Blood And Silver:Rise of the Alpha’s Rejected Mate

Chapter 197 1/6 AURORA Holden stood before me in the gloom of the packs war room , his features shaded but those razor eyes with unchanging determination .

An unruly presence , the unsettling marriage of calm and volatility that didnt allow complete trust .

But the options were few and desperation is known to blur judgment .

I crossed my arms over my chest , while a storm started inside me ; my eyes were unyielding .

What is it that you want , Holden ? What is this really about ? He lifted an eyebrow ; the trace of a smile danced upon his lips .

Straight to the point I like that in you , Aurora .

Dont flatter me , I snapped .

Youre not here out of the goodness of your heart .

So either tell me the truth or leave .

Holden chuckled .

There was no humor in the sound .

He leaned closer , his carriage loose but his eyes ablaze .

Very well .

The truth , then .

I tensed , my eyes focused on him .

He leaned against the edge of the table , his fingers tracing the wood grain absent mindedly , as if he collected his thoughts .

Chapter 197 2/6 I was once a priest of the Moon Goddess , he said in a low tone , steady .

I served her , faithful to every utterance , devoted my life to her teachings , and she blessed my family and me with her light .

I scowled , taken aback by his words .

You ? A priest ? He nodded , something pain ? Regret ? -flashing across his face .

Yes .

My faith was everything in my life .

But faith does not save you from cruelty .

Holdens eyes fell to the floor , and for the first time , his confident figure finally cracked .

Taken , my family was taken from me my wife , my daughter .

Slaughtered by raiders , while i was off praying in the temple My breath caught in my throat at the raw emotion in his tone .

Against my will , a sign of pity turned within me .

Holden … He shook his head and cut me off .

Save your pity .

too late for

bodies … I begged the Moon Goddess for justice

prayed for vengeance

I got

into a fist , his knuckles going white

Nameless came

offered me power , a chance to strike back at those who had taken

took

room felt colder , the weight of his words settling heavy

the goddess

his head high , his

I did .

at first I enjoyed the power the Nameless gave

bought , Aurora

at the

table ,

could use his power and still hold on to who

served him , the more I realized … the

, warps

struck

? Now , I see the truth , Holden said , stopping and pivoting to face

Nameless isnt

Hes a destroyer .

you , too , if you

then ? I asked

for you ? Finally , Holdens expression loosened , and

Because I want to recover what I lost

My faith .

My humanity .

you defeat the Nameless , perhaps the Moon Goddess will

at him , the weight

in his words ;

… that was another matter

agree to your deal

? Holden stepped closer

give you everything you need to

resources , whatever is within

return … you help me find my way back to

followed

searching for

all I saw was a broken man , desperate

, I said finally,

betray me , Holden , and Ill kill you myself

of a smile returned

Fair enough .

decision was immediate and intense

, Aurora , Piper

him ? I dont trust him , I

best chance right

the luxury of turning away help , not Chapter

shook his head , still recovering from

is ill