From Rejected Mate to Luna Chapter 161

Julia's POV

The cool antiseptic smell of Medical Center had become my sanctuary. Four weeks after Matthew's disappearance, I'd thrown myself into my work, trying to fill the hollow space he'd left behind. Every shift, every patient chart, every procedure was another brick in the wall I was building between myself and the pain.

"Dr. Moore needs these labs for Room 203," John said, handing me a folder.

I nodded, grateful for the distraction. "I'll take them over now."

My steps echoed in the quiet hallway as I made my way toward Dr. Wilson's office. The medical center was unusually calm today—a welcome reprieve after weeks of pandemic chaos. I'd volunteered for extra shifts, mostly because being busy meant not thinking about Matthew.

*You miss him,* Kaia whispered in my mind.

*I'm fine,* I shot back, tightening my grip on the folder.

*Liar,* my wolf replied, but fell silent.

As I rounded the corner, I froze. Standing at the nurses' station, chatting with a nurse, was Matthew. My heart stopped, then immediately thundered against my ribs like it wanted to escape. His back was to me, but I'd recognize that broad-shouldered silhouette anywhere.

*He's here!* Kaia howled joyfully in my mind, practically doing backflips. *Our mate came back!*

Every cell in my body seemed to cry out at once—half in welcome, half in protest. My hands trembled, my mouth went dry, and I couldn't decide whether to run toward him or away from him.

Matthew turned, perhaps sensing my presence, and our eyes locked. He held a small bouquet of blue cornflowers and a folded piece of paper in his hand.

"Julia," he said, his voice a quiet rumble that sent shivers down my spine.

I remained frozen, caught between Kaia's elation and my own anger. Four weeks of silence, and now he just shows up? With flowers?

"I need to talk to you," he said, taking a step toward me.

"You left." The words came out as an accusation, my voice surprisingly steady despite the hurricane inside me.

"I know. I'm sorry." Matthew glanced around the busy hallway. "Is there somewhere we can talk privately?"

I led him to an empty consultation room, my movements stiff and mechanical. Once inside, he offered me the flowers and note.

"Eric suggested the cornflowers," Matthew said. "He said they were your favorite as a kid."

The mention of my brother's name was like a match to gasoline. "Eric? You talked to Eric about this?"

Matthew nodded. "He helped me understand how to approach you. He said you used to collect these flowers, and that—"

"So this whole thing—" I gestured at the flowers, the note, "—was my brother's idea? The same brother who stood by while you left without a word?"

"No, Julia, it's not like that—"

But rage was already flooding my system, drowning out reason. The betrayal felt doubled now—not just Matthew abandoning me, but Eric helping him stage this perfect little apology. Four weeks of silence, and they'd been planning this performance together?

I didn't realize I'd moved until my fist connected with Matthew's chest. He stumbled back, surprise flashing across his face.

"You LEFT!" I shouted, punctuating each word with another blow. "You just LEFT! After EVERYTHING!"

Matthew didn't defend himself. He stood there, taking every hit, his eyes filled with a pain that had nothing to do with my fists.

*Stop!* Kaia cried in my mind. *You're hurting our mate!*

But I couldn't stop. Weeks of hurt and abandonment poured out of me in a flood of rage. I pounded against his chest, his shoulders, anywhere I could reach. Each touch sent electric shocks up my arms—my body recognizing its mate even as my mind rejected him.

"You promised!" I sobbed, my voice breaking. "You said you wouldn't leave me like he did!"

My blows grew weaker as exhaustion set in. Finally, my legs gave out, and I would have fallen if Matthew hadn't caught me by the arms. The touch of his hands on my skin sent another jolt through me, and I jerked away.

"Don't touch me," I hissed, backing up until I hit the wall.

Matthew raised his hands in surrender, his eyes never leaving mine. "I deserve every bit of that," he said quietly. "And more."

I wiped angrily at the tears streaming down my face. "Why are you here, Matthew? Why now?"

"Because I made a mistake," he said simply. "Leaving you was the biggest mistake of my life."

*Listen to him,* Kaia urged. *At least hear what he has to say.*

"I don't want to hear it," I snapped, cutting Kaia off mid-sentence. I grabbed my purse from the chair and stormed toward the door.

I marched down the hallway, my footsteps echoing against the tile floor. Behind me, I could hear Matthew's steady footsteps following at a respectful distance. Not too close, but not letting me go either.

"Julia, please—" he called softly.

"Go back to Spring Valley, Matthew," I said without turning around. "You're good at leaving. Do it again."

I pushed through the medical center's front doors and headed straight for my car. The entire time, Matthew followed like a shadow, never pushing, never rushing me, just... there. His persistence only fueled my anger. What right did he have to follow me now, after weeks of silence?

When I reached my apartment building, I half-expected him to give up, but he continued following me up the three flights of stairs to my door. My hands shook as I fumbled with my keys.

"Julia—" Matthew began.

"No." I finally got the door open and stepped inside. "You don't get to walk back into my life with flowers and apologies."

I slammed the door shut with all my strength, the satisfying bang echoing through my apartment. A split second later, panic seized me—what if I'd hit him? I pressed my ear to the door, listening for any sound of pain or injury.

Nothing. Just silence.

Against my better judgment, I crept to the peephole and peered out. Matthew stood there, shoulders slumped, the cornflowers hanging limply from his hand. His eyes were fixed on my door with such longing that it made my chest ache.

He looked utterly miserable. Good.

I pressed my back against the door and slid down until I was sitting on the floor, hugging my knees to my chest.

*Let him in,* Kaia pleaded. *At least hear what he has to say.*

"No," I whispered aloud, closing my eyes against the tears threatening to fall. "Not this time."