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

found their bodies … I begged the

prayed for vengeance

I got was

bunched into a fist , his knuckles going white

the Nameless

back at those who had taken everything from Chapter

I took

colder , the weight of

upon the goddess ? I

his head high , his eyes

I did .

first I enjoyed the power

is bought , Aurora even the good

Nameless name came at

the table ,

could use his power

I realized … the Nameless

twists it , warps it into

as his words struck a chord

truth ,

Nameless isnt

Hes a destroyer .

you , too ,

help me , then ? I asked ,

, Holdens expression loosened , and for

want to

My faith .

My humanity .

you defeat the Nameless , perhaps the Moon Goddess will forgive

at him , the weight of

truth in his words ; I could feel

him … that was

I agree to your deal ? I asked hesitantly

closer

give you everything you

resources , whatever is within my

in return … you help me find my way

that followed

for any

was a broken

I said finally,

betray me , Holden , and

of a smile

Fair enough .

packs reaction to my decision was immediate and

, Piper

trust him ? I dont trust him , I

best chance right now

of turning away help , not Chapter

his head , still recovering from the

ill