Chapter 6

Julia’s POVThe words tumbled out of my mouth before I could stop them.“Yes, he is—was—my fated mate. But he rejected me.”My voice sounded strange even to my own ears—too fast, almost desperate to explain. My heart hammered against my ribs as I glanced between Nathan’s furious face and Matthew’s unreadable expression. Why did I feel this overwhelming compulsion to clarify things to Matthew? I barely knew him.Kaia, however, seemed to have her own ideas. After months of silence following the rejection, she was suddenly alert and watchful, her awareness focused entirely on Matthew Collins.Nathan’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “This is a private matter between pack members,” he said, his tone clipped. “It doesn’t concern you.”Matthew nodded thoughtfully, his calm demeanor a stark contrast to Nathan’s barely contained rage. He turned to Nathan. “You said you’re her Alpha?”