From Rejected Mate to Luna Chapter 24

Julia's POV

As I worked through the questions, a sense of calm gradually replaced my earlier anxiety. Most of the material was exactly what I'd reviewed—medication calculations, treatment protocols, patient assessment techniques.

There were a few innovative scenarios I hadn't encountered before—complex ethical dilemmas and integrated care approaches that required creative thinking rather than memorization. But even with these challenges, I found myself drawing on both my formal training and my personal knowledge of herbal remedies to form comprehensive answers.

By the time I reached the final page, I knew I'd done well. Not perfect, perhaps, but strong enough to be a serious contender for the scholarship. Despite Nathan's attempt to derail me, I'd managed to showcase everything I knew.

---

Two weeks later.

My hand felt clammy in Daniel's as we walked toward the bulletin board where the scholarship results would be posted. My heart hammered against my ribs like a trapped bird seeking escape. I tried to wipe my palm discreetly against my jeans, but Daniel just squeezed my hand tighter, a silent reassurance that he didn't mind.

"What time did they say the results would be up?" I asked, my voice higher than usual.

"Nine o'clock," Daniel replied, checking his watch. "Which means they should be posted by now."

I nodded, my mind racing through all the possibilities. This scholarship wasn't just about academic validation—it was my ticket to freedom. The financial independence it provided would allow me to accept a position far from Star Shadow territory after graduation, beyond Nathan's reach. I'd spent countless hours studying, preparing for the exam, even as Nathan had tried to intimidate me into dropping out.

*"You've prepared more than anyone,"* Kaia's voice sounded in my mind, unusually gentle. *"Even with Nathan trying to get in your head right before the exam."*

Daniel squeezed my hand again. "No matter what happens," he said softly, "I'm proud of you. You worked harder than anyone I know."

As we rounded the corner to the science building, I saw the crowd gathered around the bulletin board. At least twenty students were huddled together, some crying in disappointment while others jumped excitedly or hugged friends in celebration. The knot in my stomach tightened.

"I can't see anything," I muttered, standing on my tiptoes. Despite my efforts, the crowd of taller students blocked my view completely.

My mind flashed back to Nathan's warning: *"There will be consequences if you win that scholarship, Julia."* I pushed the thought away, refusing to let his threats rob me of this moment.

"Come on," Daniel said, protectively wrapping an arm around my shoulders. "I'll help you get through."

With Daniel's guidance, we navigated through the tight cluster of bodies. Students reluctantly made way, some giving me curious glances as Daniel gently but firmly created a path for me.

Finally, we reached the bulletin board. My eyes frantically scanned the list, searching for my name among the dozens posted there. My heart sank as I couldn't immediately find it among the listed.

"I don't see it," I whispered, feeling the sting of disappointment begin to spread through my chest. Had all my hard work been for nothing?

My heartbeat thundered in my ears as I methodically worked my way through the list again, more carefully this time. The names swam before my eyes, and for a moment, I worried I might miss my own name even if it was there.

*"Keep looking,"* Kaia urged. *"Don't give up yet."*

Just as despair began to creep in, Daniel's finger shot out, pointing to the very top of the list.

"There!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with excitement. "Nursing program, first place! Julia White!"

I stared at my name, unable to believe what I was seeing. I blinked, then read it again. And again. Each time, my name remained there, listed as the top scholarship recipient for the nursing program.

"I... I got it?" I stammered, the reality slowly sinking in.

"You didn't just get it—you got first place!" Daniel's face broke into a wide grin as he turned to me. "Julia, you did it!"

A wave of relief and joy crashed over me so powerfully that I felt dizzy. This wasn't just a scholarship—it was my freedom plan coming to fruition. With this achievement, I could apply for positions in any hospital system, including Spring Valley Medical Center, far from Nathan's reach.

Without thinking, I threw my arms around Daniel's neck, hugging him tightly. "Thank you," I whispered against his shoulder. "For all your help, for believing in me."

Daniel laughed, his arms wrapping around my waist. In one swift motion, he lifted me off the ground and spun me in a circle, our combined laughter drawing attention from nearby students.

For the first time in years, I felt genuinely, completely happy. The weight that had pressed on my shoulders since Nathan's rejection seemed to lift, if only temporarily. In this moment, spinning in Daniel's arms, I wasn't the rejected mate or the pack outcast—I was simply a successful student celebrating an achievement with someone who cared about me.

As Daniel twirled me, my gaze drifted over his shoulder. My breath caught when I spotted Matthew Collins standing at the edge of the crowd. He wore a dark charcoal suit that emphasized his broad shoulders, his expression a complex mixture of approval and something else I couldn't quite identify. Unlike his coldness at Edward's retirement ceremony, there was a warmth in his eyes that made my heart skip a beat.

*"Well, he doesn't look like such an asshole today, does he?"* Kaia remarked with interest.

I suddenly became acutely aware that Matthew might be here in his capacity as a scholarship committee member. My cheeks burned as I realized how childish our celebration must appear to him—an Alpha of his standing would certainly expect more dignified behavior.

"Daniel," I murmured, gently tapping his shoulder. "You can put me down now."

I felt oddly self-conscious, struggling to compose myself into someone more professional, more worthy of the scholarship. Why I cared what Matthew thought confused me—he had been dismissive before, so why should his opinion matter now?

As Daniel lowered me to the ground, he leaned in, clearly intending to kiss me in celebration of my achievement. Without thinking, I shifted slightly, my eyes inadvertently drifting toward Matthew again. The kiss landed awkwardly on the corner of my mouth instead.

Daniel pulled back, a flicker of hurt crossing his features. "Is something wrong?" he asked quietly.

The noise of the celebrating students around us seemed to fade away, leaving only the uncomfortable silence between us.

"No, I just—I felt dizzy from spinning," I lied, immediately hating myself for it. The excuse sounded weak even to my own ears.

*"He deserves better than that explanation, and you know it,"* Kaia chided.

I recognized the unfairness of my reaction. Daniel had been nothing but supportive, and I had just hurt him because... because what? Because Matthew happened to be watching? The realization made me feel ashamed.

Determined to make things right, I leaned forward and initiated a kiss myself, trying to pour my gratitude and apology into it. Daniel responded, but I could sense his confusion lingering beneath the surface.

"I'm sorry," I whispered against his lips. "I'm just overwhelmed."

When we broke apart, I gathered my courage and looked back to where Matthew had been standing, but he was gone. In his place, a professor approached, congratulating me on my scholarship and reminding me about the award ceremony the following week.

The realization hit me—as a committee member, Matthew would be there at the ceremony. I would have to face him again, and soon.