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 well

had started to

was faster , almost frantic , to gain

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

, he interrupted

we need

reddened then , nodded ,

rigid .

training , he overexerted himself , his movements sloppy in

, Dane cautioned as Rowan plunged forward

not speed

didnt

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

, he began , his

? I turned to

I just .

to do

said

and laid a reassuring hand on

doing

not about proving oneself ; its

but his face still showed

Rowan had been

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

, a low , hushed

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

mean ? he asked warily

, when Alina smiled , it came

Rowan ,

moment flipped might show them just who

crossed his arms , a defensive note entering his posture

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

not something I can define

comes ,

Youll know .

rising to the

an

speaking in

low ,

the clearest truths can only be seen in

, waiting for someone to give you permission

waiting ,

you want

, a

it flared doubt : gnawing unease that made his skin tingle

? he returned , his tone soft

Alina leaned in ,

you will finally

see that you have no need of anyones approval : not

jaw clenched

to choke him as

wordless , significant weight in it began to sting

, Alina straightened , brushing imaginary dust off her

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

watched her figure fade out , while still , in his brain ,

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

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

that one moment , his resolve wavered

a little more musical and clear against the chill evening

chest and became an undeniable ache

was the echo of Alinas words within

threw himself into training

movements were sharper , more deliberate , as if trying to carve

, his voice

Youre overextending again .

his teeth , adjusting his stance

Im fine .

raised an eyebrow but didnt press further

, their playful banter