From Rejected Mate to Luna Chapter 15

Julia's POV

"You look happy tonight, Julia," my father remarked with a gentle smile as we moved through the Spring Valley community center. "I'm glad I brought you. Why don't you enjoy yourself? Have a drink if you'd like."

I nodded, returning his smile genuinely as we mingled with the guests. What struck me immediately was how different Spring Valley Pack felt compared to Star Shadow. The atmosphere seemed lighter, less focused on strict hierarchies. When Matthew stood on the small stage during part of the ceremony, I noticed his Beta, James, standing nearby with relaxed confidence rather than the exaggerated deference that would have been expected in our pack.

"This is nice," I admitted to my father quietly. "Their pack feels... different."

"I thought you might appreciate that," my father replied, his eyes crinkling with understanding. "Spring Valley has always had its own way of doing things."

I wandered aimlessly around the reception area after the formal ceremony ended. Matthew had stepped down from the stage and disappeared into the crowd before I could get a better look at him. My eyes scanning the room hopefully each time someone tall walked by. I was embarrassed to admit, even to myself, that I was looking for another glimpse of Matthew Collins—the Alpha who had stood up for me against Nathan at the university.

"Julia!" My father's voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Come here, sweetheart."

I moved toward where my father stood with a silver-haired man, both laughing about something. They seemed to be old friends, reminiscing about college days and regional sports leagues.

"Julia, I'd like you to meet Edward Parker, former Beta of the Spring Valley Pack," my father said, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Edward, this is my oldest daughter, Julia."

"Pleasure to meet you, sir," I said, extending my hand.

Edward grasped it warmly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Please, call me Edward or Mr. Parker. 'Sir' makes me feel ancient." He laughed, the scent of whiskey evident on his breath.

"Julia's a freshman at State University," my father added, a hint of pride in his voice that caught me off guard. "She's preparing for the scholarship exam."

"Is she now?" Edward said, eyebrows raised with interest.

I shifted uncomfortably at my father's tone. He made it sound like I'd already won the scholarship rather than just preparing for the exam. The subtle pride in his voice felt foreign and awkward after years of disappointment.

Edward swayed slightly, his glass of whiskey sloshing dangerously close to the rim. He'd clearly had too much to drink. "And how are you finding the program, young lady?"

"I enjoy it very much," I answered politely. "The faculty is excellent."

"The scholarship exam," Edward said thoughtfully, taking another sip of his drink. "You know, that's Matthew's pet project. He personally oversees the whole process." He leaned in conspiratorially, his voice dropping. "Smart girl like you, studying so hard... I'm sure our Alpha wouldn't mind giving you some guidance. Point you in the right direction, you know? These things can be tricky if you don't know what to focus on."

I felt my face flush. "That's very kind, Mr. Parker, but I don't think—"

"Nonsense!" Edward waved his hand dismissively. "Matthew's around here somewhere. Let me introduce you properly. A few pointers from the man who writes the questions himself couldn't hurt, right?"

My father nodded encouragingly beside me. "That's very generous of you, Edward."

I wanted to protest, to explain that I didn't need special treatment or shortcuts, but the words caught in my throat. Part of me—a part I wasn't entirely proud of—was curious to see Matthew again, to speak with him beyond our brief encounters. My heart rate increased traitorously at the thought.

"I... I suppose a brief conversation wouldn't hurt," I heard myself say, immediately regretting the words.

*You're being ridiculous,* Kaia muttered in my head. *We don't need his help.*

*I know,* I replied silently. *But maybe...*

I didn't finish the thought, even to myself.

Edward's eyes scanned the room, and he spotted Matthew standing near the far wall, partially hidden in shadow. "Ah, there he is. Come along, dear." He placed a gentle hand on my elbow, guiding me through the crowd with my father following close behind.

As we approached, I could see Matthew more clearly. He stood with his arms crossed, his expression distant as he observed the gathering. There was something lonely about the way he held himself apart from the celebration, despite being its host.

"Matthew," Edward said warmly as we reached him. "I want you to meet someone."

Matthew's eyes flicked to us, and I felt that same chill I'd experienced at the university—except this time, there was no warmth following it, no recognition of our previous encounters.

"This is Julia White," Edward continued, gesturing toward me with the enthusiasm of someone who'd had too much whiskey. "She's studying nursing at State. Smart girl, preparing for your scholarship exam."

"Hello," I managed, my voice steadier than I felt.

Matthew's gaze settled on me briefly before returning to Edward. His jaw was tight, his posture rigid.

"Her father and I go way back," Edward went on, oblivious to the tension. "I thought maybe you could give her some guidance. You know, help her understand what to focus on for the exam. A few tips from the source, so to speak."

My stomach dropped. The way Edward phrased it made it sound like I was asking for special treatment, for insider information. I opened my mouth to clarify, to explain that wasn't what I wanted at all.

But Matthew spoke first.

"Students who pass the exam receive scholarships," he stated flatly, barely looking at me. "The questions are straightforward for anyone who's been paying attention in their classes. I don't see why you'd need any additional information." His tone carried a hint of impatience, as if my interest in learning more about the scholarship process was a waste of his time.

The dismissal in his voice hit me like a physical blow. My cheeks burned with humiliation.

"I wasn't—" I started to protest, but Matthew had already turned slightly away, his attention clearly elsewhere.

"If you'll excuse me," he said curtly, nodding to Edward and my father but not to me. "I need to check on the security team."

He walked away without another word, his broad shoulders moving easily through the crowd as people automatically stepped aside for him.

I stood there speechless for a moment, watching Matthew's back as he disappeared into the gathering. My hands trembled slightly, and I clasped them together to hide it.

*What a jerk,* Kaia growled in my mind. *He didn't even look at us properly.*

*I know,* I silently replied to my wolf. *Self-important Alpha who thinks everyone wants special treatment.*

"Well," Edward said, looking embarrassed. "Matthew's been under a lot of stress lately. Don't take it personally, dear."

But I did take it personally. The warmth I'd felt at the prospect of seeing him again evaporated completely. My throat felt tight as I forced myself to smile politely at Edward.

"It's fine," I said, though my voice sounded hollow even to my own ears. "He's right. The exam should be straightforward."

My father placed a comforting hand on my shoulder, and I could see the apology in his eyes for putting me in this position.

*This arrogant wolf is no different from Nathan,* Kaia continued, bristling. *Just another Alpha who thinks he's better than everyone else.*