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

went so

behavior had

, almost frantic ,

meetings about the celebration , he grasped at every task , his

get the supplies , he interrupted , when another wolf had

we need to hear from

then , nodded , the muscles across

rigid .

, his movements

forward too vigorously

, not speed

, he didnt

supplies for the feast ,

, his voice

, Rowan ? I

I just .

want to do more

myself , he finally said

reassuring hand on his

doing enough

proving oneself ; its

but his face still showed distress

had been stewing in

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

to be seen , a low

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

? he asked warily

, it came stronger , her eyes glinting steadily

much potential , Rowan , but you block your

moment flipped might show them just who you

a defensive

what exactly is that moment supposed to look like ? Alina leaned her head to one side , and her

not something I can define for you

it comes ,

Youll know .

, frustration rising to the surface

an

in riddles

low , almost

only be seen in

watching , waiting for someone to give

, Rowan

what you

words flared something in him ,

doubt : gnawing unease that made his skin

I do ? he returned , his

leaned in ,

you will finally

have no need of anyones

jaw clenched tight

to choke him as he wasnt so sure

out until the wordless ,

Alina straightened , brushing imaginary dust

her shoulder , and would have turned away , and when you do ,

, while still , in his brain ,

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

, where the sounds of laughter drifted across , fading

one moment , his

, a little more musical and clear against the chill evening

, this chafed in his chest and became an undeniable ache he

was the echo of Alinas words within him , growing into

morning , Rowan threw himself into training

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

called , his voice calm but

Youre overextending again .

teeth , adjusting his

Im fine .

raised an eyebrow but didnt press further

and Warrick sparred , their playful banter cutting through the