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

Rowans behavior had

frantic , to

meetings about the celebration , he grasped at every

he interrupted , when another wolf had

softly , we need to hear from

He reddened then , nodded , the

rigid .

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

plunged forward too vigorously , almost hitting another

not speed

didnt hide the

out the supplies for the feast , I saw

he began , his voice

, Rowan ? I turned

I just .

to do more

he finally said in

reassuring

doing

oneself

but his face still showed

me , Rowan had been stewing in frustration

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

to be seen , a low , hushed

behind him , her eyes lay

mean ?

That time , when Alina smiled , it came stronger

have much potential , Rowan ,

them just who you

arms , a defensive note

moment supposed to look like ? Alina leaned her head to one side , and her eyes shone in the poor

not something I can define

when it comes , youll feel it

Youll know .

scowled , frustration rising

an

speaking in

was low , almost conciliatory

the clearest truths can only be seen in the shadows

waiting for someone to give you permission to step

waiting ,

what you want

something in him ,

alongside it flared doubt : gnawing unease that made his skin

I do ? he returned , his

Alina leaned in , her

you will finally

no need of anyones approval :

jaw clenched tight

his chest threatened to choke him as he wasnt so sure he wanted to believe her

them tugged out until the wordless ,

brushing

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

, while still , in his brain , one whispered the phrase

him now ; long strange shadows outlined the dim , golden

the sounds of laughter drifted across

one moment , his

little more musical and clear against the

and became an

the echo of Alinas words within him , growing

, Rowan threw himself into training with renewed intensity

, as if trying to

, his voice

Youre overextending again .

his teeth , adjusting his stance

Im fine .

but didnt

, Piper and Warrick sparred , their playful