From Rejected Mate to Luna (Julia White) novel Chapter 82

Chapter 82

Eric’s POV

I walked through the community center of the Star Shadow pack,

instantly noticing something was off. Small clusters of people huddled together, their voices hushed, their eyes darting around suspiciously. This wasn’t the vibrant heart of our community I’d known my entire life. This was something else entirely–a place

gripped by fear.

Two security team members patrolled the main entrance, their faces hard as stone, hands resting on their weapons. I nodded at them, receiving only the briefest acknowledgment in return. Their focus remained outward, scanning for threats.

As I passed the coffee shop, I noticed Mrs. Patterson and Mrs. Holloway leaning close together, their gray heads nearly touching as they whispered urgently. When they spotted me, they immediately straightened, their conversation dying mid–sentence. Their faces, usually warm and welcoming, now showed nothing but suspicion.

“Good morning, ladies,” I said, trying to sound normal.

“Eric,” Mrs. Patterson replied stiffly. “How’s your family?”

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You’re doing your best, she assured me. That’s all anyone can ask.

I let her presence soothe me, but my mind drifted to memories of

Nathan. Us at fifteen, sneaking out of pack territory to see a human

movie, sharing a massive bucket of popcorn. At eighteen, attempting

our first partial shifts in the forest behind his house, laughing when his ears came out lopsided. The promise we’d made to each other-

that we’d always have each other’s backs, no matter what.

“I did the right thing,” I whispered to myself. “So why does it feel so

damn awful?”

The thought of Julia’s safety gnawed at me. Nathan had never hidden his resentment toward her, and now, with nothing left to lose… The pack’s stability was at stake too. Without Nathan, the leadership would face unprecedented challenges.

My thoughts were interrupted by the community center’s speakers crackling to life.

“Attention all pack members,” Alpha Reynolds‘ voice echoed across the grounds. “This is an important announcement.”

Everyone froze, heads turning toward the nearest speaker.

“I want to address the situation regarding my son, Nathan. His

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actions were his own and do not reflect the position of pack

leadership. I ask that everyone remain calm and continue your daily

activities. Our security teams have increased patrols, and all members are safe within our territory. Please refrain from spreading unverified information, as this creates unnecessary fear. Those found

deliberately causing panic will face consequences.”

I watched the faces around me. Some looked relieved, but most continued to exchange worried glances. The Alpha’s words hadn’t reassured them. If anything, the official acknowledgment of the

ger made it more real.

I resumed my patrol, I ran into Marcus, one of our most respected nior warriors. He’d trained me when I first joined security, and now

oversaw the southern quadrant.

“How’s it going, young White?” he asked, his voice carefully neutral.

“Managing,” I replied with equal caution.

“Heard you reported the whole incident directly to Alpha.” His eyes assessed me. “Takes courage.”

I realized he was testing where my loyalties lay–whether I might still be Nathan’s inside man.

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I ran a hand through my hair. “If not Nathan, then who becomes Alpha? The Beta is traditionally the Alpha’s closest friend, someone they grew up with. A new Alpha would likely choose their own Beta,

not me.”

Marcus’s expression softened slightly. “You’re worried about your

position.”

“I’m worried about the pack,” I corrected, though we both knew it wasn’t entirely true. “Who do you think would be a suitable

successor?”

Marcus shook his head. “Honestly, there’s no consensus on that. Robert’s boy is too young, barely completed his first shift. The Davidson family has the lineage, but they’ve focused on business, not warrior training, for generations. The only agreement seems to be that Nathan isn’t fit–at least not now.”

He clapped a hand on my shoulder. “This might be the biggest crisis the pack has faced in generations.”

A chill ran through me as I realized the full implications of what was happening. This wasn’t just about Nathan anymore, or even Julia’s safety. This was about the future of our entire pack.

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