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 strengthen it

went so

, Rowans behavior had started

faster , almost frantic ,

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

interrupted , when

we

then , nodded , the muscles across his

rigid .

he overexerted himself , his movements sloppy

as Rowan plunged forward too vigorously ,

not speed

he didnt hide the frustration

out the supplies for the feast ,

, he began ,

? I turned

I just .

to

myself , he finally said in a rush

laid a reassuring hand

are doing

thats not about proving oneself ;

nodded but his face

Rowan had been stewing in frustration

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

a low , hushed voice said

eyes lay

do you mean ? he asked warily

, it came stronger , her eyes glinting steadily

Rowan , but you block your

moment flipped might show them

his arms , a defensive

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

I can define for you

when it comes , youll

Youll know .

scowled , frustration rising to

not an

speaking in riddles

low , almost

the clearest truths can only be seen

someone to give you

waiting , Rowan

you want

him , a fire

it flared doubt : gnawing unease that made his skin

he returned ,

231 6/9 Alina leaned in , her voice a

you will finally find your

shall see that you have no need of anyones

clenched

him as he wasnt so sure

the wordless ,

straightened , brushing imaginary dust off

, and would have

out , while still , in his brain

him now ; long strange shadows outlined the dim , golden embers of lamps

to the packhouse , where the

that one moment ,

Auroras voice , a little more musical and clear against the chill

and became an

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

Rowan threw himself into training with

, more deliberate , as if trying to

, his voice calm

Youre overextending again .

his teeth , adjusting his

Im fine .

but didnt press

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