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

everything went so well

behavior had

, almost frantic ,

the planning meetings about the celebration , he grasped at

interrupted

I said softly , we need to hear from

then , nodded

rigid .

himself , his movements sloppy in

, Dane cautioned as Rowan plunged forward too vigorously ,

not

a quick apology , he didnt hide the frustration in his

sorting out the supplies for the feast , I saw

began , his voice

Rowan ? I turned to

I just .

to do

prove myself , he finally said in a rush of words

and laid a reassuring hand

doing

thats not about proving oneself ; its just being yourself

nodded but his face still

Rowan had been stewing

settled into their routines , he lagged at the edge of the village , eyes fixed on Dane

, a low , hushed voice

find Alina standing behind him , her eyes

? he

it came

much potential , Rowan , but you block your path

flipped might show them just

arms , a defensive note

? Alina leaned her head to one side

not something I can

when it comes ,

Youll know .

scowled , frustration rising to the surface

an answer

speaking in

low , almost

truths can only be seen in

watching , waiting for someone to give

,

what you

flared something in him , a fire of

: gnawing unease that

if I do ? he returned , his

leaned in , her voice a

finally find

need of anyones approval : not Danes , not

jaw clenched tight

in his chest threatened to choke him as he wasnt

between them tugged out until the wordless

last , Alina straightened , brushing imaginary dust

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

, while still , in his brain , one whispered

now ; long strange shadows outlined the dim

packhouse , where the sounds of laughter drifted

moment , his resolve

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

this chafed in his chest and became an undeniable ache

Alinas words within him , growing into

himself

, more deliberate , as if trying to carve out his place through sheer force of will

231 Easy , Dane called , his voice calm but firm

Youre overextending again .

teeth , adjusting his stance

Im fine .

eyebrow but didnt

, their playful banter