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 .

way to strengthen it

went so

Rowans behavior had started

almost frantic , to gain

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

he interrupted , when

softly , we need to hear from everyone

, nodded , the muscles across

rigid .

, in training , he overexerted himself , his movements sloppy in a

Rowan plunged forward too vigorously , almost hitting another

, not

apology , he didnt

out the supplies for the feast

began , his voice

Rowan ? I

I just .

to do more

prove myself , he finally said

reassuring

doing enough

proving oneself ; its

face still

to me , Rowan had been

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

deserve to be seen , a low , hushed

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

? he asked

, it came stronger , her

, Rowan , but you block your

might show them just

, a defensive note

supposed to look like ? Alina leaned her head

can

, youll feel

Youll know .

, frustration rising to

not an

in

laughter was low , almost conciliatory

the clearest truths can only be seen in the

someone to give you permission to step

waiting , Rowan

you want

, a fire of rebellion

: gnawing unease that made his skin tingle

do ? he

231 6/9 Alina leaned in ,

finally find your

you have no need of anyones approval

jaw clenched

threatened to choke him as he wasnt so sure he wanted to believe her

between them tugged out until the wordless , significant weight in it

brushing

would have turned away ,

, in his brain , one

long strange shadows outlined

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

moment , his

, a little more musical and clear against the chill evening

this chafed in his chest and became

fresh was the echo of Alinas words within him

morning , Rowan threw himself into training with renewed

deliberate , as if trying to carve out his place through sheer

, his voice

Youre overextending again .

gritted his teeth , adjusting his

Im fine .

raised an eyebrow but didnt press

Piper and Warrick sparred , their playful banter cutting through