From Rejected Mate to Luna Chapter 29

Julia's POV

I chose not to respond through the mindlink. Instead, I straightened my shoulders and spoke clearly, looking directly at Eric. "Daniel isn't just some random wolf, he's the school's prefect and he's my boyfriend."

The silence that followed was deafening. Eric's face transformed from shock to fury in seconds, his lips curling into a cold sneer.

"Boyfriend?" Eric's laugh was harsh. "Wait until Nathan hears about this—"

"Oh, are you going to run and tell him now?" I shot back, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Like an obedient little dog?"

Eric's eyes flashed dangerously, the amber wolf irises becoming more pronounced with his anger. He took a step forward, his posture turning aggressive. "You'd better watch yourself, little sister. You seem to forget who you're talking to."

The tension in the room crackled like electricity. Daniel moved slightly closer to me, his presence solid and reassuring beside me. Before Eric could respond further, Mom emerged from the kitchen, drying her hands on a dish towel.

"That's enough!" Her voice cut through the tension like a knife. "Eric, this is your sister and her guest. You will show them respect in this house."

Eric's jaw clenched tight, but he took a step back. Daniel seized the moment to extend his hand toward Eric.

"It's nice to finally meet you," Daniel said, his voice steady and calm. "Julia's mentioned you quite a bit."

Eric's gaze dropped to Daniel's extended hand, then back to his face. Without a word, he turned and stalked out of the living room, a door slamming upstairs behind him seconds later.

I let out a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. "I'm sorry about that," I said, turning to Daniel. "I told you he could be difficult."

"Don't worry about it," Daniel replied, squeezing my hand. "Let me take my stuff to the guest room."

"I'll show you where it is," I said, grateful for a reason to escape the lingering tension. Mom gave me a sympathetic look as we headed upstairs.

The guest room was small but comfortable, with a double bed and a window that overlooked the backyard. Daniel set his bag down and I helped him put his clothes in the dresser. When we finished, I turned toward the door.

"I'll go make you some coffee," I said, reaching for the doorknob. "You must be tired after the drive."

Before I could open the door, Daniel's hand caught my wrist gently, pulling me back toward him. Without a word, he leaned down and pressed his lips to mine. The kiss was soft at first, then became more insistent. His arms encircled my waist, drawing me closer to his chest. I felt my knees weaken and my body melt against his as warmth spread through me.

When we finally pulled apart, I had to steady myself with a hand on his chest.

"Did Eric upset you?" I asked, searching his face. "I know he wasn't exactly welcoming."

Daniel shook his head, his fingers tracing my cheek. "I don't care what your brother thinks of me, Julia. I'm here for you." His green eyes held mine with an intensity that made my heart race. "If you choose me, if you want to be my mate someday, we'll live with my pack. Your brother's opinion won't matter then."

The sincerity in his voice touched something deep inside me. I reached up and pulled him down for another kiss, pouring my gratitude and affection into it. Daniel responded eagerly, his arms tightening around me. I could have stayed there for hours, but eventually I pulled back, remembering my offer of coffee.

"I should really go get that coffee now," I said, my voice slightly breathless.

"I can get it myself," Daniel offered, though he made no move to release me.

"No, you're my guest. Let me take care of you." I smiled, reluctantly stepping back from his embrace.

Daniel's lips curved into a mischievous grin. "If you really want to take care of me, I can think of better ways than coffee."

Heat rushed to my cheeks, but I didn't find the suggestion unwelcome. "Behave yourself," I said, unable to keep the smile from my voice as I backed toward the door.

Daniel chuckled, the sound following me as I slipped out into the hallway. My heart was still racing, but now for an entirely different reason.

*Nice going, Julia,* Kaia teased in my mind. *I like him more every day.*

The kitchen was empty when I entered, Mom having gone upstairs. I was filling the coffee maker when Eric's scent reached me, seconds before he appeared in the doorway.

"So, is that what you're doing at college?" Eric's voice was low and cutting. "Throwing yourself at random wolves when your real mate is probably still out there somewhere?"

My hand tightened around the coffee scoop. "Daniel isn't just 'any wolf.' He cares about me."

"I'm sure he does," Eric mocked. "For now. But don't think Nathan will appreciate you making a spectacle of yourself with some campus prefect."

I turned to face my brother, anger burning in my chest. "Is that so, Eric? Does Nathan pat you on the head every time you run back to him with gossip?"

Eric's eyes widened, then narrowed dangerously. "Watch your mouth."

"Or what?" I challenged, my voice stronger than I felt. "You'll report back to Nathan? Tell him how I'm dating someone? What business is it of his anyway?"

Eric moved quickly, blocking the doorway as I tried to leave with the coffee. "We're not done talking," he growled.

"Get out of my way," I said, my heart pounding harder.

"Nathan and I will be the next Alpha and Beta of this pack," Eric said, his voice dropping to a threatening whisper. "You need to start showing respect for our positions. That's how it works in this pack."

"Respect is earned, not demanded," I replied, meeting his gaze despite the way my stomach twisted with anxiety. "And maybe you should ask yourself why your amazing friend is so determined to keep me from having a life of my own."

Eric's face flushed with anger. "Nathan is protecting the pack's reputation—"

"Nathan is protecting his ego," I cut in. "He can't stand the thought of anyone in the pack making decisions he doesn't approve of. And you're helping him."

"You have no idea what you're talking about," Eric snapped. "Pack traditions exist for a reason. The Alpha's authority is absolute—"

"Is that what this is about?" I laughed bitterly. "Absolute authority? Is that why Nathan keeps interfering in my life?"

The fury in Eric's eyes made me take an involuntary step back. For a moment, I thought he might actually strike me. Instead, he leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper.

"You think you're so clever with your scholarship and your new boyfriend. But when Nathan becomes Alpha, you'll understand what real power is. And no scholarship or boyfriend will save you then."

Before I could respond, footsteps approached from the hallway. Eric straightened, his expression smoothing into a neutral mask as Daniel appeared in the doorway.

"Everything okay in here?" Daniel asked, his eyes moving between me and Eric.

I forced myself to smile. "Just getting your coffee."