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 so well

had started to

almost frantic , to

one of the planning meetings about the celebration , he grasped at every task , his enthusiasm almost swinging to

the supplies , he interrupted , when

I said softly , we need

231 He reddened then , nodded , the muscles across his

rigid .

, in training , he overexerted himself ,

as Rowan plunged forward

, not

a quick apology , he didnt hide the frustration

I was sorting out the supplies for the feast , I saw him come near me

, he began , his voice

I turned to

I just .

to

prove myself , he finally said in a rush of

reassuring hand on his shoulder

doing

not about proving oneself ; its just being

face

had

edge of the village , eyes fixed on Dane and

deserve to be seen , a low , hushed

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

you mean ? he

when Alina smiled , it came stronger

Rowan , but you block

show them just

his arms , a

to look like ? Alina leaned her head to one side , and her eyes shone in the poor light

not something I can define for you

it comes , youll feel it

Youll know .

rising to the surface

an answer

in

was low , almost

only be seen

someone to give you permission

waiting ,

what you want

him , a fire of rebellion

flared doubt : gnawing unease that made his skin tingle

? he returned , his tone soft

leaned in , her voice a whisper

will finally

need of anyones approval :

jaw clenched tight

as he wasnt

silence between them tugged out until the wordless , significant weight

last , Alina straightened , brushing imaginary dust off her

shoulder , and would have turned away , and when you do , Ill be here

his brain , one whispered

hushed about him now ; long strange shadows

to the packhouse , where the sounds of

moment ,

caught Auroras voice , a little more musical and clear against the chill evening

this chafed in his chest and

echo of Alinas words within him , growing into

next morning , Rowan threw himself into training with renewed

were sharper , more deliberate , as if trying to

, his voice calm

Youre overextending again .

, adjusting

Im fine .

but didnt press further

their playful banter cutting through the morning air