From Rejected Mate to Luna Chapter 25

Julia's POV

Daniel had insisted on taking me to celebrate my scholarship win at an Italian restaurant off-campus. "They have the most amazing handmade pasta," he'd told me with such enthusiasm that I couldn't say no.

What he didn't know was that I had my own reasons for agreeing. Human restaurants were rarely frequented by werewolves who typically preferred establishments within their territories. This meant the chances of Nathan finding out about our dinner date were slim to none—a small freedom I desperately needed.

"It's just dinner," I whispered to myself, adjusting the delicate silver necklace my mother had given me for my eighteenth birthday. "Just a celebration dinner."

*"At a fancy restaurant you've never been to,"* Kaia chimed in. *"With a guy who clearly wants to be more than just your study buddy."*

I sighed. I couldn't deny the truth in Kaia's words. In the month since Daniel asked me to be his girlfriend, our relationship had deepened considerably. We studied together, ate together, and had shared several sweet kisses. But tonight felt different—more official somehow.

A knock at my door announced Daniel's arrival. When I opened it, I found him looking handsome in dark slacks and a blue button-down shirt that brought out the green in his eyes.

"Wow," he breathed, taking in my appearance. "You look beautiful."

I felt my cheeks warm. "Thanks. You don't look so bad yourself."

The drive to downtown took about twenty minutes. When we pulled up to the restaurant, my eyes widened at the elegant stone facade and tasteful lighting. "Salvatore's?" I read the name aloud. "Daniel, this place looks expensive."

"Don't worry about it," he said with an easy smile, handing his keys to the valet. "Tonight is about celebrating your achievement."

Inside, the hostess led us through the dimly lit space with its rich mahogany tables and soft jazz playing in the background. Crystal glasses gleamed under subtle lighting, and the air was filled with the aroma of fine Italian cuisine. When we were seated at a window table—apparently one of the best in the house—I shifted uncomfortably in my chair.

"I feel like I don't belong here," I admitted quietly.

Daniel reached across the table and took my hand. "You belong anywhere you want to be, Julia." His thumb stroked my palm gently. "You earned that scholarship fair and square. Let yourself enjoy this moment."

As the waiter brought us water and menus, my enhanced wolf senses detected something familiar—the subtle scent of wolf in human form. My eyes darted to a corner table where three well-dressed men sat discussing business. There was something in their posture, in the way they carried themselves, that screamed "werewolf" to my trained senses.

"Daniel," I whispered, "I think there are wolves here."

Daniel followed my gaze and nodded slightly. "Probably business travelers. Don't worry—they won't know who you are."

But I couldn't help wondering if word would somehow get back to Nathan and the Star Shadow pack about me being here, looking happy and successful. I pushed the thought away. I wouldn't let Nathan ruin this night.

After we ordered—I chose the least expensive pasta dish despite Daniel's encouragement to order whatever I wanted—I couldn't help remarking, "I can't believe the prices here. How can you afford this?"

Daniel's smile turned slightly wistful. "My parents are executives for a multinational corporation. They spend most of their time traveling overseas."

"That must have been hard growing up," I said, noticing something in his tone.

"It was," he admitted. "They missed a lot of birthdays, school events... pretty much everything important." He took a sip of his water. "Money became their way of compensating. They weren't there for my high school graduation, but they sent a car. Missed my college acceptance, but deposited money for tuition."

I heard the loneliness behind his casual words. It was different from my own pain, but no less real.

"How did you cope with that?" I asked softly.

"Books, mostly. Music." His smile brightened. "And when I got to college, I threw myself into campus activities, made real connections." He squeezed my hand. "And now I have you."

Something warm bloomed in my chest at his words. For the first time, I truly felt valued by someone—needed, even.

As our dinner progressed, the conversation shifted to the approaching winter break.

"Only a month of classes left," Daniel remarked. "Do you have plans for Christmas?"

"I'll probably go home," I said, though the prospect didn't excite me. "What about you?"

Daniel shrugged. "I'll stay on campus. The dorms stay open for international students, so they let RAs stay too."

"Alone? On Christmas?" The image of Daniel sitting by himself in an empty dormitory on Christmas morning made my heart ache.

"It's not so bad," he assured me. "The campus is peaceful when it's empty."

Before I could overthink it, I heard myself say, "Come home with me for Christmas."

Daniel looked surprised. "Are you sure? I wouldn't want to impose—or get you in trouble."

"I'm sure," I said, more firmly than I felt. "My parents would love to meet you." It wasn't entirely true—my father might be welcoming, but Eric would certainly be hostile, and Sophia would be insufferable with her questions. And if Nathan found out... I pushed that thought away. "Please say yes."

Daniel's face softened. "If you're certain, then yes. I'd love to spend Christmas with you."

Our desserts arrived—tiramisu for Daniel and chocolate mousse for me. As we began eating, Daniel's expression turned serious.

"Julia, we've been dating for a month now," he began, setting down his fork. "I want you to know how serious I am about us." He took a deep breath. "I'm twenty-one, and after I graduate next semester, I'll be returning to my pack."

I felt my heart rate increase. "What are you saying?"

"I'm asking about the possibility of marking you," he said quietly, his eyes intent on mine. "I know we haven't... been intimate yet, but I respect that. I just want you to know that when you're ready, I'm prepared to make that commitment."

I nearly dropped my spoon. Marking was serious—it was the physical act that initiated the mate bond. I hadn't expected Daniel to bring it up so soon, especially since we hadn't even had sex yet. In wolf culture, marking often happened during the first intimate encounter, making the physical and spiritual bond simultaneous.

Looking at Daniel's earnest face, I considered carefully. Despite my brother Eric's hostility and Sophia's indifference, I wanted Daniel to be accepted by my family. And after Christmas, if things still felt right...

"My family situation is complicated," I finally said. "But if you still feel the same way after spending Christmas with us, then yes, I would accept your mark."

Daniel's eyes lit up with joy, but he still looked concerned. "Are you sure? I know your family doesn't always treat you well."

"I'm sure," I said, touched by his consideration. "Just promise me one thing."

"Anything."

"Promise you won't let me down." I hadn't meant to sound so vulnerable, but the words escaped before I could stop them.

Daniel reached across the table and took my hand again, his expression solemn. "I promise, Julia. I'll do everything I can to get along with your family and to be worthy of you."

As we finished our dessert, I felt both excited and nervous about what lay ahead. Christmas with Daniel and my family would be challenging, but for the first time in years, I found myself looking forward to the holidays.