From Rejected Mate to Luna Chapter 113

Julia's POV

I stormed away from the Spring Valley hospital. My vision blurred with angry tears as I tried to put as much distance as possible between myself and Matthew. I didn't want to be around anyone right now, especially not him. Not after what happened in the hospital.

The memory of how quickly he'd moved his hand away from my face, maintaining that professional distance, as if I were just an ordinary intern—it was all too familiar. Too painful.

"Julia! Wait!" Matthew called from behind me, his voice carrying that unmistakable Alpha command that made Kaia stir.

I walked faster, my heartbeat quickening. Kaia growled in frustration. *Turn around and face him!* she demanded.

"No," I whispered. "I can't do this again. I won't be someone's dirty secret again."

I was nearly running now, but a strong hand gently caught my wrist. Matthew's scent—pine and morning dew—surrounded me, making Kaia whimper with longing.

"I don't want to talk, Matthew," I said without turning, my voice shaking.

"Then listen." His voice was low and firm. "Not here."

Before I could respond, Matthew guided me off the main path toward the protected forest that bordered the community center. We followed a rarely used trail, ensuring no other pack members would see us. This action only fueled my anger further.

Once we were sheltered by the trees, I yanked my hand away and spun to face him, eyes flashing with fury. "Is this what you want? Hiding in the shadows? Keeping me as your secret? Something you can enjoy during the summer and then pretend never happened when it's over?"

Matthew frowned, confusion crossing his features. "What? Julia, I don't understand why you're suddenly so angry."

"Don't play dumb!" My voice rose with emotion. "When Margaret walked by, you dropped your hand like it was on fire. Then you—" I swallowed hard, fighting back tears, "you kept that cold, professional distance like we're nothing more than colleagues. Are you ashamed of me? Not Alpha material enough for you?"

Matthew's expression shifted from confusion to shock. "You think I'm ashamed to acknowledge our relationship?"

"What else am I supposed to think?" I crossed my arms defensively, though my voice had lost some of its certainty.

Matthew took a deep breath, stepping forward. "Julia, I let go of your hand because I thought that's what you wanted." Seeing my confused expression, he continued, "Don't you remember? You told me you wanted to keep our relationship low-key, especially around pack members."

The realization hit me like a physical blow. I did remember. The night our relationship began, I'd nervously asked Matthew to keep things private, worried that news would travel back to Star Shadow and enrage Nathan.

"And Margaret," Matthew continued, "is the biggest gossip in Spring Valley. If she knew about us, the entire pack would know by morning, and within two days, word would reach other packs."

Silence stretched between us. A summer breeze rustled through the pine trees, carrying the fresh scent of the forest. The leaves whispered above us, as if mocking my misunderstanding.

"I... I forgot," I finally admitted quietly, my cheeks burning not with anger now, but with embarrassment. I recalled my own request, made out of fear of Nathan's retaliation, yet today I'd berated Matthew for the very thing I'd asked of him. "I'm sorry. I overreacted."

Matthew's expression softened. "I should have explained afterward instead of letting you walk away upset."

I shook my head, a wave of guilt washing over me. "No, this is my fault. I asked you to hide our relationship because I was afraid of Nathan, and then I blamed you for honoring that request." I looked up at him, sadness in my eyes. "That wasn't fair to you."

"Julia," Matthew stepped closer, carefully cradling my face in his hands, "I understand your fears. I know what you've been through."

"But that's not an excuse," I said softly. "I shouldn't let past fears control my present life." I took a deep breath. "I don't want to hide anymore, Matthew. I don't want to let Nathan continue to dictate my choices."

Matthew's eyes flickered with surprise and joy. "Are you sure?"

"I'm sure," I nodded. "I want to attend the next Moon Gathering with you, as... as your mate. If you still want me."

The corner of Matthew's mouth lifted in a warm smile. "I've wanted to introduce you to the entire pack as mine since the day we were together, Julia." His fingers caressed my cheek. "You have no idea what this means to me."

"I think I've always been afraid of rejection, of getting hurt," I confessed. "But I'm more afraid of losing potential happiness because of those fears. Of losing you."

"You won't lose me," Matthew's voice was low and certain. "I've been here all along, and I'll continue to be."

He leaned forward, tilting my chin up, his lips brushing softly against mine. "I have to keep an eye on you, don't I? Make sure you don't run off again?"

Instead of answering, I closed the distance between us, wrapping my arms around his neck and pressing my lips to his. The kiss began gently but quickly grew heated. My back pressed against the rough bark of a pine tree, Matthew's body pinning me firmly in place.

His scent enveloped me, his wolf's possessiveness fully on display. His hand slid beneath the hem of my summer dress, fingers tracing circles on my bare thigh, each touch making my wolf whimper with satisfaction.

"Feel that?" he whispered against my ear, his lips moving along the curve of my neck. "How much I want you?"

I could only nod, words lost somewhere deep in my throat. When his hand moved higher, fingers teasing the lace edge of my underwear, I couldn't help but tremble.

Matthew suddenly lifted me up, my legs instinctively wrapping around his waist, my back pressed more firmly against the tree trunk. Our eyes locked, his flashing with Alpha brilliance, but filled with tenderness and question.

"Tell me what you want, Julia," he said softly. "Tell me what you need."

"You," I answered between breaths. "I only need you. And... no more hiding."

His lips found mine again, this kiss more urgent and demanding. His fingers continued their exploration, and when they reached the most sensitive part of me, I felt electricity course through my entire body.

"Here?" Matthew whispered against my lips, his voice husky with desire. "In the forest?"

The dangerous thrill of being outdoors, hidden but not entirely private, sent a shiver of excitement through me. My wolf was practically howling with approval, urging me to claim this man completely.

"Yes," I breathed, arching against his touch. "Something about this feels... wild. Right."