From Rejected Mate to Luna Chapter 11

Julia's POV

As we walked toward the library, I found myself relaxing slightly despite Kaia's teasing. Daniel's presence was calming—so different from the constant tension I felt around Nathan or my family.

"What made you apply for the scholarship?" I asked, eager to change the subject in my own mind.

"Proving myself, mostly," he replied. "My family could afford tuition, but I wanted to earn it on my own merit. Besides, scholarships aren't just about the money—they help students gain real independence, especially those who need it." His hand brushed against mine again, and this time I was certain it wasn't accidental.

Independence. The word hit home hard. That's exactly what I was chasing—the freedom to support myself without being tied to pack resources that came with Nathan's invisible leash.

"That's my goal too," I said quietly. "If I can secure this scholarship, I might have more options after graduation. Maybe even work opportunities away from home."

Daniel glanced at me curiously but didn't press for details. "The Spring Valley medical community has excellent connections. They sponsor graduates for positions all over the country. One of last year's winners is doing her residency in Seattle now."

He tucked a strand of hair behind my ear in a gesture that was both casual and intimate. "You know, you'd probably qualify for several positions they offer. You've got the brains and the dedication. Plus, you're not hard on the eyes either." He grinned, making it clear he was flirting now.

My heartbeat quickened, partly at the compliment and partly at the possibility he'd described. Working somewhere distant from Star Shadow pack—somewhere Nathan's influence couldn't reach. The scholarship wasn't just about money; it could be my path to geographic freedom as well.

"I didn't realize the scholarship came with those kinds of opportunities," I said, hope creeping into my voice while carefully sidestepping his flirtation.

"Oh yeah, they're big on career development. Mr. Collins—you know, the Alpha who spoke at the welcome ceremony—he personally mentors some of the recipients."

The mention of Matthew Collins made me pause. The Alpha who had confronted Nathan on my behalf. The memory of his protective stance still felt surreal.

*Your heart just skipped,* Kaia noted with interest. *I felt that.*

Before I could respond to either Daniel or Kaia, my phone rang. I juggled my books to reach into my pocket, then froze when I saw the caller ID. Dad.

"I need to take this," I said to Daniel, stepping slightly away. "Hello?"

"I hear you've been causing problems for our future Alpha," my father's stern voice came through immediately, no greeting.

"Dad, what are you talking about?"

"Nathan had to go to your school to address your behavior," Dad continued, his voice tight with disapproval. "What did you do to upset him?"

My stomach dropped, a weary resignation settling over me. Dad wasn't a bad father—far from it. Most of the time, he was loving, supportive, even funny when he wasn't worried about pack politics. He'd taught me to ride a bike, helped with my science fair projects, and even secretly encouraged my interest in healing herbs when I was younger.

But whenever anything involved the Alpha—or in Nathan's case, the future Alpha—it was like a switch flipped. Suddenly family loyalty, his children's feelings, even basic fairness went out the window. The Beta's duty to his Alpha took precedence over everything else. I understood the tradition intellectually; Betas were meant to be loyal to their leaders, to support them without question. That was the foundation of pack hierarchy that had sustained our kind for generations.

But was that always right? What happened when the Alpha himself was the problem? When he was cruel or selfish or, like Nathan, determined to make someone's life miserable simply because he could? Shouldn't there be limits to that loyalty? These were dangerous questions, ones I'd never dare voice aloud. But they echoed in my mind every time my father chose Nathan's side over mine.

I turned away from Daniel, lowering my voice. "I didn't do anything. He showed up uninvited and made a scene."

I couldn't understand what Nathan was doing—first complaining to Eric, now apparently to my father. Was he trying to turn my entire family against me?

"You promised you would complete your studies quietly, without causing any trouble," Dad reminded me, his disappointment evident. "That was the agreement."

"I am focusing on my studies," I insisted, frustration building. "Nathan is the one who—"

"He had to go to your campus to find you," Dad interrupted. "Whatever you did must have been significant."

The unfairness of it all made my throat tight. "Dad, that's not what happened."

"Your mother and I expect you home this weekend," he continued as if I hadn't spoken. "You need to apologize to Nathan and smooth this over."

"I can't come home this weekend," I protested. "I have a major scholarship exam to prepare for."

"Julia." Dad's voice hardened. "If you don't agree to this, we'll have to reconsider our financial support. Nathan is important to our family's standing in the pack."

The threat hung in the air between us. The stethoscope they'd just helped me buy suddenly felt like a chain around my neck.

"Fine," I said tightly, knowing I had no real choice. Not yet, anyway. "I'll be there Friday evening."

After ending the call, I turned back to Daniel, who was pretending not to have overheard. The sympathetic look in his eyes told me he'd heard enough.

"Family drama," I explained vaguely. "Looks like I'll need to head home again this weekend."

Daniel nodded. "All the more reason to maximize your study time now. Let's get to the library and I'll show you my notes from last year's exam."

As we resumed walking, I felt a new determination hardening within me. The scholarship wasn't just about academic achievement anymore—it was about survival. Each step toward the library was a step toward possible freedom.

Until I was truly independent, I would have to play by Nathan's rules, endure my family's pressure, and navigate the suffocating politics of Star Shadow pack. But if I could win this scholarship, secure a job far away after graduation...

For the first time, I could see a concrete path forward—a glimpse of escape through the academic excellence Nathan had always belittled. And I would chase that possibility with everything I had.