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

went

behavior had started

, almost frantic , to gain attention

planning meetings about the celebration , he grasped at every task , his enthusiasm almost swinging to hostility

he interrupted , when

said softly , we

reddened then , nodded , the muscles

rigid .

he overexerted himself , his movements sloppy

plunged forward too vigorously , almost hitting

not speed

a quick apology , he didnt

that evening , when I was sorting out the supplies for

, his

Rowan ? I

I just .

to do more

prove myself , he finally said in

a reassuring hand on his shoulder

are doing

proving oneself ; its just being yourself

nodded but his face still showed

had been stewing in frustration

edge of the village , eyes fixed on Dane and me discussing the final touches to

be seen , a low , hushed

, her eyes lay so calm full of an

do you mean ? he asked

it came stronger , her eyes glinting steadily

, Rowan , but you block your

might show them just who you happen

his arms , a defensive note entering his posture

her head to one side , and her

not something I can define for you

it comes , youll feel it

Youll know .

frustration rising to the surface

an

speaking in riddles

low , almost

the clearest truths can only be seen

for someone to give you

, Rowan

what you

words flared something in him , a

alongside it flared doubt : gnawing

do ? he

in , her voice

finally

you have no need of anyones approval :

clenched

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

wordless , significant weight

Alina straightened , brushing imaginary dust off

, she said over her shoulder , and would

his brain , one whispered

clearing was hushed about him now ; long strange shadows outlined

eyes darted to the packhouse , where the sounds of laughter drifted across ,

that one moment , his resolve wavered

little more musical and clear

in his chest and became an undeniable ache he

echo of Alinas words within him , growing into an increasing

, Rowan threw himself into training

more deliberate , as if trying

, his

Youre overextending again .

,

Im fine .

an eyebrow but didnt press further

, Piper and Warrick sparred , their playful banter cutting through the morning air