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 strengthen it

went

had

was faster , almost frantic ,

grasped at every task ,

he interrupted , when another

, I said softly , we need to hear from everyone

then , nodded , the muscles across

rigid .

overexerted himself , his movements sloppy in a bid to impress

cautioned as Rowan plunged forward too vigorously , almost hitting

, not

he didnt

when I was sorting out the supplies

he began ,

Rowan ? I turned

I just .

want to

, he finally said in a rush of

smiled and laid a reassuring

doing enough

not about proving oneself ; its just

nodded but his face

had been stewing

pack settled into their routines , he lagged at the edge of the village ,

deserve to be seen , a low , hushed voice

to find Alina standing behind him , her eyes lay so calm full of an intention that

do you mean ? he asked

smiled , it came stronger

, Rowan , but you

right moment flipped might show them just

crossed his arms , a

what exactly is that moment supposed to look like ? Alina leaned her

not something I can

, youll feel it

Youll know .

frustration rising to

not an

in

laughter was low

only be seen in the

waiting for someone to give you permission to step

waiting ,

you want

something in him ,

doubt : gnawing unease that made his

do ? he returned , his tone soft

231 6/9 Alina leaned in , her voice a

, you will finally find your

need of anyones approval : not Danes , not

jaw clenched tight

his chest threatened to choke him as he wasnt so

tugged out until the wordless , significant

brushing imaginary

would have turned away ,

figure fade out , while still , in his brain , one whispered the phrase over and

clearing was hushed about him now ; long strange shadows outlined the dim , golden embers of lamps

packhouse , where the sounds of laughter drifted across

moment ,

little more musical and clear against the

and became an

within

threw himself into training with renewed

sharper , more deliberate , as if trying to

, Dane called ,

Youre overextending again .

his teeth , adjusting his stance

Im fine .

eyebrow but

their playful banter cutting through