From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 74

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From Rejected Mate to Luna

Chapter 74

Julia’s POV

I folded my last sweater and tucked it neatly into the suitcase. One month’s worth of clothes, toiletries, and essentials–all packed and

ready for my research project at Spring Valley.

As I scanned my half–empty dorm room, my eyes caught on something partially hidden beneath my desk: a medical journal

Daniel had lent me months ago.

My chest tightened. I hadn’t seen it since… since before everything fell apart. With trembling fingers, I picked it up, running my thumb over the cover where Daniel had scribbled his name in the corner. The memory of his handwriting sent a jolt of pain through me so sharp I nearly doubled over.

“Not now,” I whispered to myself, quickly shoving the journal into my bag. Kaia stirred uncomfortably in my mind, sharing my distress.

A knock at the door saved me from spiraling further into grief. Amber bustled in without waiting for a response, two steaming cups of coffee in hand and her signature warm smile in place.

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“Thought you might need this for the road,” she said, placing one cup

on my nightstand. “Can’t believe you’re leaving me for a whole

month.”

I accepted the coffee gratefully. “Thanks. And it’s not like I’m going

across the country. Spring Valley is only half an hour away.”

“Still,” Amber pouted, helping me fold the last few items. “Who’s going to listen to my rants about Professor Davidson’s impossible

assignments?”

I managed a small smile. “You’ll survive.”

Amber nodded, sitting on my bed. “Speaking of awkward situations, have you recovered from your outburst at Matthew in that meeting?”

I groaned, embarrassment heating my cheeks. “Don’t remind me. I

completely lost it.”

“Hey, after everything you’ve been through, I’d say you were entitled to one public meltdown.” Amber squeezed my shoulder. “Besides, it

was kind of badass.”

“It was unprofessional,” I countered, zipping up my suitcase. “But at least I have my theory about why Matthew’s always so weird around

me.”

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Amber raised an eyebrow, “Your theory?”

“He likes Daniel,” I said, feeling strangely confident about this

conclusion. “It’s the only explanation that makes sense.”

Amber nearly choked on her coffee. “What? That’s ridiculous!”

“Is it? Think about it. He was cold when I was single, then suddenly friendly when I started dating Daniel, now he’s back to being distant.

Classic jealousy pattern.”

Amber laughed so hard she snorted. “Julia, that’s the most absurd thing I’ve ever heard. Matthew Collins?”

I shrugged, oddly committed to my theory. “It explains everything.”

“Or maybe he’s just socially awkward,” Amber suggested, still chuckling. “Not everyone has a secret gay crush on your ex.”

“We’ll see,” I said, feeling lighter than I had in weeks. Even if my theory was ridiculous, it gave me something to focus on besides the hollow ache in my chest.

Amber stood and pulled me into a tight hug. “I’m going to miss you.

Promise you’ll text me?”

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“Promise,” I whispered, hugging her back. “Take care of my plants?”

“With my life,” she vowed dramatically. “And Julia? Try to find some

peace out there, okay?”

The drive to Spring Valley was uneventful. I traveled with three other

studer

my program–Ryan, Sarah, and Taylor–all of us making

carefully avoided any mention of my outburst at the

breakup with Daniel.

pulled into Spring Valley’s community center, I immediately

oticed differences from my home pack. The buildings were more

modern, with large windows and open spaces. Pack members greeted

each other casually, without the rigid formality I was accustomed to.

There was no bowing or averting eyes when higher–ranking wolves

passed by.

James Parker, the Beta I’d met briefly before, stood outside with his

very pregnant wife Olivia. Her belly was enormous–she must be due

any day now.

“Welcome to Spring Valley,” James said warmly, helping us with our bags. “We’re excited to have you all working with us this month.”

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