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

everything went so well

, Rowans behavior had started to shift

frantic

about the celebration , he grasped at every task ,

the supplies , he interrupted , when

, we need

He reddened then , nodded ,

rigid .

training , he overexerted himself , his movements sloppy in a bid to impress

as Rowan plunged forward too vigorously

not speed

didnt hide the frustration

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

, he began , his voice faltering

I

I just .

want to

said in a rush of

reassuring

doing enough

proving oneself ; its just being yourself

but his face still showed

me , Rowan had been stewing in

, when the pack settled into their routines , he lagged at the edge of the village ,

to be seen , a low , hushed voice said

him , her eyes lay so calm full of an

do you mean ? he asked warily

it came stronger , her eyes glinting

, but you block your path

show them just who you happen

arms , a defensive note

supposed to look like ? Alina leaned her head to one side , and her eyes

I can define

when it comes , youll feel it

Youll know .

, frustration rising to

an

in

laughter was low , almost

only

for someone to give you permission to step forward

waiting , Rowan

you want

in him , a fire of

: gnawing

do ? he returned , his

Alina leaned in , her voice a

you will finally

no need of anyones approval :

clenched

him as he

out until the wordless , significant weight in it

Alina straightened , brushing imaginary dust

shoulder , and would have turned away

in his brain , one whispered the phrase

strange shadows outlined the dim ,

the packhouse , where the sounds of laughter drifted across

, his

a little more musical

his chest and became an undeniable ache

words within him , growing into an increasing flame

threw himself into training

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

called , his

Youre overextending again .

gritted his teeth ,

Im fine .

eyebrow but didnt press

, their