From Rejected Mate to Luna Chapter 109

Julia's POV

I leaned back in my desk chair, phone pressed to my ear during what had become my daily ritual since Nathan took over as Alpha. These calls with Mom were my lifeline to home, a way to gauge the situation without actually being there.

"How are things today?" I asked, keeping my voice casual.

Mom sighed. "About the same. Your father's working late again. The transition is... complicated."

"And Eric? How's he handling being Beta?"

"He's busy. Nathan's got him organizing the security rotations." A pause. "Actually, there is something odd I wanted to mention."

I tensed. "What is it?"

"It's probably nothing, but... Nathan's been spending a lot of time around Sophia lately." Mom's voice dropped slightly. "He stopped by three times this week, always when she's home from school."

Alarm bells rang in my head.

"Does she seem uncomfortable around him?" I tried to keep my voice neutral.

"I wouldn't say uncomfortable exactly, but quieter than usual. I thought maybe she was just flattered by the Alpha's attention." Mom paused. "Julia? Is there something I should be concerned about?"

I closed my eyes. "Maybe. Let me make a call. I'll get back to you."

---

Matthew answered on the second ring. "Julia? Everything okay?"

"I need your help," I said without preamble. "It's Sophia. Nathan's showing unusual interest in her, and I don't like it."

"Your sister?" His voice sharpened. "Tell me what's happening."

I explained what Mom had shared, and my growing concern. "After what happened with me, I don't trust his sudden interest in a eighteen-year-old girl. We need to get her out of there before he..."

"I understand," Matthew said firmly. "We'll make it happen. Any ideas for how to approach this without causing a direct confrontation between packs?"

I thought for a moment. "Actually, yes. Sophia's really into photography lately. What if she needed to visit different packs to take pictures for a portfolio? She's talking about applying to art schools with photography programs."

"That could work," Matthew said, his voice warming. "Spring Valley has some spectacular landscapes that would make excellent portfolio pieces. It would be perfectly reasonable for an aspiring photographer to visit."

"Exactly. And it would be temporary enough that Nathan might not see it as a threat."

"Let me gather the team and work out logistics. I'll call you back within the hour."

---

I called Sophia later that evening, keeping my voice light and casual.

"Hey, college girl. Mom mentioned you're getting serious about photography."

"Yeah," she said, an unexpected enthusiasm in her voice. "It started as a way to get Instagram likes, but I actually really love it."

"That's awesome. Listen, I have an opportunity that might interest you. Spring Valley is running a special workshop for young photographers—a chance to capture some amazing landscapes for your portfolio. Interested?"

There was a pause. "Wait, seriously? For real?"

"Absolutely. They'd provide accommodations, equipment, professional guidance. It would really strengthen your college applications."

"That sounds amazing, but..." her voice dropped. "Do you think Alpha Reynolds would allow it? He's been... around a lot lately."

The caution in her voice confirmed my suspicions. "Leave that to me. The invitation will come officially from Alpha Collins. It would look bad for Nathan to refuse an educational opportunity offered by a neighboring Alpha."

"Julia?" Sophia's voice was uncharacteristically serious. "Is this... is this about Nathan? Because he's been really weird. Like, finding reasons to be around me, asking about my future plans. It's creeping me out."

My heart clenched. "Has he done anything inappropriate?"

"No, nothing I could point to exactly. Just... the way he looks at me sometimes. Like he's planning something."

"Sophia, I promise you won't have to deal with that much longer. Just play it cool for a few more days, okay? Act excited about the photography opportunity when it comes, but not like you're desperate to leave."

"I can do that." Her voice strengthened. "Julia? Thanks for not... you know. Treating me like I'm stupid."

Tears pricked at my eyes. "You were never stupid, Sophia. I'm sorry I didn't see what was happening sooner."

---

Three days later, the extraction plan went into motion. Matthew had created an impressive facade of a photography workshop, complete with official invitations to several talented teenagers from three neighboring packs. Sophia's name was simply one among many.

I watched anxiously through a secure video feed as James arrived at the White family home in an SUV marked with Spring Valley's logo and "Youth Arts Initiative" on the side. He wore a polo shirt with the same branding, looking every bit the program coordinator.

My breath caught when I spotted Nathan's black Mercedes parked across the street. He was there, watching.

"Matthew," I whispered, though he was miles away in the Spring Valley security center. "Nathan's at the house."

Through our connected earpieces, Matthew's voice was calm. "We anticipated this possibility. James knows what to do."

On screen, James approached the front door confidently, carrying a folder of materials. Mom answered, welcoming him inside. Minutes stretched like hours as I waited, imagining the conversation happening inside.

Finally, the door opened. Sophia emerged, camera bag over her shoulder, wheeling a small suitcase. Mom followed, carrying another bag. James took the luggage, chatting animatedly about the program as they walked to the SUV.

My eyes darted to Nathan's car. The driver's door opened, and he stepped out, his posture rigid with authority. He started walking toward them.

"Matthew—" I began, panic rising.

"I see him," Matthew answered tensely. "Backup is ninety seconds out."

On screen, James spotted Nathan approaching. Without missing a beat, he turned and extended his hand in greeting, his body language open and professional. I couldn't hear the exchange, but I could see James offering Nathan the program brochure, pointing to various pages as he spoke.

Nathan's body language was stiff, suspicious. He glanced at Sophia, who was carefully maintaining an expression of excited anticipation. Mom stood beside her, one hand protectively on Sophia's shoulder.

James continued his enthusiastic pitch, finally handing Nathan a business card—presumably Matthew's contact information for any "concerns." After what seemed an eternity, Nathan nodded curtly and stepped back, allowing them to proceed to the vehicle.

I didn't breathe until the SUV pulled away from the curb, Sophia safely inside.

"They're clear," Matthew confirmed in my ear. "Nathan's returning to his car. He's not following."

Relief washed through me so powerfully I had to sit down. "Thank you," I whispered, not caring if he could hear the tears in my voice.

---

That night, I video-called Sophia in her temporary quarters at Spring Valley. Her face filled the screen, looking more relaxed than I'd seen in months.

"This place is amazing," she gushed. "The mountains, the forests—I've already taken over three hundred photos."

"I'm glad you're enjoying it," I said, smiling through my lingering worry.

Sophia nodded. "For now."

"Don't worry about Dad and Eric," I added, sensing her unspoken concern. "Dad's position is secure—Nathan needs his experience. And Eric's too valuable as Beta. Nathan may be angry, but he's not stupid enough to harm them when he needs their support to run the pack."

As we said our goodnights, I felt a weight lift from my shoulders. Sophia was safe, at least for now. Dad and Eric could handle themselves—they were strong wolves with significant positions in the pack. Even Nathan, with his newfound Alpha power, wouldn't risk alienating them.

Still, as I closed my laptop, I couldn't help but wonder what Nathan's next move would be. He wasn't one to accept defeat gracefully, especially when it came to something—or someone—he wanted.