From Rejected Mate to Luna Chapter 172

Julia's POV

Despite the changes of those first days feeling somewhat overwhelming, I found that over the next few days, things progressed more smoothly than I'd anticipated. When I brought up my plans to relocate to Spring Valley, explaining that the hospital would need to find another nurse, the administration surprised me with their quick agreement.

"Our management systems are much better now," Dr. Morgan assured me. "We can manage short-term with one less pair of hands. Besides, we have a third-year student coming for an internship during the summer break—Amber from your university."

I couldn't help but smile, recognizing my former roommate's name. "Amber? She's my old roommate! I'd be happy to come back and help mentor her when she starts."

The administration expressed their gratitude, noting how this would make the transition easier. During my remaining shifts, I meticulously organized all the documentation that needed to be handed over, creating detailed notes on my regular patients and ongoing treatments.

As I submitted the final paperwork, Dr. Moore patted my shoulder. "Spring Valley is incredibly lucky to have someone like you as their Luna," he said warmly. I smiled, realizing that I was gradually becoming accustomed to this title that had once felt so foreign to my ears.

Walking out of the hospital doors for the last time as a full-time staff member, I felt a peculiar lightness in my step. The weight of responsibilities here had lifted, yet in its place hovered an uncertain cloud of worry about what awaited me in Spring Valley. Would I fit in there? Would they accept me as more than just Matthew's mate?

My thoughts scattered when I spotted Matthew leaning against his SUV in the parking lot, his face breaking into a warm smile as our eyes met. He'd already loaded my suitcases into the trunk—the ones I'd planned to pack tonight.

"How did you—" I started, gesturing toward the luggage.

"Your mom helped me," he explained, opening the passenger door for me. "I figured we could drive straight to Spring Valley tonight if you're ready. Get you settled in before the weekend."

I felt a rush of appreciation for his thoughtfulness. This was Matthew—always one step ahead, always considering what would make things easier for me. My anxiety about the future didn't disappear entirely, but it retreated significantly in the face of his careful planning and steady presence.

I gazed out the window as the landscape changed, mountain vistas giving way to dense forests then opening into valleys. I tried to focus on the scenery rather than the nervous fluttering in my stomach.

"You're anxious again," Matthew said softly, not taking his eyes off the winding road. Through our bond, he could sense every shift in my emotions.

"I'm not," I lied, fingers unconsciously touching the mark on my neck. "Just admiring the view."

He smiled that familiar half-smile and reached over to take my hand. "They'll love you, Julia. There's no need to be nervous."

"Who said I was nervous?" I attempted nonchalance, but the gentle stroke of his thumb across my knuckles was enough to soothe me.

"Your heartbeat did. And you've bitten your lip four times since we crossed the state line."

I rolled my eyes but didn't argue. This was life with a werewolf mate—emotions were impossible to hide. Especially when your mate was an Alpha with heightened senses.

"I just want to make a good impression," I finally admitted. "I'm a stranger from another pack suddenly bonded to their son..."

"First, you're not a stranger to our pack," Matthew corrected me. "You've already worked in our medical center during the Spring Valley project. And second, my parents are much more relaxed than you imagine."

I nodded, but a question that had been lingering in my mind finally surfaced. "Why didn't I meet your parents when I was working on the Spring Valley project? Were they away then too?"

Matthew nodded, his expression relaxed as he kept his eyes on the road. "They've been away most of the time since Rachel died," he said, mentioning his deceased mate without hesitation. "After I lost her, they basically handed me the Alpha position and took off to 'see the world.' Their words, not mine."

"They left you alone to manage the pack?" I couldn't hide my surprise.

"Pretty much. They check in via video calls, but they've only physically returned once—Christmas about a year and a half ago."

I couldn't help but laugh a little. "That doesn't match the image of dignified, serious Alpha parents I had in my head. Your father sounds more like a big kid who got bored with responsibilities."

"That's exactly what he is," Matthew chuckled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "Mom's the same way. They were good leaders, but they always said life was too short to stay in one place."

"So what brought them back that Christmas?" I asked, genuinely curious.

Matthew's expression softened. "They got word that I was finally emerging from the darkness after Rachel. Someone from the pack—probably James—told them I'd stopped isolating myself. They rushed back to see if it was true, stayed just long enough to confirm I wasn't completely miserable anymore, then took off before we even finished opening presents."

I smiled at the story, picturing his free-spirited parents whisking in and out of his life like seasonal winds. Something about these tales of his unconventional family made my nervousness begin to dissipate. They sounded nothing like the intimidating in-laws I had feared meeting.

"They sound wonderful," I said honestly, feeling the tightness in my chest loosen.

I calculated the timing and realized this coincided exactly with when he mentioned beginning to emerge from his darkness. Curiosity pushed me to ask my next question: "Who helped you move past... past losing Rachel?" I asked carefully.

Matthew's expression turned gentle and distant. "You might not believe this, but in a way, it was you."

I looked up in surprise. "Me? But we barely knew each other then."

He nodded with a smile. "We only saw each other occasionally at school. But your professionalism and kindness gave me hope."

I never imagined my words had affected him so deeply.

"Why didn't you tell me?" I asked softly.

Matthew reached for my hand. "I didn't want to burden you with my pain. Besides, you were facing your own struggles then."

Through our bond, I felt the loneliness and pain in his memory, but also a spark of hope that had come from me.

"And now we're here," I said, squeezing his hand. "Together."

A few minutes later, Matthew said, "We're here."

I looked up to see two men in black uniforms standing by the roadside. Spring Valley's security team. Matthew slowed the SUV and rolled down his window.

"Welcome back, Collins Alpha," one guard said with a respectful nod—natural in werewolf culture. Then his gaze shifted to me, curious but kind. "And this is...?"

"My mate, Julia White," Matthew answered, unmistakable pride in his tone.

"Welcome, Luna White." The guard bowed deeper than he had to Matthew.

I nodded in response.