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

Chapter 231 AURORA Golden morning sunlight filtered through the curtains and spilled delicately over the room .

I stretched the ache of my muscles , having danced way too much the night before registered within my brain .

Beside me , Dane shifted , and his arm slid over my waist .

Good morning , he said , his voice husky from sleep .

Morning , I replied , turning toward him .

His smile was soft , his eyes full of warmth .

I think weve officially earned this .

I giggled , moving a wayward strand of hair off his face .

Earned what? A lazy morning ? Exactly , he replied , tugging me closer to him .

After all we have endured , he pinched my nose , After how you screamed my name last night … you definitely deserve rest .

I giggled and as he tried to reach for me , I jumped out of bed and entered the bathroom .

Oh common , its still early , he groaned .

Chapter 231 2/9 The village was slow to awaken that morning , the celebration of the wedding evident in sprinkled flower petals and the soft hum of laughter hanging in the air .

As it approached mid morning , wolves began gathering in the clearing for the first story circle .

I arrived hand in hand with Dane , the cheerful buzz of conversation greeting us .

All right , all , I called , stepping to the center .

Lets hear some stories .

The elders took turns and spoke of successes and failures .

Joclyns voice assumed quiet authority as she led a story through a harsh winter , her words painting vivid scenes of survival and kinship .

Piper and Warrick sat with them , but their playing at banter seemed weird .

Think theyll tell the story of your burnt stew ? Piper teased , nudging Warrick .

That wasnt my fault ! he protested , though the grin on his face betrayed his amusement .

Later that day , Trajan approached Dane and me with an idea in his head .

Ive been thinking , he said , and his voice was contemplative .

We should have a feast .

Not just for celebrations , but to honor the packs history .

Bring everyone together to remember where Chapter 231 we came from .

3/9 Dane just nodded ; his face spoke approval .

Thats a good idea .

Lets make it happen .

Trajan proved contagious about the feast .

He got everybody into its preparation fetched ingredients , made decorations .

I found him seated with Joclyn .

Their heads were bent together as they talked over the finishing touches of the party .

Youre really doing this , I said , dropping into a seat beside them .

Trajan looked up , a rare smile on his face .

It feels … important .

Like something we need .

Joclyn nodded , her gaze steady .

The pack thrives on connection .

is a way to

everything went so

Rowans behavior had

was faster , almost frantic

celebration , he grasped at every task

get the supplies , he interrupted , when

I said softly , we

reddened then , nodded , the muscles across

rigid .

training , he overexerted himself , his movements

Dane cautioned as Rowan plunged forward too vigorously , almost hitting

, not

apology , he didnt hide

that evening , when I was sorting out the supplies for the feast , I saw him come near

he began , his voice

? I

I just .

want to

prove myself , he finally said in a

smiled and laid a reassuring hand on his

doing enough

about proving oneself

but his face

, Rowan had been stewing in

their routines , he lagged at the edge of the village , eyes fixed on Dane and me discussing the final touches to

a low ,

eyes lay so calm full of an intention that

do you mean ? he

That time , when Alina smiled , it came stronger ,

Rowan , but you block your path

might show them just who you happen to be

crossed his arms , a defensive

? Alina leaned her head to one side , and her eyes

something I can define for you

when it comes , youll

Youll know .

, frustration rising

an

in riddles

low

clearest truths can only

been watching , waiting for someone to

waiting ,

you

in him , a fire of

it flared doubt : gnawing unease that

what if I do ? he returned , his

Alina leaned in , her voice a whisper

finally find

see that you have no need of

jaw clenched tight

storm in his chest threatened to choke him as he wasnt so sure

wordless ,

, brushing

it out , she said over her shoulder , and would have turned

while still , in his brain , one

was hushed about him now ; long strange shadows outlined

darted to the packhouse , where the sounds of laughter drifted across

moment ,

musical and clear against the chill

chest and became an undeniable ache he felt

Alinas words within him ,

himself into training with renewed

, as if trying to carve out his place

Easy , Dane called , his voice

Youre overextending again .

his teeth , adjusting his stance

Im fine .

raised an eyebrow but didnt

Nearby , Piper and Warrick sparred , their playful banter cutting through