From Rejected Mate to Luna Chapter 12

Julia's POV

"Do you really have to go home this weekend?" Amber asked on Friday afternoon as we packed up after our final class.

She flopped dramatically onto her bed, watching me stuff clothes into my overnight bag. "The whole nursing cohort is meeting for that study group on Sunday, and Trevor's bringing his infamous brownies."

I sighed, folding a sweater with more force than necessary. "Trust me, I'd much rather be here eating brownies and studying than dealing with pack drama. But my father insisted." I zipped my bag closed with a frustrated tug. "Apparently, I need to apologize to Nathan for him showing up uninvited on campus and making a scene. Because obviously that's my fault."

"That's so unfair," Amber said, propping herself up on her elbows. "Can't you just tell him you have too much schoolwork?"

"I tried that." I grabbed my backpack, stuffing in the textbooks I'd need to somehow find time to study over the weekend. "He threatened to cut off financial support if I didn't show. And until I win that scholarship, I'm still dependent on them for tuition."

Amber frowned sympathetically as I checked the time on my phone. "I have to get going. Dad's expecting me home for dinner."

---

That evening, after a tense family dinner, I found my father alone in his study. I'd spent the afternoon replaying our phone conversation from earlier in the week, convincing myself that maybe he just hadn't understood the full situation. Maybe if I explained it properly, face to face, he would see reason.

"Dad?" I knocked softly on the doorframe. "Can we talk?"

He looked up from the pack ledger he was reviewing, his reading glasses perched on his nose. "Of course. Come in."

I settled into the chair across from his desk, gathering my courage. "About what happened at campus with Nathan—I don't think I explained it clearly on the phone. He showed up without warning, cornered me in front of other students, and tried to control who I could talk to. I didn't do anything to provoke him."

My father removed his glasses, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I believe you, Julia."

Hope flickered in my chest. "Then you understand why I can't apologize? I didn't do anything wrong."

"You're right," he said quietly. "You didn't do anything wrong."

The hope grew brighter. "So I don't have to—"

"But an apology is still necessary," he continued, and my hope shattered like glass. "Nathan is the future Alpha. Whether he was in the wrong or not, pack harmony requires—"

"Pack harmony?" I stood abruptly, my chair scraping against the floor. "What about my dignity? My self-respect?"

"Julia, please understand—"

"I'm not going," I said firmly, my voice shaking. "I won't apologize for something I didn't do just because he has the right last name."

My father's expression hardened. "Then I'll have to go in your place. I'll apologize to Nathan on your behalf."

The image of my father—the Beta, a man I'd always respected—groveling to Nathan made my stomach turn. "Dad, you can't—"

"It's already decided," he said, his tone brooking no argument. "If you won't do what's necessary for the pack, then I will."

Fury and helplessness warred within me. Without another word, I turned and left his study, climbing the stairs to my childhood bedroom. I barely made it inside before angry tears started falling. I collapsed onto my bed, Kaia whimpering in sympathy beneath my skin.

Sleep came fitfully, haunted by dreams of my father bowing before Nathan's smug face.

---

When I woke Saturday morning, pale sunlight was streaming through my window. The house felt unusually quiet. I found my mother in the kitchen, preparing coffee.

"Where's Dad?" I asked, though part of me already knew.

"He went to the Alpha's office," she said softly, not meeting my eyes. "He left about an hour ago."

Something cold settled in my chest. Without thinking, I grabbed my jacket and headed for the door.

"Julia, where are you going?" Mom called after me.

"To stop him from humiliating himself," I replied, already running.

The community center was only a ten-minute walk, but I made it in five, my wolf speed carrying me faster than any human could manage. I burst through the entrance, ignoring the startled looks from early-morning pack members, and headed straight for the Alpha's office.

As I approached, I heard voices—Nathan's, unmistakably smug and cruel.

"—pathetic, really. Your daughter can't even show basic respect, so here you are, crawling on her behalf. What kind of Beta can't control his own family?"

I froze outside the door, my hand on the handle.

"Nathan, that's uncalled for," Robert's voice, but it was mild, lacking any real censure. "Mr. White is showing admirable dedication to pack unity."

"Pack unity?" Nathan laughed. "He's showing weakness. Julia disrespects me publicly, and instead of punishing her, he comes here to grovel. If this is how the Beta family operates, maybe we need to reconsider that position when I take over as Alpha."

"Nathan," Robert said again, slightly firmer this time but still maddeningly gentle. "While I understand your frustration, threatening the Beta's position is—"

I couldn't listen anymore. White-hot rage flooded through me as I threw open the door. All three men turned to stare at me—Nathan with surprise that quickly morphed into cruel delight, Robert with mild concern, and my father with a mixture of relief and dread.

"That's enough," I said, my voice surprisingly steady despite the fury coursing through my veins. I walked directly to my father. "We're leaving. Now."

"Julia—" my father started.

"Now," I repeated, taking his arm.

Nathan stepped forward, his eyes gleaming. "You don't get to just walk away. Your father came here to—"

"Let them go, Nathan," Robert interjected, finally showing some authority as he placed a restraining hand on his son's shoulder.

Nathan's eyes flashed with anger, but he didn't move as I pulled my father toward the door. The moment we were in the hallway, I released his arm, unable to look at him.

"Julia, I was trying to protect you—"

"By letting him humiliate you?" I whispered harshly. "By letting him threaten your position while the Alpha does nothing but give weak warnings?"

"I'm sorry you're disappointed in me," I continued, my voice barely above a whisper. "I know it must be difficult being the Beta family with a daughter like me."

Something shifted in my father's eyes—a flicker of the man who had once bandaged my scraped knees and taught me to ride a bike. He sighed deeply.

"Nathan was out of line in there," he admitted reluctantly. "But these are complicated times. The transition of power is approaching, and tensions are high."

He ran a hand through his graying hair, suddenly looking older than his years. "Edward Parker's retirement ceremony is next weekend. He has invited us—it might be good for you to attend. Get away from... this situation for a night."

I blinked in surprise at his suggestion. "Spring Valley? You'd let me go?"

"I'll take you myself," he said, his voice softer now. "Consider it a peace offering."