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

everything went so

behavior had started to shift

almost frantic ,

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

get the supplies , he interrupted , when another

softly , we need

, nodded , the muscles

rigid .

, he overexerted himself , his movements sloppy in a bid

, Dane cautioned as Rowan plunged forward too

, not speed

didnt hide

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

, he began , his

, Rowan ? I turned

I just .

want to do

said in a rush of words

reassuring hand on his shoulder

doing

thats not about proving oneself ;

face still showed

to me , Rowan had been stewing in frustration

he lagged at the edge of the village , eyes

seen , a low , hushed

find Alina standing behind him , her eyes lay so calm full of an intention that hitched

do you mean ? he asked

, when Alina smiled , it came stronger , her

much potential , Rowan , but you block your

moment flipped might show them

crossed his arms , a defensive note entering

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

can define

it comes , youll feel

Youll know .

, frustration rising

an

in

low ,

truths can only be seen in the

waiting for someone to give you permission to

, Rowan

what you want

something in him ,

alongside it flared doubt : gnawing unease that

do ? he returned , his

in

will finally find your

need of anyones approval : not Danes ,

clenched tight

to choke him as he wasnt so sure he wanted to

the wordless , significant weight in it began

Alina straightened , brushing imaginary dust off her

, she said over her shoulder , and would have turned away

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

long strange shadows outlined the dim , golden embers

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

one moment ,

, a little more musical and clear against the chill evening breeze

this chafed in his chest and became an

echo of Alinas words within him , growing into

Rowan threw himself into training with renewed

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

Easy , Dane called , his voice

Youre overextending again .

gritted his teeth , adjusting his

Im fine .

eyebrow but didnt

Warrick sparred , their playful banter cutting