From Rejected Mate to Luna Chapter 64

Matthew's POV

I stood outside the community center's coffee shop, checking my watch for the third time in five minutes. Abigail wasn't late—I was early, arriving a full fifteen minutes before our agreed time. The anxiety churning in my stomach had nothing to do with her and everything to do with last night's disastrous conversation with Julia White.

*She thought you were gay*, Hati reminded me, his amusement evident even in the mindlink. *That you had feelings for her ex-boyfriend.*

"Shut up," I muttered under my breath, earning a curious glance from an elderly pack member walking by. I nodded politely and turned away, pretending to check my phone.

The memory of Julia's wide-eyed realization and subsequent mortification when she'd suggested I was jealous of her because I had feelings for Daniel made me cringe all over again. Even worse was the spark of disappointment I'd felt when I realized she didn't think I was interested in her.

*Which you're not*, I firmly reminded myself. *You can't be.*

*Keep telling yourself that*, Hati replied, his tone smug. *Maybe eventually you'll believe it.*

I straightened my jacket and scanned the path leading to the coffee shop. Using Abigail like this—letting Julia see us together to dispel her misconceptions—felt manipulative, but I'd rationalized it as necessary damage control.

*You're using poor Abigail*, Hati accused.

"I'm getting coffee with a pack member," I countered silently. "That's all."

Abigail Phillips appeared around the corner right on time, her blonde hair pulled back in a neat ponytail. She wore a carefully assembled casual outfit—dark jeans and a soft blue sweater that complemented her eyes. Her smile was bright as she spotted me, and I felt a twinge of guilt.

"Alpha Collins," she greeted, her tone friendly but respectful. "I hope I haven't kept you waiting."

"Not at all," I assured her, noting her punctuality and professional demeanor. Abigail was one of the more outgoing members in our pack, well-liked by everyone. I knew she'd shown interest in me before, something I'd deliberately ignored, though James occasionally mentioned her impressive organizational skills. "And please, call me Matthew."

"Matthew," she repeated with a smile that held a hint of flirtation. "Shall we?"

We began walking toward the coffee shop entrance, making small talk about the weather. I was trying to appear natural but felt stiff, my responses mechanical. Abigail seemed to notice but politely didn't comment.

As we rounded the path that curved around a small garden area, I spotted a familiar figure walking toward us, head down and arms full of notebooks and medical files. Julia's hair fell forward, partially obscuring her face as she focused on balancing her load.

My heart inexplicably accelerated, Hati immediately perking up with interest. *She's coming this way.*

Without thinking, I moved closer to Abigail, reaching for her tote bag. "Let me take that for you," I said, my voice louder than necessary.

"Oh, thank you," Abigail replied, looking slightly surprised at my sudden gallantry.

As Julia drew nearer, I placed my hand on Abigail's lower back, guiding her slightly as if we needed to navigate the perfectly straight path. The gesture felt awkward and forced, nothing like the natural movements of a man comfortable with a woman he was interested in.

*Could you be any more obvious?* Hati mocked. *Why not just hold up a sign saying 'Look at me with this woman who isn't you'?*

I ignored him, stealing glances at Julia from my peripheral vision. She looked tired, her face paler than usual, but still achingly beautiful in a way that made something in my chest constrict.

Abigail, sharp as ever, immediately registered my behavior and the direction of my attention. Without missing a beat, she smoothly slipped her arm through mine, leaning slightly into my side with a familiarity that suggested intimacy.

"I've been looking forward to this all day," she said warmly, her voice carrying just enough to be overheard.

My entire body tensed at the unexpected contact, but I forced a smile that felt more like a grimace. Every muscle in my body had gone rigid, and I knew I was failing spectacularly at appearing natural. Julia was only steps away now, and I deliberately avoided direct eye contact while still monitoring her every movement.

As she passed, I caught a fleeting expression on her face—a flash of something that looked like hurt before her features smoothed into careful neutrality. She nodded politely in our direction before continuing on her way, her pace slightly quicker than before.

Once Julia was safely out of earshot, Abigail leaned close to my ear and whispered, "If you're trying to make Julia think we're involved, looking like you're being tortured isn't the way to do it."

I froze mid-step, shocked by her directness. Abigail's eyes, when I turned to look at her, held amusement rather than offense.

"I... that's not..." I started to deny it, then stopped at her knowing smile.

*She's got you pegged*, Hati laughed. *Everyone can see it except you.*

I glanced back over my shoulder, catching a last glimpse of Julia as she disappeared around a corner. Even from a distance, I could tell her shoulders were slightly hunched, her posture broadcasting defeat. The realization that I'd caused that hit me harder than expected.

"I'm sorry," I said honestly to Abigail, dropping the pretense. "That was inappropriate of me."

Abigail shrugged, releasing my arm as we continued walking. "Actually, I appreciate your honesty. Most Alphas would have kept up the charade and expected me to play along without explanation."

I ran a hand through my hair, embarrassed. "I didn't plan that. I just... saw her and panicked."

"I noticed," Abigail replied dryly. "You know, you're quite attractive, Matthew, but you're definitely not my fated mate."

Her bluntness startled a laugh out of me.

"If you're not interested in me, I'm not going to lose sleep over it," she continued pragmatically. "I'll just set my sights on someone else."

My estimation of Abigail rose considerably. Her straightforward approach was refreshing after so many pack members who walked on eggshells around me.

We entered the coffee shop, finding a quiet table near the window. The warm aroma of coffee and freshly baked goods filled the air, creating a comfortable atmosphere that helped ease the earlier tension. I ordered for both of us, making sure to ask Abigail about her preferences rather than assuming.

Once we were settled with our drinks, I decided to make amends for my earlier behavior. "I have a proposition for you, Abigail. A legitimate one," I added quickly.

Her eyebrows raised slightly, curiosity evident in her expression. "I'm listening."

"I need an administrative assistant. Someone organized, professional, and discreet." I took a sip of my coffee before continuing. "The position would involve coordinating with other packs, managing my schedule, and occasionally attending regional meetings with me."

Abigail's eyes lit up with genuine interest. "That sounds like a significant opportunity."

"It is," I confirmed. "You'd be involved in most major pack decisions and events. You'd also meet wolves from packs across the Northwest."

"Which means more opportunities to potentially meet my fated mate," she noted shrewdly.

I nodded. "Exactly."

Abigail laughed, a bright sound that drew glances from nearby tables. "That's definitely more appealing than you and I pretending to date."

We spent the next half hour discussing the details of the position—hours, responsibilities, and expectations. I was impressed by her questions and insights. She had a practical mind and a clear understanding of pack dynamics.

"When would you want me to start?" she asked, already pulling out her phone to check her calendar.

"Next Monday," I suggested. "That would give you time to wrap up your current projects and—"

A sudden urgent voice cut into my thoughts. *Matthew*. James's mindlink was tense, his mental voice tight with stress. *We've got rogue wolf signs at the northern border.*