From Rejected Mate to Luna Chapter 10

Julia's POV

I clutched my nursing textbooks to my chest, power-walking across campus toward the library. The autumn air was crisp against my face, a welcome change from the suffocating atmosphere of my weekend at home.

My backpack felt heavy with additional study materials, but that weight was nothing compared to the burden of my recent visit to Star Shadow pack.

Two days later, and I still felt Eric's claws digging into my wrist, still heard his sneering voice telling me my nursing degree wouldn't matter. The memory made my steps quicken, determination fueling my pace.

This scholarship exam was my chance—a real opportunity to secure financial independence. If I could win it, I'd receive enough funding to cover my remaining tuition and even some living expenses. It wouldn't just ease the financial burden; it could be my ticket to freedom from Nathan's control.

I ran through my mental checklist of topics to review: advanced pharmacology, pathophysiology, critical care procedures. The exam was notoriously difficult, but I'd been preparing for weeks. After years of being told I was worthless by Nathan and my brother, there was something deeply satisfying about excelling academically—something they couldn't take from me.

"Hey, Julia! Looks like you're on a mission to conquer something big!"

I nearly collided with Daniel Wright, who stepped into my path with a friendly smile. As the dorm's RA, he seemed to be everywhere at once, always ready with a greeting or helpful advice. Today, he wore a forest green sweater that brought out the deep green of his eyes. His gaze lingered on me a moment longer than necessary, something I'd been noticing more frequently lately.

"Oh, hi Daniel." I adjusted my grip on my textbooks. "Just heading to the library. I've got a lot of studying to do."

"For the Spring Valley scholarship exam?" he asked, glancing at the materials in my arms. "You look really focused today. It's a good look on you." He smiled, and there was something warm in his eyes that wasn't just friendly.

I felt a small flutter of surprise. Was Daniel flirting with me? Since starting college, I'd noticed more male attention than I was used to. Without Nathan's shadow constantly looming over me, people actually seemed to see me—the real me.

"Yes, actually. It's in three weeks, and I really need to ace it."

Daniel's face brightened. "Sounds intense. How about taking a quick break first? The campus café just launched their new seasonal drinks." He leaned slightly closer. "Nothing helps studying like a pumpkin spice latte with an extra shot of espresso. My treat."

The offer was tempting, and not just because of the caffeine. Daniel was attractive, intelligent, and genuinely kind. In another life—one where I hadn't been rejected as a mate and wasn't trying to escape a controlling pack—I might have been interested.

*You could still be interested,* Kaia whispered in my mind. *He smells nice. And he's looking at you like you're the most fascinating person he's ever met.*

I ignored her. My shoulders ached from carrying my books, but the clock was ticking, and I couldn't afford distractions—especially romantic ones.

"Thanks for the invitation, but I really need to focus on reviewing." I tried to sound apologetic rather than dismissive. "This scholarship is really important to me."

*Or maybe you're not interested because you've already got your eye on someone else,* Kaia suggested slyly. *Someone taller, with Alpha energy and those intense blue eyes...*

*That's not it at all,* I shot back mentally. *I'm just prioritizing my future.*

*If you say so,* Kaia replied, sounding unconvinced.

Daniel nodded understandingly, though I caught a flicker of disappointment in his expression. "I get it. Actually, I took the Spring Valley scholarship exam last year and won it." He paused, watching my reaction. "Though I'm in public health, not nursing. But the format and approach are similar across medical disciplines."

I stopped in my tracks. "Really? I didn't know you'd applied for the same scholarship."

"Sure did. The questions change each year, but I'm pretty familiar with their testing style and what they prioritize." He hesitated, then added, "If you'd like, I could walk with you to the library and share some tips? Might save you some time in the long run."

His fingers brushed against mine as he offered to carry some of my books, the contact brief but deliberate.

*See? Definitely interested,* Kaia commented.

*That's not helpful right now,* I told her.

I considered his offer. Extra insight into the exam could be invaluable, especially from someone who'd successfully navigated it. And unlike most people who'd offered to "help" me throughout my life, Daniel seemed to have no ulterior motive beyond... well, maybe he did have some interest in me, but it wasn't manipulative like Nathan's behavior.

"That would be really helpful," I admitted. "If you're sure you don't mind."

"Not at all." He fell into step beside me, walking slightly closer than necessary. "I remember how stressed I was before the exam. It's competitive, but honestly, your nursing knowledge combined with good test strategy should put you in a strong position. You're one of the smartest people in our program."

The compliment felt genuine, and I found myself blushing slightly. It was still strange to be appreciated for my intelligence rather than criticized for it.

*You're blushing,* Kaia observed. *Maybe you do like him.*

*I'm just not used to compliments,* I replied.

*Or maybe Matthew Collins has ruined you for normal men,* she teased.

*That's ridiculous! I barely know Mr. Collins,* I protested internally. *And he's an Alpha from another pack. Nothing could ever happen there.*

*I didn't say anything about something happening,* Kaia replied smugly. *You went there all on your own.*

*You're being mean,* I told her.

*Fine, that's just my own opinion then. I think he was impressive. But Daniel seems nice too.*