From Rejected Mate to Luna Chapter 102

Julia's POV

The drive home was tense. My knuckles turned white from gripping the steering wheel too hard as thoughts of Matthew and the upcoming confrontation with my family swirled in my mind. I hadn't planned on telling them about him yet, but Emma's surprise visit had forced my hand. Now I'd have to face the music.

Jason followed behind in his own car, as we'd arranged. Having Matthew's security guard with me gave me strength, even though I knew this conversation with my family wouldn't be easy.

As I pulled into our driveway, I noticed several cars parked outside our modest two-story house—more than usual. My stomach tightened. They were waiting for me.

I killed the engine and sat for a moment, gathering my courage. *You're a grown woman, Julia. You don't need their permission to live your life.*

The front door opened before I could even reach for the handle of my car door. Mom rushed out to meet me, her face etched with concern rather than anger. Dad followed right behind her, and I could see Sophia peeking through the doorway.

"Julia, thank goodness you're here," Mom said, pulling me into a quick hug. "We were getting worried."

"Is everything okay?" I asked, noticing the tension in her shoulders despite the warm welcome.

But what surprised me most was seeing Eric's truck. My brother had mated and moved out with his wife Lisa months ago. He shouldn't be here.

Jason parked across the street and gave me a reassuring nod. We'd discussed this—he'd be my backup if things got heated.

"Luna is inside," Mom whispered, glancing nervously over her shoulder. "We don't know why, but she specifically mentioned you."

Dad's eyes darted nervously between Mom and me. "Luna wants to speak with all of us. About your... situation."

Great. Luna Emma didn't even wait for our scheduled meeting tomorrow morning. She'd gone straight for the ambush approach, barging into my family home instead. Apparently, patience wasn't one of her virtues—especially when she didn't get what she wanted immediately.

I gestured for Jason to join me. "I have someone with me."

My mother's eyes widened as Jason approached. "Who is this?"

"Jason," I introduced him. "He's with me."

I stepped inside to find Eric and Lisa sitting on our living room couch. My brother stood immediately, surprising me with a tight hug.

"You okay?" he whispered, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

I nodded slightly, touched by his concern.

"Julia." Luna's commanding voice drew my attention to the dining room entrance. She stood with perfect posture, her silver-streaked dark hair pulled back in a severe bun.

Her eyes narrowed when she saw Jason. "Who is this outsider?"

"Jason," he responded before I could speak, his tone respectful but firm. "Spring Valley security team."

Luna's expression darkened immediately. "You brought a foreign wolf into our territory without permission?"

"I'm here at Alpha Collins' request," Jason stated calmly. "To ensure Julia's safety."

"Luna," I acknowledged with a respectful nod, trying to diffuse the tension. "This is pack business, and Jason is here as an observer only."

"Sit down, all of you," Luna commanded, gesturing to the dining table.

My family complied immediately. I hesitated briefly before joining them, taking the chair farthest from Luna. Jason remained standing, positioning himself near the wall where he could see everyone.

"I'll get straight to the point," Luna said once we were seated. "Nathan informed me about the... situation between you two. As your Luna, I've made a decision that will benefit both you and our pack."

The hairs on my neck stood up. "What decision?"

"This Saturday, you and Nathan will exchange marks." Her tone left no room for argument. "It's time you accepted your role as his mate."

The room fell silent. I could feel everyone's eyes on me, waiting for my response.

"No." The word came out stronger than I expected.

Luna's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Excuse me?"

"I said no." I sat up straighter, meeting her gaze. "I won't be exchanging marks with Nathan. Not Saturday, not ever."

Mom gasped. Dad looked down at his hands.

"Julia," Luna's voice lowered to a dangerous pitch. "This isn't a request. It's an order from your Alpha."

"I can't." I swallowed hard. "Because I already have someone."

"What?" Mom's voice cracked. "Who?"

I took a deep breath. "His name is Matthew Collins. He's the Alpha of the Spring Valley pack."

The silence that followed was deafening until Luna broke it with a harsh laugh.

"A casual relationship before marking means nothing," she dismissed with a wave of her hand. "Many wolves have... adventures before settling with their true mates."

"He's not a casual relationship," I insisted, heat rising to my face. "And Nathan is not my true mate. He rejected me, remember? He made his choice."

Luna's eyes flashed with anger. "Nathan has reconsidered. As is his right. And as a member of this pack, you will obey your Alpha's command and become his mate."

I felt my wolf rising to the surface, bristling at the threat in her tone. "I won't."

Luna stood suddenly, power radiating from her in waves. "You will submit, Julia. Don't make me force your compliance."

The threat wasn't empty. Alphas had ways of compelling obedience—painful ways that left psychological scars. I'd seen it happen to others who defied pack law.

To my surprise, Eric stood up next to me. "Luna, with all due respect, you can't force a mating. It's against our most sacred laws."

"Stay out of this, Eric," Luna warned.

"He's right," Jason spoke up, his deep voice calm but firm. "Forced matings are forbidden. Even for Alphas."

Luna's attention snapped to him. "You dare speak in my territory?"

"When it concerns the mate of my Alpha, yes," Jason replied evenly. "Alpha Collins would consider any attempt to force Julia into an unwanted mating as an act of aggression against Spring Valley."

A shocked murmur ran through my family. The implication was clear—this could escalate to pack conflict.

"Julia made her choice," Eric added, placing a supportive hand on my shoulder. "And Nathan made his choice when he rejected her. You can't rewrite that history because it's suddenly convenient for the pack."

Luna's face darkened with rage. "This isn't about convenience. This is about strength. Nathan will be our next Alpha, and he needs a suitable mate."

"Then he should have thought of that before he rejected me," I replied, finding courage in my brother's and Jason's support. "I've moved on. I won't be his backup plan."

"You ungrateful—" Luna started, but dad placed a restraining hand on her arm.

"Luna," he said quietly. "Not like this."

A tense silence fell over the room as Luna and I locked eyes in a battle of wills. Finally, she jerked away from my dad's touch.

"This discussion isn't over," she warned, her voice ice-cold. "Think carefully about your future in this pack, Julia. Very carefully." With that, she stormed out, James following close behind.

When they were gone, I released a shaky breath I hadn't realized I was holding.

Eric squeezed my shoulder. "You did the right thing, sis. No one can force you to mate against your will."

I looked up at my brother, gratitude washing over me. "Thanks for standing up for me."

He shrugged. "That's what family's for."

Jason approached us. "Alpha Collins was right to be concerned. This situation is escalating faster than anticipated."

I nodded, suddenly exhausted. "Thank you for being here."