From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 34

Chapter 34

Julia’s POV

The familiar winding road leading to my childhood home appeared ahead, and my stomach knotted itself into a tight ball of nerves. Daniel’s hand found mine across the console of his car, his thumb tracing reassuring circles against my skin.

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“That’s it,” I said, nodding toward the two-story house that came into view. “That’s where I grew up.”

The house looked exactly as it had when I left for college-gray siding with white trim, a large oak tree in the front yard, and my mother’s carefully tended flower beds now dormant for winter. Yet it felt different somehow, like a place I’d seen in a photograph rather than a

home.

“Nice place,” Daniel said, squeezing my hand. “Remember what we talked about? Just be yourself. I’ll follow your lead with your family.”

I nodded, trying to swallow past the lump in my throat. “I’m worried about Eric. He’s Nathan’s best friend, and he’s never approved of

anything I’ve done.”

“Eric isn’t here,” I said, reaching out through my pack bonds. I could sense my parents and Sophia inside, but Eric’s presence was

noticeably absent. “At least not yet.”

Daniel parked in the driveway and turned to me, his eyes serious. “Whatever happens, we’re in this together. I won’t let anyone make you

feel small-not your brother, not anyone.”

His words warmed me from the inside, and I leaned over to kiss him briefly before we got out of the car. The cold December air hit me as I stood in the driveway, staring at the front door. Before I could reach for the handle, it swung open.

My mother stood framed in the doorway, her expression a mixture of happiness and uncertainty. She wore a festive red sweater, her dark

hair-the same shade as mine-pulled back in a neat bun.

“Julia,” she said, stepping forward to hug me. Her embrace was familiar but slightly stiff, as though she wasn’t sure how to hold me anymore. When she pulled back, her eyes moved to Daniel, assessing him with the careful scrutiny only a wolf mother could manage.

“And you must be Daniel,” she said, extending her hand. “I’m Mary White. Welcome to our home.”

“Thank you for having me, Mrs. White,” Daniel said, his voice confident as he shook her hand. “Julia’s told me so much about you.”

“All good things, I hope,” came my father’s voice as he appeared behind my mother. Unlike her cautious welcome, Dad stepped forward with a genuine smile, clasping Daniel’s hand firmly. “Robert White. Come in, you two, before we let all the heat out.”

Inside, the house smelled of pine and cinnamon, with Christmas decorations adorning every available surface. To my surprise, Sophia appeared from the kitchen, looking more mature than when I’d last seen her. Gone was the sneering teenager who had mocked my every

move; in her place stood a young woman who approached me with a hesitant smile.

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Chapter 34

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“Hey, Julia,” she said, her voice lacking its usual edge. “Your hair looks nice.”

I blinked, thrown off by the unexpected compliment. “Thanks, Soph.”

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“Eric isn’t here,” Mom explained, noticing my glance around the room. “He… well, he met his mate today. He’s with her now, establishing

their connection.”

I felt my eyebrows shoot up in surprise. Eric had found his mate? That explained his absence, but I couldn’t help feeling relieved that we’d

have at least a little time without his antagonism.

Daniel smiled politely and handed my mother the gifts we’d brought.

We settled in the living room, and I could feel the tension building as my mother began her subtle interrogation.

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