I admitted quietly.

Daniel reached across the table and took my hand. “You belong anywhere you want to be, Julia. His thumb stroked my palm gently. “You earned that scholarship fair and square. Set yourself enjoy this moment.”

As the waiter brought us water and menus, my enhanced wolf senses detected something familiar–the subtle scent of wolf in human form. My eyes darted to a corner table where three well dressed men sat discussing business. There w something in their posture, in the way they carried themselves, that

screamed werewolf to my trained senses.

“Daniel, I whispered, “I think there are wolves here.

Daniel followed my gaze and nodded slightly. Probably business travelers. Don’t worry they won’t know who you are.”

But I couldnt help wondering if word would somehow get back to Nathan and the Star Shadow pack about me being here, looking happy and successful. I

pushed the thought away. I wouldn’t let Nathan ruin this night.

After we ordered–I chose the least expensive pasta dish despite Daniels encourdement to order whatever I wanted–I couldn’t help remarking, “I can’t believe the prices here. How can you afford this?

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J

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15:03 Mon, Jan 26 GDG.

Chapter 29

Daniel’s smile turned slightly wistful. “My parents are executives for a multinati al corporation. They spend most of their time traveling overseas.”

That must have been hard growing up,” I said, noticing something in his tone.

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‘It was,” he admitted. “They missed a lot of birthdays, school events… pretty much everything important.” He took a sip of his water. “Money became their way of compensating. They weren’t there for my high school graduation, but they sent a car. Missed my college acceptance, but deposited money for tuition.”