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

went so well

had

, almost frantic ,

the celebration , he grasped at every task , his enthusiasm

the supplies , he interrupted , when

I said softly , we need to hear

nodded , the

rigid .

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

Dane cautioned as Rowan plunged forward too vigorously , almost hitting another

not speed

didnt hide the frustration in his

sorting out the supplies for

, he began , his voice faltering

, Rowan ? I turned to him

I just .

to

myself , he finally said in a

a reassuring hand on his shoulder

are doing

about proving oneself ; its just

nodded but his face still showed

Rowan had

night , when the pack settled into their routines , he lagged at the edge of the village , eyes fixed on Dane and me discussing the final touches to the feast

be seen , a low , hushed voice

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

do you mean ?

That time , when Alina smiled , it came stronger , her eyes glinting

potential , Rowan , but you

them just who you

his arms , a defensive note entering his posture

Alina leaned her head to one side ,

can define for you

when it comes ,

Youll know .

rising

an

in riddles

low , almost

only

to give you permission to

, Rowan

what you

something in him , a fire of rebellion and ambition

: gnawing unease that made his skin tingle

he returned , his

Alina leaned in ,

, you will finally find your worth

shall see that you have no need of anyones approval : not Danes , not

jaw clenched tight

in his chest threatened to choke him as he wasnt so sure

them tugged out until the wordless , significant

last , Alina straightened , brushing imaginary dust off

she said over her shoulder , and would have turned away , and when you do , Ill

in his brain , one whispered the phrase over and over to a melody

clearing was hushed about him now ; long strange shadows outlined the dim

packhouse , where the sounds

, his resolve

little more musical and clear against the

and became an undeniable ache he felt

fresh was the echo of Alinas words within him , growing into an increasing flame

Rowan threw himself into

, more deliberate , as if trying to carve

Dane called , his voice calm

Youre overextending again .

gritted his teeth ,

Im fine .

but didnt press further

Warrick sparred , their playful banter cutting through the