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

everything went

, Rowans behavior had started

was faster , almost frantic , to gain

he grasped

the supplies , he interrupted , when

softly , we need to hear from

, nodded ,

rigid .

overexerted himself , his movements sloppy

as Rowan plunged forward

, not speed

, he didnt hide the frustration in his

supplies for the feast , I saw him

he began ,

Rowan ? I turned to

I just .

to do

said in a rush

smiled and laid a reassuring hand on

are doing enough

about proving oneself ; its just being yourself

nodded but his face still showed

had been stewing

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

, a low , hushed voice said

, her eyes

you mean ? he

when Alina smiled , it

have much potential , Rowan , but you

show them just who you happen to be

a defensive note

her head to one side , and her eyes shone in the

can

it comes ,

Youll know .

frustration rising to

not an

in

laughter was low , almost conciliatory

can only be seen in

to give you permission

,

you

him , a fire of

: gnawing unease that made

I do ? he returned , his

in , her voice a whisper

finally

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

jaw clenched

in his chest threatened to choke him as

silence between them tugged out until the wordless , significant weight

last , Alina straightened , brushing imaginary dust off her cloak

figure it out , she said over her shoulder , and would have turned away ,

her figure fade out , while still , in his brain , one whispered

him now ; long strange shadows outlined the dim , golden embers of

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

one moment , his resolve wavered

musical and clear against the chill evening

chafed in his chest and became an

Alinas words within him , growing into an

, Rowan threw himself into training with renewed intensity

sharper , more deliberate , as if trying to carve

, Dane called , his voice calm but

Youre overextending again .

,

Im fine .

an eyebrow but didnt

Nearby , Piper and Warrick sparred , their playful banter cutting through the morning