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

everything went

, Rowans behavior had started to

frantic , to

meetings about the celebration , he grasped at

supplies , he interrupted , when another

softly , we need

nodded , the

rigid .

training , he overexerted himself , his movements sloppy in

plunged forward too vigorously , almost hitting

, not

he didnt hide the frustration

the supplies for the feast , I saw

, he began ,

Rowan ? I turned to him

I just .

want to do

he finally said in a

reassuring hand on his shoulder

are doing enough

proving oneself

face

had been stewing in

of the village , eyes fixed on Dane and me discussing the final

seen , a low

231 In turning to find Alina standing behind him , her eyes lay so calm full of an

mean ? he

, it came

potential , Rowan , but you block your

them just

crossed his arms , a defensive note entering his posture

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

not something I can define for

comes , youll

Youll know .

scowled , frustration rising to the surface

an answer

in

low ,

clearest truths can only be seen

someone to give you permission to step forward

,

what you

him ,

gnawing unease that

if I do ? he returned , his tone soft

Alina leaned in , her voice a whisper

, you will finally find

need of anyones approval :

clenched

to choke him as he wasnt so sure he wanted to believe her

tugged out until the wordless , significant weight in it began

Alina straightened , brushing imaginary dust

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

his brain ,

long strange shadows outlined the dim ,

where the sounds of

, his resolve wavered

, a little more musical and clear against the chill evening

this chafed in his chest and became

fresh was the echo of Alinas words within him

threw himself into

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

Easy , Dane called , his voice

Youre overextending again .

teeth , adjusting his stance

Im fine .

but didnt press further

and Warrick sparred , their playful banter cutting through