From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 78

Chapter 78

Matthew’s POV

I stared at Julia, completely stunned by her words. My brain seemed

to short–circuit as I tried to process what she had just suggested. The

night air around us suddenly felt too thick to breathe.

The words hung between us in the cold night air. I couldn’t remember

the last time I’d been rendered so completely speechless. My mind

raced to catch up with this unexpected turn in our conversation.

She thinks I’m attracted to Daniel. Daniel Wright. How the hell did

she arrive at that conclusion?

Hati, my wolf, broke into sardonic laughter in the back of my mind.

This is certainly a creative misunderstanding. I’ve been called many

things over the centuries, but this is a first.

I mentally replayed every interaction I’d had with Julia since she

arrived at Spring Valley. Yes, I’d been cold when she first arrived.

Then, during the project meetings, I’d been more professional. When

I discovered she was dating Daniel, I’d made an effort to be polite.

And after their breakup, I’d returned to maintaining my distance. But how did any of that translate to me being attracted to Daniel?

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Chapter 78

She’s completely misread everything, I thought, still staring at her in

disbelief.

Have you considered, Hati commented dryly, that you’ve been watching

her since the moment she walked into that first meeting? And not

because of her academic contributions.

I mentally dismissed my wolf’s observation. That’s ridiculous. I notice

everyone who enters my territory.

If you say so, Hati replied, unconvinced. But your reaction to seeing

Miller’s arm around her suggests otherwise.

Julia’s face had turned a deep shade of red, visible even in the dim

ight of the path. She looked mortified, clearly regretting her

outburst.

“I… I didn’t mean to say that out loud,” she stammered, looking

anywhere but at me.

I struggled to formulate a response that wouldn’t make this situation.

even more awkward. I needed to correct her misunderstanding

without seeming defensive or, worse, making her think I might be

interested in her instead. Because I wasn’t. Definitely not.

For a brief moment, I imagined what Rachel would say if she could

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see this situation. She would have doubled over laughing, teasing me

mercilessly about my apparent inability to communicate like a

normal person.

If you deny having feelings for Daniel, Hati pointed out unhelpfully, she

might think you’re interested in her instead. Which you are.

I am not, I mentally snapped back. I’m only interested in her

professional contributions to the project.

Keep telling yourself that, Hati responded with the mental equivalent

of an eye roll.

As I struggled to find the right words, footsteps approached from the

direction of the community center. Abigail walked into view, her hair

pulled back in a neat ponytail.

“Alpha Collins,” she greeted me with a warm smile. “I was just heading

home from finishing some paperwork.”

I noticed Julia’s expression shift from embarrassment to something

more complex–perhaps relief at the interruption. In that moment, I

saw a potential escape from this excruciating conversation.

“Abigail,” I replied, my voice regaining its usual confident tone.

“Perfect timing. I was actually meaning to ask if you’d like to grab

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