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

had started

almost frantic , to gain

grasped at every task , his enthusiasm

interrupted , when another

, I said softly , we need to hear from everyone

, nodded

rigid .

training , he overexerted himself , his movements

Dane cautioned as Rowan plunged forward too vigorously , almost hitting another

, not speed

quick apology , he didnt hide the frustration in his

out the supplies for the feast , I saw him

, he began , his voice

, Rowan ? I turned to

I just .

want to do

finally said in a

laid a reassuring hand

doing

, thats not about proving oneself ;

his face still showed distress

to me , Rowan had been

at the edge of the village , eyes fixed

, a low , hushed voice said

, her eyes lay so calm full of an intention that hitched his pulse

mean ? he asked

That time , when Alina smiled , it

much potential , Rowan , but

might show them just who you happen to

a defensive

that moment supposed to look like ? Alina leaned her

not something I can define for

it comes ,

Youll know .

, frustration rising

an answer

speaking in

was low , almost

can only be seen in the

for someone to give

waiting , Rowan

what you want

words flared something in him , a fire of rebellion and

doubt : gnawing unease that made his skin

what if I do ? he

in

will finally find your worth

have no need of anyones approval : not Danes

jaw clenched

as

between them tugged out until the wordless ,

last , Alina straightened , brushing imaginary

, and would have turned away , and when

while still , in his brain , one whispered the phrase

hushed about him now ; long strange shadows outlined the dim , golden

the sounds of laughter drifted across ,

moment , his

little more musical and clear against the chill evening breeze

chafed in his chest and became

was the echo of Alinas words within him ,

next morning , Rowan threw himself into training

, more deliberate , as if trying

called , his voice calm but firm

Youre overextending again .

gritted his teeth ,

Im fine .

an eyebrow but didnt press

and Warrick sparred , their playful banter cutting