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 to

everything went

Rowans behavior had started to shift

frantic , to gain attention

about the celebration , he grasped at every task , his enthusiasm almost swinging to hostility

get the supplies , he interrupted , when another wolf had

we need to hear from

then , nodded , the muscles

rigid .

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

cautioned as Rowan plunged forward too

not

a quick apology , he didnt hide the frustration in his

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

he began , his voice faltering

Rowan ? I

I just .

want to do more

said in a rush of words

smiled and laid a reassuring hand on his

doing enough

not about proving oneself ; its just

nodded but his face

had been

when the pack settled into their routines , he lagged at the edge of the village ,

be seen , a low , hushed voice

standing behind him , her eyes lay

you mean ? he asked warily

it came stronger , her eyes glinting steadily

, but you

right moment flipped might show them just who you happen to

crossed his arms , a defensive note entering

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

can

it comes ,

Youll know .

scowled , frustration rising to the

not an

speaking in

low , almost conciliatory

truths can only

to give you

,

you

words flared something in him , a fire of rebellion and ambition

: gnawing

if I do ? he returned , his

leaned in

you will finally find your

no need of anyones approval : not Danes ,

jaw clenched tight

as he wasnt so sure he wanted

until the wordless , significant weight in it began to sting

, Alina straightened , brushing

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

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

now ; long strange shadows outlined the dim , golden

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

, his resolve

little more musical and clear against the chill evening

this chafed in his chest and became an undeniable ache

the echo of Alinas words within him , growing into an

threw himself into

if trying to carve out his place through sheer

called , his voice

Youre overextending again .

gritted his teeth ,

Im fine .

eyebrow but didnt press

and Warrick sparred , their playful banter cutting through the