From Rejected Mate to Luna Chapter 58

Julia's POV

I folded my last sweater and tucked it neatly into the suitcase. One month's worth of clothes, toiletries, and essentials—all packed and ready for my research project at Spring Valley.

As I scanned my half-empty dorm room, my eyes caught on something partially hidden beneath my desk: a medical journal Daniel had lent me months ago.

My chest tightened. I hadn't seen it since... since before everything fell apart. With trembling fingers, I picked it up, running my thumb over the cover where Daniel had scribbled his name in the corner. The memory of his handwriting sent a jolt of pain through me so sharp I nearly doubled over.

"Not now," I whispered to myself, quickly shoving the journal into my bag. Kaia stirred uncomfortably in my mind, sharing my distress.

A knock at the door saved me from spiraling further into grief. Amber bustled in without waiting for a response, two steaming cups of coffee in hand and her signature warm smile in place.

"Thought you might need this for the road," she said, placing one cup on my nightstand. "Can't believe you're leaving me for a whole month."

I accepted the coffee gratefully. "Thanks. And it's not like I'm going across the country. Spring Valley is only half an hour away."

"Still," Amber pouted, helping me fold the last few items. "Who's going to listen to my rants about Professor Davidson's impossible assignments?"

I managed a small smile. "You'll survive."

Amber nodded, sitting on my bed. "Speaking of awkward situations, have you recovered from your outburst at Matthew in that meeting?"

I groaned, embarrassment heating my cheeks. "Don't remind me. I completely lost it."

"Hey, after everything you've been through, I'd say you were entitled to one public meltdown." Amber squeezed my shoulder. "Besides, it was kind of badass."

"It was unprofessional," I countered, zipping up my suitcase. "But at least I have my theory about why Matthew's always so weird around me."

Amber raised an eyebrow. "Your theory?"

"He likes Daniel," I said, feeling strangely confident about this conclusion. "It's the only explanation that makes sense."

Amber nearly choked on her coffee. "What? That's ridiculous!"

"Is it? Think about it. He was cold when I was single, then suddenly friendly when I started dating Daniel, now he's back to being distant. Classic jealousy pattern."

Amber laughed so hard she snorted. "Julia, that's the most absurd thing I've ever heard. Matthew Collins?"

I shrugged, oddly committed to my theory. "It explains everything."

"Or maybe he's just socially awkward," Amber suggested, still chuckling. "Not everyone has a secret gay crush on your ex."

"We'll see," I said, feeling lighter than I had in weeks. Even if my theory was ridiculous, it gave me something to focus on besides the hollow ache in my chest.

Amber stood and pulled me into a tight hug. "I'm going to miss you. Promise you'll text me?"

"Promise," I whispered, hugging her back. "Take care of my plants?"

"With my life," she vowed dramatically. "And Julia? Try to find some peace out there, okay?"

---

The drive to Spring Valley was uneventful. I traveled with three other students from my program—Ryan, Sarah, and Taylor—all of us making small talk that carefully avoided any mention of my outburst at the meeting or my breakup with Daniel.

As we pulled into Spring Valley's community center, I immediately noticed differences from my home pack. The buildings were more modern, with large windows and open spaces. Pack members greeted each other casually, without the rigid formality I was accustomed to. There was no bowing or averting eyes when higher-ranking wolves passed by.

James Parker, the Beta I'd met briefly before, stood outside with his very pregnant wife Olivia. Her belly was enormous—she must be due any day now.

"Welcome to Spring Valley," James said warmly, helping us with our bags. "We're excited to have you all working with us this month."

Olivia waddled forward, her face glowing with maternal radiance. "The medical center is so thrilled to have nursing students joining us. Especially you, Julia. James mentioned your interest in preventive care programs."

I blinked in surprise. "You remembered that?"

"Of course," she smiled. "We're always looking for fresh perspectives."

As Olivia led us on a tour of the facilities, I couldn't help but observe how James interacted with other pack members. He rarely used commands, preferring requests and suggestions. My father, despite being a good Beta, always maintained the authoritative distance his position required.

Inside me, Kaia was cautiously curious, taking in the unfamiliar scents and surroundings. *Different*, she observed. *Safer?*

*Maybe*, I responded silently.

Our accommodations exceeded my expectations—private rooms in the guest quarters with actual locks on the doors. In my family's pack, privacy was a luxury rarely afforded to unmarried females.

After settling in, I was just about to lie down when a sharp knock startled me. Opening the door, I found Matthew standing there, his expression as distant and cold as it had been at the university.

"Dinner is at seven in the main dining hall," he said stiffly. "Please don't be late. Pack schedules are important here."

"Thank you," I replied, trying to sound professional. "And thank you for this opportunity. The facilities are impressive."

Matthew merely nodded, already turning to leave.

---

At dinner, I sat with my classmates, observing the dynamics around us. Pack members approached Matthew with respect but not fear—another stark difference from Nathan's father's rule.

"Is it just me, or does Matthew Collins actually have something against us?" I asked quietly.

Ryan looked up from his plate, surprised. "Really? I thought he was pretty professional and polite."

Sarah nodded in agreement. "He actually took time to ask about my research interests earlier."

"And he helped me carry my suitcase to my room," Taylor added. "Even recommended some local hiking trails."

I stared at them in disbelief. So Matthew was only cold with me? This confirmed my suspicion—it had to be about Daniel.

After dinner, I declined their invitation to watch a movie, needing some time alone. The community paths were well-lit and peaceful, beckoning me to explore further.

I noticed a small establishment tucked between a coffee shop and a bookstore—a cozy bar with warm light spilling from its windows. The sign read "The Timber Lodge." On impulse, I pushed open the door and stepped inside.

The interior was intimate and welcoming, with dark wood paneling and soft jazz playing in the background. A few pack members sat at scattered tables, their conversations a low murmur. The bartender, a middle-aged woman with kind eyes, smiled at me as I approached the bar.

"What can I get you, honey?" she asked.

"Something light," I said, settling onto a barstool. "Whatever you recommend."

She poured me a glass of white wine, and I sipped it slowly, savoring the warmth that spread through my chest. It had been so long since I'd done something just for myself—something that wasn't about escaping Nathan or mourning Daniel or proving my worth to anyone.

One glass became two, then three. The bartender kept them coming, perhaps sensing I needed the release. The alcohol loosened the tight knot of tension that had lived in my shoulders for months. I found myself smiling at nothing in particular, feeling lighter than I had in ages.

But when I finally stood to leave, the room tilted unexpectedly. I gripped the edge of the bar, blinking hard as my vision swam. Kaia stirred sluggishly in my mind, her presence dulled by the alcohol in my system.

*Careful*, she mumbled.

I took a deep breath and headed for the door, but my legs weren't quite cooperating.