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

everything went so

Rowans behavior had

faster , almost frantic ,

the planning meetings about the celebration , he grasped at every

interrupted , when another

said softly , we need to hear from everyone

He reddened then , nodded , the muscles across his

rigid .

in training , he overexerted himself , his

Dane cautioned as Rowan plunged forward too vigorously ,

not

he didnt

the supplies for the feast , I saw him come near me

, his voice faltering

, Rowan ? I turned to

I just .

to do

prove myself , he finally said in a

smiled and laid a reassuring hand on his shoulder

doing

about proving oneself ;

but his face still showed

to me , Rowan had

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

to be seen , a low ,

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

mean ? he

Alina smiled , it came stronger , her eyes glinting steadily

, but you block

might show them just who you happen to

his arms , a defensive

that moment supposed to look like ? Alina leaned her head

I can define

comes , youll feel

Youll know .

frustration rising to

not an answer

speaking in

low , almost conciliatory

truths can only be seen in

, waiting for someone to give you

, Rowan

you want

words flared something in him ,

doubt : gnawing unease

do ? he returned , his tone

leaned in , her

will finally find your worth

see that you have no need of anyones approval :

clenched tight

to choke him as he wasnt

between them tugged out until the wordless , significant weight

straightened , brushing

, and would have turned away ,

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

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

where the

one moment , his resolve wavered

little more musical

, this chafed in his chest and became an undeniable ache

echo of Alinas words within

next morning , Rowan threw himself into training with renewed intensity

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

Dane called , his voice calm but

Youre overextending again .

, adjusting his stance

Im fine .

raised an eyebrow but

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