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 well

behavior had started to shift

frantic ,

one of the planning meetings about the celebration , he grasped at every task , his enthusiasm

supplies , he interrupted , when another wolf had spoken

I said softly , we need to hear

231 He reddened then , nodded , the

rigid .

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

Rowan plunged forward too vigorously ,

not

quick apology , he didnt hide

that evening , when I was sorting out the supplies for the

, his voice faltering

, Rowan ? I turned to him

I just .

to

, he finally said in a rush of words

smiled and laid a reassuring hand on

doing enough

not about proving oneself

but his face still showed distress

me , Rowan had been stewing in

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

seen , a low , hushed

her eyes lay so calm full of an intention that hitched

you mean ? he asked

, when Alina smiled , it came stronger ,

potential , Rowan ,

right moment flipped might show them just who you happen

his arms , a defensive note entering his

supposed to look like ? Alina leaned her head to one side , and

something I can define for

it comes , youll feel

Youll know .

rising to the

an answer

speaking in

laughter was low , almost

the clearest truths can only be

watching , waiting for someone to give you permission to step forward

, Rowan

you want

flared something in him ,

flared doubt : gnawing unease that

I do ? he returned , his tone soft

Alina leaned in , her voice a whisper

finally find your

need of anyones

clenched

him as he wasnt so sure

tugged out until the wordless , significant

brushing imaginary dust

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

out , while still , in his brain , one whispered the phrase over and

hushed about him now ; long strange shadows outlined the

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

, his

little more musical and clear against the chill evening

his chest and became an undeniable

of Alinas words within him , growing into an increasing flame

Rowan threw himself into training with renewed

if trying to carve out his place through

called , his voice calm but firm

Youre overextending again .

gritted his teeth , adjusting his stance

Im fine .

eyebrow but didnt press further

Nearby , Piper and Warrick sparred , their