From Rejected Mate to Luna Chapter 74

Julia's POV

I stood frozen in the guest room, all color drained from my face as Nathan's voice echoed through our mindlink: *"The wolfsbane only lasts for twelve hours, Julia. You better think carefully about your next move."*

My breathing came in short, panicked bursts. *Twelve hours?* My mind reeled in horror. He had calculated the exact duration of the wolfsbane's effect. How could he be this calculating? Images of Daniel's torn flesh and James's wounds flashed through my mind. Nathan had never shown mercy before—why would he start now?

*"Let me stay, or Jason and Rick will be my first targets when I regain my strength,"* Nathan's voice slithered through my thoughts. *"Their blood will paint every wall of this room."*

"What do you want from me?" I demanded through our mindlink, desperately maintaining a calm exterior while the two warriors watched us.

*"Exactly what I said earlier,"* Nathan replied, his mental voice smooth as silk yet sharp as a blade. *"Let me stay here at Spring Valley. Let me have the chance to be around you day and night. That's all... for now."*

I looked at Jason and Rick, who stood vigilant near the door, unaware of the silent threat hanging over them. Their lives depended on what I did next. I couldn't think of any other solution in this moment of panic.

"I... I think I've been too harsh," I managed to say, my voice trembling slightly. I forced myself to nod at Nathan, whose eyes gleamed with triumph even as his face maintained a mask of humility. "We could try to... get to know each other again."

*"Wise choice, dear,"* Nathan's voice mocked in my head while his face remained a perfect picture of grateful contrition.

"Are you sure, Julia?" Jason asked, his brow furrowed with concern. "No one would blame you if—"

"I'm sure," I cut him off, terrified that any hesitation might provoke Nathan. "Everyone deserves a second chance, right?"

Rick's posture relaxed slightly, and Jason's expression softened. The tension in the room visibly decreased as they believed the crisis had been averted. Nathan stepped forward, extending his hand toward Jason.

"Thank you for protecting Julia," he said smoothly. "I promise to earn back her trust... and yours."

My palms broke into a cold sweat as I realized how easily he could harm Jason before anyone could react.

When I stepped into the hallway, Matthew was waiting, his eyes searching my face. Rick had already moved past me and was speaking in low, urgent tones to Matthew, no doubt reporting that I had suddenly agreed to give Nathan another chance. Matthew's expression shifted from confusion to concern as he listened, his gaze never leaving my face.

For one wild moment, I considered rushing to Matthew and explaining everything—the threats, the manipulation, the terror pulsing through me. Matthew was stronger than Nathan, especially with Nathan weakened by the wolfsbane. If anyone could protect me, it would be him.

But as I took a half-step forward, my peripheral vision caught Nathan's subtle movement. He had positioned himself directly behind Jason, one hand resting casually on the security team member's shoulder. His fingers were placed precisely over Jason's carotid artery, a gesture that would appear friendly to anyone else but sent a clear message to me.

The cold calculation in Nathan's eyes froze me in place. I couldn't risk it. Even if I managed to get the words out, Nathan could tear into Jason's throat before Matthew could reach him. The image of Jason's blood spilling across the hallway floor was so vivid in my mind that I nearly gagged.

"Julia?" Matthew's voice was low, concerned. He stepped toward me, noticing my hesitation.

I glanced back, desperately searching for an opportunity to speak freely with Matthew, but what I saw made my heart sink. Jason, who had been coldly professional and protective toward me just minutes earlier, was now chatting animatedly with Nathan.

His previous hostile stance had completely transformed into something resembling admiration. They stood close together, Jason nodding eagerly at whatever Nathan was saying, his body language open and receptive. The speed with which Nathan had managed to turn one of my protectors into an admirer was terrifying.

"I would do anything for my mate," I heard Nathan say, his voice carrying just enough for me to hear. "Even drink wolfsbane."

"That takes real courage," Jason replied, clearly impressed.

My stomach twisted into knots. If I tried to explain the truth now—that Nathan was threatening me through our mindlink—would Matthew believe me? And even if he did, how quickly could he react before Nathan tore Jason apart? I was trapped, with no good options.

*"Careful with every word,"* Nathan warned through our link.

"I think... Nathan can stay for now," I said, my voice tight. "We have some things to work out."

Matthew's eyebrows drew together, his gaze sharp and assessing. "What happened in there, Julia?" He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "You're trembling."

"I'm fine," I lied, hating myself for it. "Just... emotional."

"If he's taking wolfsbane twice daily, I might feel safer," I suggested, desperate for some protection against Nathan's inevitable return to full strength.

"Twice daily?" Jason interjected, frowning. "That's excessive. It would be seen as an insult to a future Alpha from another pack."

Matthew nodded slowly. "It could cause diplomatic issues between our communities. Nathan is Star Shadow's future Alpha after all."

To my surprise, Nathan stepped forward with a benevolent smile that made my skin crawl. "I'll do it," he announced. "If it helps Julia feel secure, I'm willing to endure anything. An Alpha must take responsibility for his mistakes."

Jason gave Nathan an appreciative look.

I caught Jason's slightly reproachful glance in my direction. The realization hit me like a physical blow—Nathan was already turning them against me. In less than ten minutes, he had somehow positioned himself as the reasonable, contrite party, while I appeared demanding and unforgiving.

"Julia, are you certain this is what you want?" Matthew asked, his eyes never leaving mine.

I avoided his searching gaze, managing a nod. "Yes... please give Nathan and me some time."

"I appreciate your protection," Nathan said to Jason, his tone humble yet persuasive, "but perhaps we could discuss some privacy for Julia and me? Rebuilding a relationship requires some... intimate conversations." He glanced at me with a look of manufactured longing.

Jason nodded quickly, clearly won over. "That makes perfect sense. You'll be taking the wolfsbane and can't shift anyway." He turned to Matthew. "I think we could ease the monitoring, Alpha. They deserve some space."

"Agreed," Matthew said, though his expression remained guarded. "The wolfsbane will prevent any threat to our pack."

I felt a glimmer of relief—at least with the wolfsbane, Nathan couldn't transform and wouldn't pose an immediate threat to the pack. But the relief was short-lived.

As I walked back to my room, Nathan's voice invaded my mind again: *"Well played, dear. Meet me at the community center tomorrow. Don't disappoint me."*