From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 48

Chapter 48

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The most terrifying part wasn’t Claire’s anger; it was that I agreed with her. My presence in Daniel’s life had nearly zuten him killed. My eyes burned with tears I refused to let fall, and my throat constricted around words of protest that died before reaching my lips. I was

toxic. Dangerous. And Daniel deserved so much better than what loving me would cost him.

But somewhere beneath the crushing guilt, Daniel’s words floated to the surface of my mind. “You make me happy, Jules,” he had

whispered against my hair just days ago. ‘Happier than I’ve been in a long time.”

I remembered how his eyes had lit up when I aced that difficult exam, how he’d spun me around and proclaimed I was the smartest wolf

he’d ever met.” The pride in his voice when he introduced me to his friends. The quiet conviction when he told me, “You are not defined

by Nathan’s rejection. You are so much more than that.”

Those memories flickered like small flames against the darkness of Claire’s accusation. Daniel had chosen me-chosen to be with me

despite knowing about Nathan, despite the complications. He’d held me when I cried and laughed with me until we couldn’t breathe. He

saw something in me worth fighting for, when I couldn’t see it myself. The thought straightened my spine just a fraction. Maybe I wasn’t

nothing. Maybe I deserved a voice in this conversation about our future.

“Shouldn’t that be Daniel’s decision?” I finally managed, my voice barely above a whisper. “Whether I stay or go?”

Claire’s laugh was brittle, like glass about to shatter. “You really think you know my son after what-a few months? She paced the small

room, her expensive heels clicking against the linoleum. “I carried him for nine months. I raised him for twenty-one years. I know exactly

who Daniel is.”

She stopped abruptly, spinning to face me. “He’s the boy who brought home injured birds when he was seven. The teenager who drove

three hours to pick up a drunk friend rather than let him drive. The man who would throw himself in front of a bullet for someone he-

Her voice cracked. “For someone he thinks he loves.”

The raw maternal fear beneath her anger was palpable, making the air thick and hard to breathe.

“He’s stable now,” I offered weakly, hugging my arms around my middle.

“No thanks to you.” Claire’s nostrils flared as she stepped closer. Her perfume-expensive and floral-invaded my space, mingling with the

hospital’s antiseptic smell. “What exactly did you think would happen when you dragged him into pack politics? Werewolf territory

disputes?”

Each question felt like a physical blow. I pressed my back against the wall, cornered.

She’s right, I thought miserably. I knew Nathan was dangerous. I knew what he was capable of. And I still brought Daniel home.

That wasn’t your fault! Kaia growled defensively. Daniel is an adult who made his own choices. He wanted to be with us!

“Daniel deserves to make his own decisions,” I said aloud, trying to inject strength I didn’t feel into my voice.

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17:23 Tue, Jan 27

Chapter 48

Claire’s eyes narrowed dangerously, reminding me of a predator assessing prey. “That’s exactly what terrifies me. Because my son will choose pain and danger If he thinks It’s for love, the leaned closer, her voice dropping. And I will not stand by and watch him die for a

college girlfriend.”

She straightened her posture, smoothing down her cashmere sweater with trembling hands. When she spoke again, her voice was eerily

controlled.

“Next semester, I’m taking Daniel back to our pack. He can complete his Internship there, Away from here… away from you.”

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