From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 61

Chapter 61

Julia’s POV

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I understood what she was really asking. What’s it like to be away from the pack? From the expectations and restrictions?

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“It’s… freeing,” I said carefully. “You meet people who don’t know anything about pack hierarchy or wolves. People who like you for who

you are, not who your family is or what your rank might be.”

“But isn’t it hard?” she pressed. “Being away from everyone?”

“Sometimes,” I admitted. “But you find your own people. Your own place.” I thought of Daniel, of the easy friendship we’d shared before everything went wrong, and swallowed hard. “The classes can be challenging, but if you find something you’re passionate about, it’s worth

it.”

“Like nursing for you?”

I nodded. “Like nursing for me. Or photography for you, maybe.”

Her eyes lit up at that. “You really think I could do that? Go to college for photography?”

“Why not? You’re smart, you’ve got talent. There are great art and photography programs all over the country.”

For the next hour, we talked about colleges, programs, and what life might be like beyond the borders of our pack territory. It was the longest, most genuine conversation we’d had in years.

Our discussion was interrupted by a knock. My father stood in the doorway, holding two steaming mugs.

“I made hot chocolate,” he announced. “Your mom thought we could all watch a movie downstairs. That old Christmas one you girls used

to love.”

Sophia jumped up eagerly. “The one with the talking snowman?”

He nodded, smiling, and I felt a strange tug in my chest. How long had it been since we’d done something like this as a family?

Downstairs, the living room had been transformed. The lights were dimmed, the Christmas tree glowed softly in the corner, and the couch was piled with blankets and pillows. My mother sat In her usual spot, patting the cushion beside her.

“Come sit, Julia.”

I hesitated for just a moment before joining her. Eric took the armchair, while Sophia and my father settled on the floor among the pillows. As the familiar opening music filled the room, I felt myself relax slightly, sinking into the cushions.

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Chapter 61

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Halfway through the movie, I found myself actually smiling at a scene I’d loved as a child. My mother’s arm slipped around my shoulders,

and to my surprise, I didn’t pull away.

As the credits rolled, Sophia yawned dramatically and my father stretched his arms above his head.

“Well, I think that’s it for me,” Mom said, collecting empty mugs from the coffee table. She glanced at me. “Coming up, Julia?”

“Not yet,” I replied. “I think I’ll stay down here a bit longer. The snow looks pretty.”

She nodded, giving my shoulder a gentle squeeze before heading upstairs. Sophia followed, already absorbed in her phone. My father

paused at the bottom of the stairs.

“Don’t stay up too late,” he said, his voice gentler than I’d heard in years.

Soon I was alone in the living room, the only light coming from the Christmas tree and the moonlit snow outside. I moved to the window,

watching as fresh flakes drifted down in the silvery light.

I sensed Eric’s presence before I heard him. He moved quietly for someone his size, coming to stand beside me at the window.

Trying to be friendly, I broke the silence. “So, what are your plans with Lisa? Are you going to see her tomorrow?”

Eric leaned against the window frame. “We talk constantly through our bond. After you go back to school, I’m planning to move in with

her.”

“So you’re stuck here babysitting me until then?” I attempted a light tone. “You must hate me for keeping you from your mate.”

Eric didn’t laugh. When I turned to look at him, his expression was unexpectedly serious.

“I could never hate you, Julia,” he said quietly. “I never have. You’re my sister. Always.”

The simple declaration left me speechless. After years of antagonism, I didn’t know how to respond to this sudden fraternal affection.

“Would you…” Eric hesitated. “Would you like to meet Lisa sometime? She’s really looking forward to meeting you.”

Panic fluttered in my chest. “I-I don’t know if I’m ready for that,” I stammered, feeling my cheeks warm. Things between us are just starting to get better, and I’m not sure I’m prepared to meet his mate yet. I looked down at my hands. “What if she doesn’t like me?”

*She already likes you,” Eric said with a small smile. “But there’s no rush. When you’re ready, there’ll be plenty of time.”

He gave my shoulder an awkward pat before heading upstairs, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

Later, after everyone had gone to bed, I stood by my bedroom window, looking out at the moonlit snow in the yard. The pain of losing Daniel was still a constant ache in my chest. The fear of Nathan still lurked at the edges of my mind. But tonight, for a few hours, I’d felt

something I hadn’t expected: the warmth of belonging.

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Chapter 61

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Kaia stirred within me. Your family is trying.

I know, I replied silently. I just don’t know if it’s enough.

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My phone vibrated on the nightstand, startling me from my thoughts. I reached for it, the screen illuminating my darkened room with its

blue glow. A message from Professor Andrews appeared:

“Julia, I hope your break is going well. I wanted to let you know that we’re putting together a special research project next semester.

Students who received scholarships last year are eligible to participate. Details when you return. Merry Christmas.”

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17:28 Tue, Jan 27