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

, Rowans behavior had started

frantic ,

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

, he interrupted , when

, we need

, nodded , the muscles across

rigid .

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

plunged forward too vigorously

, not

apology , he didnt hide the

was sorting out the supplies for the feast , I saw

began , his

Rowan ? I turned to him

I just .

want to do more

he finally said in a rush of words

laid a reassuring hand on

doing

, thats not about proving oneself ; its just

face still showed distress

Rowan had been

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

a low ,

Alina standing behind him , her eyes lay so calm full

you mean ? he asked

smiled , it came stronger ,

Rowan , but you block your

moment flipped might show them just who you happen to be

, a defensive note

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

not something I can

when it comes ,

Youll know .

scowled , frustration rising

an

speaking in riddles

low

truths can only be seen

to give you permission to

waiting , Rowan

you

, a fire of

doubt : gnawing unease that made his skin

? he

231 6/9 Alina leaned in , her voice

will finally find your worth

have no need of anyones approval : not

jaw clenched

him as he

between them tugged out until the wordless , significant weight in it began

straightened , brushing

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

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

strange shadows outlined the

eyes darted to the packhouse , where the sounds of laughter drifted across

one moment ,

more musical and

chafed in his chest and became an undeniable ache

words within him ,

, Rowan threw himself into training with renewed intensity

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

Dane called , his voice calm

Youre overextending again .

teeth , adjusting his stance

Im fine .

eyebrow but didnt

, Piper and Warrick sparred , their playful banter