From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 55

Chapter 55

Julia’s POV

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Claire’s face contorted with rage. She lunged toward me, hands outstretched like claws. “How dare you -”

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Richard moved quickly, catching his wife around the waist and pulling her back before she could reach me. She struggled against his grip,

her eyes flashing with that dangerous golden gleam again.

“Claire, stop!” Richard’s voice was firm as he held her back…

I stood my ground, though my heart raced at her reaction. I couldn’t blame her-in her position, I might have reacted the same way.

“He just woke up,” Richard told us, his voice a stark contrast to Claire’s. “The doctors say he’s recovering faster than expected.”

I nodded gratefully to Richard. “I’m glad to hear that.” Then I turned to Claire, my eyes meeting hers with quiet understanding. “I’m only going in to… to do what we discussed earlier, Mrs. Wright. I’ll keep my promise.” My voice dropped so only she could hear the last part.

“He’ll think it was my choice.”

Claire’s expression shifted slightly-not softening exactly, but acknowledging our arrangement. She gave a curt nod, her eyes still cold. “Five minutes,” she hissed. “Not a second more. And if you upset him, I don’t care what your father or brother says-you’ll regret it.”

I nodded, keeping my spine straight despite feeling like I might shatter at any moment. Claire’s eyes never left me as I walked toward Daniel’s room, the weight of her hatred following me like a shadow.

The sight of Daniel connected to multiple machines, bandages covering his body, his skin unnaturally pale, nearly brought me to my knees. He turned his head as I entered, his eyes lighting up despite his weak condition. He attempted a smile. “Hey, nurse… come to check

my temperature?”

My heart felt like it was being torn to shreds. I fought back tears as I sat in the chair beside his bed, gently taking his hand-the one

without IV lines.

“Daniel… I’m so sorry,” I tried to smile but failed miserably as tears escaped down my cheeks.

Daniel attempted to sit up but winced in pain, his expression shifting to alert concern. “What’s wrong?”

I took a deep breath, my voice trembling despite my efforts to control it. “We can’t be together anymore.”

His face transformed from confusion to shock to hurt in rapid succession. “What? Why? Is it because I was attacked?”

I shook my head, choosing a partial truth. “You deserve to have a mate’s love, Daniel… a real, complete bond.”

“No, Julia, we’ve talked about this,” Daniel tried to argue, his voice gaining strength despite his injuries. “I don’t care about some fated

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Chapter 55

mate.

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“But you should care,” I insisted, feeling my resolve strengthening even as my heart broke. “When you meet her, you’ll understand… you’ll

feel that… completeness.”

Daniel tried to grip my hand tighter, but I gently pulled away. “Your parents want to take you back to your pack to finish your studies…

it’s safer there.”

His gaze sharpened. “Is this because of something my mom said? Did she come to you?”

I looked away, unable to meet his eyes as I chose to protect him. “This is my decision. I can’t watch you get hurt… especially because of

me.”

“Julia, look at me,” Daniel’s voice rose. “I don’t believe this is what you want.”

I forced myself to meet his gaze, keeping my voice steady and final. “I can’t do this, Daniel. I’ve already been rejected by my mate once… I

can’t risk… I can’t let you miss out on true happiness.”

Daniel’s expression shifted from anger to pleading. “I promised I’d take care of you, remember? I said I’d prove I was worthy…”

I stood up, tears streaming freely down my face. “I know you would have. But not with me.”

I leaned down to kiss his forehead one last time, whispering, “Goodbye, Daniel… be well.”

As I turned to leave, I felt our mental connection growing fainter. With deliberate effort, I severed the last of our bond, the pain of it

making me gasp softly.

At the door, Daniel called out weakly, “Julia…” but I couldn’t look back.

Outside in the hallway, I met Claire’s gaze. My eyes were dry now, my heart feeling like cold ash. “It’s done. I hope you’re satisfied.*

I walked straight to where Eric and Dad waited, my steps mechanical, my soul feeling emptier with each one.

In the hospital parking lot, Eric immediately noticed the change in me. The emptiness in my eyes, the mechanical quality of my movements. He placed an arm around my shoulders, asking through our mindlink, Are you okay? but I couldn’t bring myself to respond.

We walked silently toward the elevator, the world around me seeming distant and muffled, as if I were underwater.

In the elevator, Dad watched me with obvious concern but respected my silence.

As we stepped outside, the cold air made me shiver slightly, though I barely registered the sensation.

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Chapter 55

Eric scanned our surroundings vigilantly, ensuring there was no danger.

When we reached the car, I suddenly stopped. “I need to walk for a bit.”

It’s too dangerous, Dad immediately objected. “Nathan might still be around.”

“Just in the parking lot,” I said, showing the first flicker of emotion since leaving Daniel’s room. “I just need to… breathe.”

Dad and Eric exchanged a look before Dad finally nodded. “Don’t leave our sight.”

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I wandered aimlessly near the car, physically present but mentally somewhere far away. The emptiness inside me felt vast and permanent.

I stopped at the edge of the parking lot, blinking in surprise as I noticed large snowflakes drifting silently from the gray afternoon sky. The hospital grounds were already covered in a thick blanket of white, pristine and untouched in some areas. I hadn’t even registered the

snow falling during our drive or our tense confrontation inside.

Of course-it was almost Christmas. In any other year, I’d be finishing up shopping or wrapping presents, maybe decorating the tree with

family. The world around me looked like a perfect holiday postcard-the kind people send with messages of joy and hope.

But as the cold air bit into my skin this time, I felt nothing but emptiness.

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