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 well

had started

frantic , to gain

about the celebration , he grasped at every task , his

get the supplies , he interrupted , when another wolf

, we need to

reddened then , nodded , the muscles

rigid .

,

as Rowan plunged forward too vigorously , almost hitting another wolf

not speed

, he didnt

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

he began , his voice

Rowan ? I turned to him

I just .

want to do

he finally said in a rush

reassuring hand on his

are doing

thats not about proving oneself ; its just being yourself

face still

to me , Rowan had been stewing

routines , he lagged at the edge of

deserve to be seen , a low , hushed voice

, her eyes lay so calm full

mean ? he asked warily

, it came

Rowan , but you

them just who you happen to be

a defensive

exactly is that moment supposed to look like ? Alina leaned her head

not something I can define for you

when it comes , youll feel

Youll know .

frustration rising to the surface

an

speaking in

laughter was low

clearest truths can only be

to give you permission to step

waiting , Rowan

you

him , a fire

alongside it flared doubt : gnawing unease that

? he returned , his tone

231 6/9 Alina leaned in

finally find your worth

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

clenched tight

threatened to choke him as

silence between them tugged out until the wordless , significant

, brushing imaginary dust off

, she said over her shoulder , and would have turned away , and when you do , Ill be here

, while still , in his brain

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

eyes darted to the packhouse , where the sounds of

one moment , his resolve

more musical and clear against the chill evening breeze

his chest and became an undeniable

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

himself into training with renewed intensity

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

, Dane called ,

Youre overextending again .

teeth , adjusting

Im fine .

raised an eyebrow but

sparred , their