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 .

a way to strengthen

went

had

was faster , almost frantic , to

of the planning meetings about the celebration , he grasped at every task , his

he interrupted , when another

said softly , we need to hear from everyone

then , nodded , the muscles across his

rigid .

, he overexerted himself ,

forward too vigorously ,

, not

apology , he didnt hide the

out the supplies for the feast , I saw him come

, he began , his voice

Rowan ? I turned to

I just .

want to

, he finally said in a rush of

laid a reassuring hand on his

doing

proving oneself

face

to me , Rowan had been

the edge of the

be seen , a low , hushed

Alina standing behind him , her eyes lay so calm full of an intention that hitched his

?

, it came stronger , her eyes glinting steadily

much potential , Rowan ,

them just who you happen

crossed his arms , a defensive note entering his

supposed to look like ? Alina leaned her head to one side

can define

when it comes ,

Youll know .

, frustration rising

an

speaking in riddles

was low ,

clearest truths can only be seen in

for someone to give you permission to step

,

you want

in him , a

: gnawing unease that made his skin

if I do ? he returned , his tone

Alina leaned in , her voice a

finally

no need of anyones approval : not Danes

clenched tight

chest threatened to choke him as he wasnt so sure he wanted

the wordless , significant weight in it began to

, Alina straightened , brushing imaginary dust off her cloak

over her shoulder , and would have turned away , and when you do

still , in his brain , one whispered the phrase over and over to a

hushed about him now ; long strange shadows outlined the dim , golden

the packhouse , where the sounds of laughter drifted across ,

, his resolve

little more musical and clear against the chill evening breeze

and became an undeniable ache he

fresh was the echo of Alinas words within him , growing into an increasing flame

next morning , Rowan threw himself into training with

trying to

Dane called , his voice

Youre overextending again .

,

Im fine .

eyebrow but didnt press

Warrick sparred , their playful banter cutting through the morning