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 strengthen it

went so

had

was faster , almost frantic , to

grasped

, he interrupted

I said softly , we need to hear from everyone

reddened then , nodded , the muscles across

rigid .

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

Dane cautioned as Rowan plunged forward too vigorously , almost hitting another wolf

, not speed

a quick apology , he didnt hide the frustration in his

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

, his

? I turned to

I just .

to

prove myself , he finally said

laid a reassuring hand on his shoulder

are doing enough

about proving oneself ; its just being yourself

but his face still showed distress

me , Rowan had been stewing in

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

to be seen , a

eyes

you mean ? he

smiled , it came stronger , her eyes glinting steadily

, Rowan , but you

moment flipped might show them just

a defensive note

moment supposed to look like ? Alina leaned her head to one

can define

comes , youll feel

Youll know .

scowled , frustration rising to the surface

not an

speaking in riddles

laughter was low , almost

clearest truths can only

for someone to give

waiting , Rowan

you

something in him , a fire of

it flared doubt : gnawing unease that made his

? he returned , his

231 6/9 Alina leaned in , her voice a

will finally find your

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

clenched

in his chest threatened to choke him as he wasnt so sure he wanted to believe

until the wordless , significant

, brushing

would have turned away , and when you do , Ill be

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

now ; long strange shadows outlined the dim

to the packhouse , where the sounds

one moment , his

voice , a little more musical

his chest and

Alinas words within him , growing into an increasing flame

next morning , Rowan threw himself into

, as if trying to carve out his place through sheer force

, Dane called , his

Youre overextending again .

, adjusting his stance

Im fine .

but didnt

, Piper and Warrick sparred , their playful banter cutting