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

everything went so

Rowans behavior had

faster , almost frantic , to gain attention

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

interrupted , when another wolf had spoken

, I said softly , we

then , nodded ,

rigid .

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

Rowan plunged forward too vigorously , almost hitting another

, not

apology , he didnt hide the frustration

when I was sorting out the supplies for the feast ,

, he began , his

? I

I just .

to do more

, he finally said in

reassuring hand on his shoulder

are doing

thats not about proving oneself ; its just

face still showed

had been

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

a low ,

eyes lay so

? he asked warily

, it came stronger , her

have much potential , Rowan , but you block

them just who

arms , a defensive

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

can define for

it comes , youll feel

Youll know .

scowled , frustration rising to

not an

in riddles

low , almost conciliatory

clearest truths can only be seen in the shadows

watching , waiting for someone to give you permission to step

waiting , Rowan

you

flared something in him , a fire of rebellion and ambition

flared doubt : gnawing unease that made his

he returned , his

6/9 Alina leaned in , her

, you will finally find your

that you have no need of anyones approval : not Danes , not Auroras

jaw clenched tight

chest threatened to choke him as he wasnt so

until the wordless , significant weight in it began to

, Alina straightened , brushing imaginary dust off

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

his brain , one whispered the

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

to the packhouse , where the sounds of laughter drifted

, his resolve

a little more musical and clear against the chill evening

and became an undeniable ache

echo of Alinas words within him , growing into an increasing flame

morning , Rowan threw himself into training with renewed intensity

as if trying to carve out

231 Easy , Dane called , his voice calm but firm

Youre overextending again .

his teeth , adjusting his stance

Im fine .

raised an eyebrow but

, Piper and Warrick sparred , their playful banter cutting