From Rejected Mate to Luna Chapter 152

Julia's POV

Star Shadow pack's community center glowed with light despite the late hour. The meeting hall was packed to capacity, the air thick with anxiety, grief, and confusion. The discovery of three bodies had sent shockwaves through every wolf in our pack. I stood at the entrance, feeling dozens of eyes turn toward me. My nurse's uniform still had traces of Nathan's blood from my examination, but there hadn't been time to change.

Matthew stood beside me, his presence giving me strength. Despite the wound on his side still causing him pain, his posture remained tall and unwavering. I could feel our bond humming with support and warmth between us, but there was also something else—a hesitation I couldn't quite understand.

"Are you ready?" Matthew asked softly, his eyes flickering with complex emotions.

I nodded, taking a deep breath. "I have to be."

We walked together toward the main platform, whispers spreading through the crowd as we moved. I caught fragments of conversation: "Will she be our new Alpha?"—"Can a nurse lead an entire pack?"—"Is there something between her and Spring Valley's Alpha?"

Just as we reached the steps to the platform, I felt Matthew's hand gently release mine. Confused, I turned to look at him.

"This is your moment, Julia," Matthew said calmly. "This is your pack. You need to face them alone."

Before I could respond, Matthew had already stepped back, blending into the crowd at the rear. A wave of unexpected loss washed over me, but I quickly composed myself. I climbed the steps alone, taking the position that once belonged to Nathan and his father.

The hall immediately fell silent. Hundreds of eyes stared at me—expectant, doubtful, even frightened. I spotted my father and Eric in the front row, their expressions equally complex. My father nodded encouragingly while Eric maintained an unreadable neutral expression.

"Brothers and sisters of Star Shadow," I began, my voice steadier than I'd anticipated. "We face an unprecedented crisis. In the past twenty-four hours, we've lost Alpha Nathan, former Alpha-mate Emma, and Nathan's mate Grace."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd, but I raised my hand for silence.

"As the person temporarily assuming leadership responsibilities, I must tell you the truth. Based on our investigation and Emma's final mind-link message, Nathan murdered his father Robert, our respected former Alpha. Upon learning this truth, Emma chose revenge. Their struggle at the cliff's edge resulted in both falling to their deaths. Grace died from the sudden breaking of the mate bond."

Shocked gasps echoed around the room. I gave everyone a moment to process this information.

"During this extraordinary time, I, as a medical professional, temporarily took on leadership responsibilities during the virus outbreak. Many believe I should become the next Alpha." I paused, surveying the room. "But I must decline this proposal."

The hall erupted in surprised discussions.

"Being Alpha requires more than crisis decision-making. It demands years of training and preparation. My medical skills served us during this epidemic, but our pack needs a leader experienced in combat, diplomacy, and traditions for everyday leadership. My value lies in the medical room, not the leadership seat."

Elder Morris stood up, his white hair gleaming in the light. "But you've proven your abilities, Julia. In our darkest hour, you stepped forward and saved us. The Moon Goddess has chosen you."

I shook my head. "The Moon Goddess gave me the gift of healing, but that doesn't mean I should be Alpha. According to our traditions, when an Alpha has no offspring, the Beta family has inheritance rights. I believe Eric, as an experienced Beta's son and security team member, has the capability to lead us."

Eric looked visibly shocked; he hadn't expected my support. The crowd erupted into discussions, both supportive and questioning.

John rose from his seat, his voice cutting through the noise: "Julia is right. We've all witnessed her performance during the crisis, but Alpha requires more than crisis management. Eric has received years of leadership training, participated in countless border patrols and diplomatic missions. In terms of tradition and strength, he's the suitable choice."

This sparked more discussion. I watched the crowd, then continued: "I won't be leaving the pack immediately. Until the epidemic fully subsides, I'll continue serving every member. But leadership should pass to someone with proper training. I nominate Eric White as our next Alpha."

Elder Morris contemplated briefly, then nodded. "According to tradition, the Beta does have inheritance rights when an Alpha has no direct heirs. But the final decision rests with pack members. We need to vote."

The voting process went surprisingly smoothly. Though some voted for me, most members accepted my reasoning and chose Eric. When the results were announced, Eric walked onto the platform, standing beside me.

"Thank you for your trust," Eric's voice resonated with power. "I will do everything to protect and guide our pack."

As the meeting concluded and people began dispersing, many members approached to congratulate Eric and thank me for my leadership during the crisis.

I scanned the room, trying to find Matthew, but he was no longer in his previous position. I moved through the crowd, asking several members if they'd seen him leave, but no one had noticed. An uneasy feeling began growing within me.

I walked outside the community center, standing in the moonlight, and closed my eyes, attempting to reach Matthew through our mind-link.

*"Matthew? Where are you?"*

No response. Only silence.

*"Matthew, please answer me. What's happening?"*

Still no response. I couldn't feel his presence, as if his mental barrier had completely closed.

My eyes snapped open, panic rising. I rushed to the parking lot, but Matthew's SUV was already gone. I tried to recall our conversation last night, when he had hinted that as Alphas of two packs, our future would be challenging...

"No," I whispered, a pain swelling in my chest. "You can't just leave like this."