From Rejected Mate to Luna Chapter 60

Matthew's POV

I stared at Julia, completely stunned by her words. My brain seemed to short-circuit as I tried to process what she had just suggested. The night air around us suddenly felt too thick to breathe.

The words hung between us in the cold night air. I couldn't remember the last time I'd been rendered so completely speechless. My mind raced to catch up with this unexpected turn in our conversation.

She thinks I'm attracted to Daniel. Daniel Wright. How the hell did she arrive at that conclusion?

Hati, my wolf, broke into sardonic laughter in the back of my mind. *This is certainly a creative misunderstanding. I've been called many things over the centuries, but this is a first.*

I mentally replayed every interaction I'd had with Julia since she arrived at Spring Valley. Yes, I'd been cold when she first arrived. Then, during the project meetings, I'd been more professional. When I discovered she was dating Daniel, I'd made an effort to be polite. And after their breakup, I'd returned to maintaining my distance. But how did any of that translate to me being attracted to Daniel?

She's completely misread everything, I thought, still staring at her in disbelief.

*Have you considered,* Hati commented dryly, *that you've been watching her since the moment she walked into that first meeting? And not because of her academic contributions.*

I mentally dismissed my wolf's observation. That's ridiculous. I notice everyone who enters my territory.

*If you say so,* Hati replied, unconvinced. *But your reaction to seeing Miller's arm around her suggests otherwise.*

Julia's face had turned a deep shade of red, visible even in the dim light of the path. She looked mortified, clearly regretting her outburst.

"I... I didn't mean to say that out loud," she stammered, looking anywhere but at me.

I struggled to formulate a response that wouldn't make this situation even more awkward. I needed to correct her misunderstanding without seeming defensive or, worse, making her think I might be interested in her instead. Because I wasn't. Definitely not.

For a brief moment, I imagined what Rachel would say if she could see this situation. She would have doubled over laughing, teasing me mercilessly about my apparent inability to communicate like a normal person.

*If you deny having feelings for Daniel,* Hati pointed out unhelpfully, *she might think you're interested in her instead. Which you are.*

I am not, I mentally snapped back. I'm only interested in her professional contributions to the project.

*Keep telling yourself that,* Hati responded with the mental equivalent of an eye roll.

As I struggled to find the right words, footsteps approached from the direction of the community center. Abigail walked into view, her hair pulled back in a neat ponytail.

"Alpha Collins," she greeted me with a warm smile. "I was just heading home from finishing some paperwork."

I noticed Julia's expression shift from embarrassment to something more complex—perhaps relief at the interruption. In that moment, I saw a potential escape from this excruciating conversation.

"Abigail," I replied, my voice regaining its usual confident tone. "Perfect timing. I was actually meaning to ask if you'd like to grab coffee tomorrow."

I deliberately kept my voice loud enough for Julia to hear clearly, watching her reaction from the corner of my eye.

Abigail's face lit up with surprise and pleasure. "Really? I'd love to!"

"Great," I said, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. "How about Cedar Creek Café around ten?"

"That works perfectly," Abigail responded, clearly delighted by the invitation. "I'm looking forward to it."

*Very mature,* Hati commented sarcastically. *Using an innocent woman to prove you're not gay. Rachel would be so proud.*

I ignored my wolf's commentary and turned my attention back to the conversation with Abigail, deliberately making it seem natural and relaxed. I asked about her recent work, maintaining my Alpha composure while being aware of Julia standing awkwardly to the side.

*You realize Abigail has had a crush on you for months, right?* Hati reminded me. *This little performance is giving her false hope.*

I felt a twinge of guilt at that observation but pushed it aside. I would make it clear tomorrow that this was strictly professional. For now, I needed to extract myself from this painfully awkward situation with Julia.

"Well, I should head back to finish some paperwork," I said, turning toward Abigail. "Which way are you headed?"

"Back to the community center parking lot," Abigail replied.

"I'll walk with you," I offered, deliberately choosing a direction away from where Julia needed to go.

I turned briefly toward Julia, who stood frozen in place, her expression unreadable in the shadows. "The guest quarters are in that direction," I said, gesturing vaguely down the path. "Just follow the lights."

*What a gentleman,* Hati remarked dryly. *First you chase away someone trying to help her, and now you're abandoning her yourself.*

It's better this way, I defended myself. Continuing that conversation would only make things more awkward for both of us.

*As Alpha, ensuring the safety of visitors is your responsibility,* Hati reminded me sharply. *Even ones who make ridiculous assumptions about your sexuality.*

I felt a flash of irritation at my wolf's persistent criticism, but I knew Hati was right. With a sigh, I established a mindlink with Jason, who was still patrolling nearby.

*Miller, make sure Ms. White gets back to the guest quarters safely. But keep your distance. I don't want to find you flirting with her again.*

*Yes, Alpha,* Jason replied immediately, the formal response indicating he'd taken the command seriously.

As I turned to leave with Abigail, I couldn't help glancing back at Julia. She stood alone on the path, her slender figure illuminated by the soft glow of the pathway lights. Her face held a complex mix of emotions—embarrassment, confusion, and something else I couldn't quite identify.

A strange feeling tugged at my chest—something between guilt and an emotion I refused to name. I quickly suppressed it, turning my attention back to Abigail and quickening my pace toward the community center.

*You can deny it all you want,* Hati murmured in the back of my mind. *But she interests you. More than anyone has in a very long time.*

I set my jaw and walked faster, determined to outpace both Julia's misunderstanding and my wolf's uncomfortable observations.