From Rejected Mate to Luna Chapter 120

Julia's POV

When I saw Jason carrying my unconscious sister toward the medical center, my heart nearly stopped beating. Sophia's pale face looked unnaturally fragile in the sunlight, her photography bag still slung awkwardly across her body, swinging with each of Jason's hurried steps.

"What happened?" I rushed forward, medical training automatically taking over as my fingers found Sophia's pulse.

"Mate bond," Jason's voice was tense yet tinged with unmistakable excitement. "She's my mate, Julia. We met in the garden and then she... just collapsed."

Matthew quickly pushed open the glass doors of the medical center, directing Jason to the nearest exam room. "Put her here," he instructed, his voice calm and commanding, the perfect embodiment of an Alpha in control.

My fingers worked deftly, checking my sister's vital signs, professional training temporarily setting aside our sibling relationship. "Pulse strong and steady, breathing normal, pupils responsive to light," I reported, then gently patted Sophia's cheek. "Sophia? Can you hear me?"

Her eyelashes fluttered, then slowly opened. She blinked in confusion, her gaze moving from me to Jason, then suddenly widening. "Oh my god," she whispered, voice filled with shock and a hint of panic, "not a dream then."

Relief washed over me. "Thank goodness, just a fainting spell from shock. Let me check your blood pressure to be sure." I reached for the cuff, confirming her condition. "How do you feel? Dizzy? Nauseous?"

"Like I drank a whole bottle of tequila and then got hit by a train," Sophia said with a weak smile, "but in a good way? Does that make sense?"

Jason stood beside the bed, his eyes never leaving Sophia. "Perfect sense," he responded softly, "The first mate bond is a huge shock to a wolf's system, especially for newly awakened wolves."

Matthew stood in the doorway, giving them space while remaining alert. "I'll let the doctor know you're here and make sure you have privacy," he said, stepping out.

After completing my assessment and confirming Sophia had no real injuries, just the typical mate bond response, I watched the looks exchanged between Jason and Sophia—that mixture of surprise, fear, and deep attraction that reminded me of how I'd felt when first meeting Matthew.

"So you two are fated mates," I stated, feeling a strange sense of relief and joy wash over me. "This is... unexpected and yet perfect."

Sophia sat up, cheeks flushing. "I was completely unprepared, Jules. I was just photographing those blue wildflowers, and then he appeared, and everything just... exploded." Her hand unconsciously reached toward Jason, who immediately took it.

I smiled watching them. "I think I should call Mom and tell her her youngest daughter found her mate."

"Really? Now?" Sophia groaned, though her protest lacked conviction, her eyes still occasionally darting toward Jason.

"Don't worry, I'll give you some space," I squeezed my sister's shoulder, "but remember, medical center rooms aren't for dating." I gave them both a pointed look before leaving.

I walked to the small courtyard of the medical center and sat on a bench, pulling out my phone. Sunlight spilled across the flagstones, a gentle breeze carrying the faint scent from the herb garden. I took a deep breath and dialed my mother's number.

"Julia?" Anna White's voice came through with a touch of worry. "Is everything alright?"

"Better than alright, Mom," I found myself smiling, "You'll never guess what just happened. Sophia found her mate."

A surprised gasp came from the other end, followed by a cheer. "Really? Who is it? Do I know him?"

"Jason, Matthew's friend, the young warrior," I explained, "He just returned from his mother's pack, met Sophia in the garden, and... well, typical mate bond drama ensued, complete with Sophia fainting from the shock."

Anna laughed, her voice full of joy. "The young man with northern bloodlines! The one who escorted you back that time, very polite and clever. Oh, wait until I tell your father!"

I listened as my mother shared the news with my father in the background, feeling a warm sense of satisfaction. Despite our complicated family dynamics, these moments reminded me of the power of family bonds.

"Your father says he wants to congratulate Sophia in person," Anna returned to the phone. "He's asking when you might visit Star Shadow?"

"I'm not sure, Mom," I considered my answer, "It depends on Sophia and hospital schedules. Speaking of Star Shadow, how are things there? Any news?"

There was a momentary pause on the other end that made me feel uneasy.

"Actually, there is something," Anna hesitated. "Nathan... has found a mate. A young woman named Grace Bennett from the Silver Lake pack."

I felt my heartbeat quicken slightly, not from pain but surprise. "Really? That's... that's good. How is he?"

"Honestly, he's calmer than before," Anna admitted. "Since Grace appeared, his... emotional issues seem to have improved. The whole pack is relieved." She paused, seeming to weigh her next words. "Julia... they're holding their mating ceremony tomorrow."

"So soon?" I asked in surprise, more curious about the speed of the ceremony than jealous. "How long have they known each other?"

"About two weeks," Anna answered, her tone cautious. "Connor says Nathan insisted on expediting things after meeting her. Are you... are you okay, dear? I know this news might be difficult even if it's all in the past."

I leaned back against the bench, closing my eyes to feel the warmth of the sun, searching within myself for any lingering pain or regret. To my surprise, I felt almost nothing beyond a strange sense of relief.

"I'm fine, Mom, really," I said sincerely. "Actually, I'm happy for him. If Grace stabilizes him, that's good for the pack." I paused. "Maybe he can finally become the leader the pack needs."

"You're always so generous," Anna's voice held gentle hesitation now. "But actually, we think this woman who's about to become Luna... she may not genuinely care for Nathan." She lowered her voice. "I asked your father what he felt about it, and he said that's not important."

"Oh?" I felt a flicker of confusion, but it quickly faded. "Honestly, Mom, I don't really care if Nathan has a genuine relationship or not. As long as he's emotionally stable and not hurting pack members, that's all that matters to me now."

We chatted for a few more minutes, exchanging more pack news.

After hanging up, I remained sitting in the sunlight, feeling a sense of peace settle over me. Nathan had been a shadow in my life, his rejection making me question my own worth. Now, knowing he had found a new mate and was starting a new life, I felt a sense of closure and release.

"Everything okay?" Matthew's voice came from behind me as he walked to the bench and sat down.

I leaned against his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his body and inhaling his pine scent. "Better than okay. My mother just told me Nathan has found a mate and they're having their ceremony tomorrow."

Matthew's body tensed slightly. "Are you alright?"

I looked up at him, the sunlight illuminating his concerned eyes. I reached up to touch his cheek. "I'm good, better than I expected. Knowing he's found someone who stabilizes him gives me a sense of... relief. Like the final page of the past has finally turned."