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

was faster , almost frantic

, he grasped at every task ,

the supplies , he interrupted , when another wolf had spoken

, I said softly , we need to hear from everyone

nodded ,

rigid .

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

plunged forward too vigorously , almost hitting

, not

, he didnt hide the frustration in his voice

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

, he began ,

Rowan ? I

I just .

want to

myself , he finally said in a rush

reassuring hand on his

doing

thats not about proving oneself ; its just being yourself

but his face

Rowan had been stewing

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

be seen , a low , hushed

standing behind him , her eyes lay

? he

, when Alina smiled , it came

, Rowan , but you block your path

show them just who you happen to be

crossed his arms , a defensive

moment supposed to look like ? Alina leaned her head to one side , and her eyes shone in the

can define

, youll feel

Youll know .

scowled , frustration rising to the surface

not an

speaking in

laughter was low

the clearest truths can only be seen in

watching , waiting for someone to give you permission to step forward

,

what you want

flared something in him ,

it flared doubt : gnawing unease that made

? he returned ,

in , her voice a whisper

finally find your

need of anyones approval :

clenched

him as he wasnt so sure he wanted to

tugged out until the wordless , significant weight in it began

, brushing imaginary dust

she said over her shoulder , and would have turned away

out , while still , in his brain ,

long strange shadows outlined the dim

darted to the packhouse , where the sounds of laughter

one moment , his resolve

little more musical

his chest and became an undeniable ache

echo of Alinas words within

Rowan threw himself into training with renewed

trying to carve out his place through

231 Easy , Dane called , his voice calm

Youre overextending again .

, adjusting his

Im fine .

an eyebrow but didnt press further

Nearby , Piper and Warrick sparred , their