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 strengthen it

everything went so well

, Rowans behavior had started to

, almost frantic

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

the supplies , he interrupted , when another wolf had

, I said softly , we

nodded , the muscles across his

rigid .

he overexerted himself , his

, Dane cautioned as Rowan plunged forward too vigorously

, not

a quick apology , he didnt hide the frustration

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

, he began , his voice faltering

I turned to him

I just .

want to

prove myself , he finally said in a rush of

smiled and laid a reassuring hand on his

are doing enough

, thats not about proving oneself ; its just being

his face still

, Rowan had been stewing

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

a low

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

you mean ? he asked warily

smiled , it came stronger , her eyes glinting

, but you block

might show them just who you happen to be

arms , a defensive

leaned her

something I can

when it comes , youll feel

Youll know .

scowled , frustration rising to the surface

an answer

in

low , almost

the clearest truths can only

for someone to give you permission to

waiting , Rowan

what you want

words flared something in him ,

gnawing unease that made

do ? he returned

231 6/9 Alina leaned in , her

finally find your worth

shall see that you have no need of anyones approval : not Danes

jaw clenched

storm in his chest threatened to choke him as he

the wordless , significant weight in

last , Alina straightened , brushing imaginary

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

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

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

to the packhouse , where the sounds

moment ,

Auroras voice , a little more musical and clear against the chill evening

chest and became an undeniable ache he

fresh was the echo of Alinas words within him , growing

next morning , Rowan threw himself into training with renewed

movements were sharper , more deliberate , as if trying to carve out his place through sheer force of

, Dane called , his voice

Youre overextending again .

his teeth , adjusting

Im fine .

eyebrow but

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