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

Rowans behavior had started to

faster , almost frantic

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

get the supplies , he interrupted , when another wolf had spoken

, I said softly , we need to hear from everyone

He reddened then , nodded , the muscles

rigid .

overexerted himself , his movements sloppy in a bid

forward too vigorously

, not speed

apology , he didnt hide the frustration in his

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

, he began ,

Rowan ? I turned

I just .

want to do more

finally said

and laid a reassuring hand on his

doing enough

proving oneself

nodded but his face still showed distress

me , Rowan had been stewing in frustration

of the village , eyes fixed on Dane and me discussing the

be seen , a low

him , her eyes lay so calm full of an intention that hitched his

mean ? he asked warily

That time , when Alina smiled , it

, but you block

them

a defensive note

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

not something I can

when it comes , youll

Youll know .

rising to the surface

not an answer

in riddles

was low

truths can only be seen in

waiting for someone to give

waiting , Rowan

what you

words flared something in him , a fire

flared doubt : gnawing unease that

? he returned

leaned in

finally

you have no need of anyones approval : not

jaw clenched tight

chest threatened to choke him as

out until the wordless

brushing imaginary dust off

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

brain , one whispered the phrase over and over

hushed about him now ; long strange

to the packhouse , where the sounds of laughter drifted

that one moment , his resolve wavered

caught Auroras voice , a little more musical and

and

within him , growing into an

Rowan threw himself into training with renewed

trying to

Easy , Dane called , his voice calm but firm

Youre overextending again .

his teeth , adjusting his

Im fine .

but didnt

their playful banter cutting