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

behavior had

, almost frantic

grasped at every task

he interrupted ,

, I said softly , we need to hear from everyone

231 He reddened then , nodded , the muscles across his

rigid .

, in training , he overexerted himself , his movements sloppy in a

, Dane cautioned as Rowan plunged forward too

, not

quick apology , he didnt hide the frustration

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

he began , his

I turned to him

I just .

want to

myself , he finally said in a

reassuring hand on his

doing

thats not about proving oneself ; its just being yourself

but his face

me , Rowan had been

into their routines , he lagged at the edge of the village

be seen , a low , hushed voice said

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

?

when Alina smiled , it

much potential , Rowan , but

flipped might show them just

arms , a

to look like ? Alina leaned her head to one

not something I can

it comes , youll feel

Youll know .

frustration rising to the surface

not an

in riddles

low

clearest truths can only be seen in

watching , waiting for someone to give you permission to

,

what you

words flared something in him ,

: gnawing unease that made his

if I do ? he returned ,

in , her

finally find your

have no need of anyones approval : not Danes ,

jaw clenched

threatened to choke him as he

tugged out until the wordless , significant weight in it began to sting

brushing imaginary dust

and would have turned away

, while still , in his brain , one whispered the phrase over and

was hushed about him now ; long strange shadows outlined the dim ,

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

, his

more musical and

chafed in his chest and became an undeniable ache he felt

within

, Rowan threw himself into training with renewed

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

Dane called ,

Youre overextending again .

teeth , adjusting

Im fine .

raised an eyebrow but didnt press

Piper and Warrick sparred , their playful banter cutting