From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30

I heard the loneliness behind his casual words. It was different from my own paid but no less real.

“How did you cope with that?” I asked softly.

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Books, mostly. Music. His smile brightened. “And when I got to college, I threw myself into campus activities, made real connections.” He squeezed my

hand. “And now I have you.”

Something warm bloomed in my chest at his words. For the first time, I truly felt valued by someone–needed, even.

As our dinner progressed, the conversation shifted to the approaching winter break.

“Only a month of classes left, Daniel remarked. “Do you have plans for Christmas

“I’ll probably go home,” I said, though the prospect didn’t excite me. “What about you?”

Daniel shrugged. “I’ll stay on campus. The dorms stay open for international students, so they let RAs stay too.”

“Alone? On Christmas?” The image of Daniel sitting by himself in an empty dormitory on Christmas morning made my heart ache.

“It’s not so bad,” he assured me. “The campus is peaceful when it’s empty.”

Before I could overthink it, I heard myself say, “Come home with me for Christmas.”

Daniel looked surprised. “Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to impose–or get you in trouble.”

“I’m sure,” I said, more firmly than I felt. “My parents would love to meet you.” It wasn’t entirely true–my father might be welcoming, but Eric would certainly be hostile, and Sophia would be insufferable with her questions. And if Nathan found out… I pushed that thought away. “Please say yes.”

Daniels face softened. “If you re certain, then yes. I’d love to spend Christmas with you.”

Our desserts arrived–tiramisu for Daniel and chocolate mousse for me. As we began eating, Daniel’s expression turned serious.

Julia, we ve been dating for a month now, he began, setting down his fork. “I want you to know how serious I am about us.” He took a deep breath. “I’m twenty–one, and after I graduate next semester, Ill be returning to my pack.”

I felt my heart rate increase. What are you saying?”

I’m asking about the possibility of marking you,” he said quietly, his eyes intent mine. “I know we haven’t… been intimate yet, but I respect that. I just

want you to know that when you’re ready, I’m prepared to make that commitment

I nearly dropped my spoon Marking was serious–it was the physical act that inated the mate bond. I hadn’t expected Daniel to bring it up so soon, especially sure we hadn’t even had sex yet. In wolf culture, marking often happed during the first intimate encounter, making the physical and spiritual

bond simultaneous

Looking at Daniel’s earnest face, I considered carefully Despite my brother Encostility and Sophia’s indifference, I wanted Daniel to be accepted by my family And after Christmas, if things still felt night…

My family situation is complicated, I finally Bad But if you still feel the same way after spending Christmas with us, then yes, I would accept your mark

Daniel’s eyes lit up with joy, but he still looked concerned. Are you sure? I know family doesn’t always treat you well

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Chapter 30

I’m sure I watched by common pro

“I hadn’t meant to sound so valerate hur the escaped before I could mittem

Damar mached ac

tabile and took my hand again, has express wiem proms, Julia II on thing I can to rallong with your family and

As we fitted our dessen, I felt both excited and neous about what lay ahead Ctracts with Daniel and my family would be challenging, but for the fost time in mars. I found myself looking forward to the hilliday