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, tuggingcloser to him.

After all we have endured, he pinched my nose, After how you screamed my nlast night 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.

you definitely 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 sstories.

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 andwith 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 cfrom.

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.

This is a way to strengthen it.

Not everything went so well.

Gradually, Rowans behavior had started to shift.

He was faster, almost frantic, to gain attention.

During one of the planning meetings about the celebration, he grasped at every task, his enthusiasm almost swinging to hostility.

Ill get the supplies, he interrupted, when another wolf had spoken .

Rowan, I said softly, we need to hear from everyone.

Chapter 231 He reddened then, nodded, the muscles across his shoulders.

rigid.

4/9 Later, in training, he overexerted himself, his movements sloppy in a bid to impress.

Easy, Dane cautioned as Rowan plunged forward too vigorously, almost hitting another wolf. Control, not speed.

Muttering a quick apology, he didnt hide the frustration in his voice.

Later that evening, when I was sorting out the supplies for the feast, I saw him cnear. Luna, he began, his voice faltering .

Yes, Rowan ? I turned to him.

I just.

I want to do more.

To prove myself, he finally said in a rush of words.

I smiled and laid a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

You are doing enough.

Still, thats not about proving oneself ; its just being yourself He nodded but his face still showed distress.

Unbeknownst to me, Rowan had been stewing in frustration.

That night, when the pack settled into their routines, he lagged at the edge of the village, eyes fixed on Dane anddiscussing the final touches to the feast.

You deserve to be seen, a low, hushed voice said.

Chapter 231 In turning to find Alina standing behind him, her eyes lay so calm full of an intention that hitched his pulse.

What do you mean ? he asked warily.

5/9 That time, when Alina smiled, it cstronger, her eyes glinting steadily.

You have much potential, Rowan, but you block your path.

The right moment flipped might show them just who you happen to be .

Rowan crossed his arms a defensive note entering his posture.

7 And what exactly is that moment supposed to look like ? Alina leaned her head to one side, and her eyes shone in the poor light.

Its not something I can define for you.

But when it comes, youll feel it.

Youll know.

Rowan scowled, frustration rising to the surface.

Thats not an answer.

Youre speaking in riddles.

Her laughter was low, almost conciliatory.

Sometimes the clearest truths can only be seen in the shadows.

Youve been watching, waiting for someone to give you permission to step forward.

Stop waiting, Rowan.

Take what you want.

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

Yet alongside it flared doubt: gnawing unease that made his skin tingle.

And what if I do ? he returned, his tone soft.

Chapter 231 6/9 Alina leaned in, her voice a whisper.

Then, you will finally find your worth.

You shall see that you have no need of anyones approval: not Danes, not Auroras.

Rowans jaw clenched tight.

The storm in his chest threatened to choke him as he wasnt so sure he wanted to believe her.

The silence between them tugged out until the wordless, significant weight in it began to sting At last, Alina straightened, brushing imaginary dust off her cloak.

Youll figure it out, she said over her shoulder, and would have turned away, and when you do, Ill be here. He watched her figure fade out, while still, in his brain, one whispered the phrase over and over to a melody. The clearing was hushed about him now; long strange shadows outlined the dim, golden embers of lamps. His eyes darted to the packhouse, where the sounds of laughter drifted across, fading away.

In that one moment, his resolve wavered.

He caught Auroras voice, a little more musical and clear against the chill evening breeze.

Suddenly, this chafed in his chest and becan undeniable ache he felt.

Still fresh was the echo of Alinas words within him, growing into an increasing flame.

The next morning, Rowan threw himself into training with renewed intensity.

His movements were sharper, more deliberate, as if trying to carve out his place through sheer force of will. Chapter 231 Easy, Dane called, his voice calm but firm.

Youre overextending again.

Rowan gritted his teeth, adjusting his stance.

Im fine.

Dane raised an eyebrow but didnt press further.

7/9 Nearby, Piper and Warrick sparred, their playful banter cutting through the morning air.

Try not to embarrass yourself this time, Piper leased, dodging Warricks swing.

Oh, dont worry, Warrick shot back, grinning.

Im saving my best moves for when it counts.

Their laughter grated against Rowans nerves, but he forced himself to focus.

He needed to prove himself not just to Dane and Aurora but to the entire pack.

Later that day, during a meeting to finalize the feast preparations, Rowan saw his chance.

I can handle the scouting for new hunting grounds, he said, his voice firm.

Aurora looked at him, her eyes contemplative.

Thats a big responsibility, Rowan.

Are you sure youre ready for it? I am, he said in a rush, his eyes locking into hers with determination.

Chapter 231 8/9 Dane looked at Aurora then nodded.

Alright.

But take someone with you.

Its not safe to go alone.

Ill go, Alina said, extending one leg in her wake with a confident grin.

Rowans gut twisted, but he nodded.

Very well.

We leave at first.

light.

Everything was at first uneventful on their reconnaissance mission, the forest passing wordlessly under the muffled footsteps, courtesy of its dense underbrush. Youre so quiet today, Alina mentioned, the silence breaking abruptly.

Im concentrating, he replied gruffly.

Alina snorted.

Fair enough.

They walked deeper into the forest, the trees growing closer together, light growing dimmer.

All of Rowans senses were on high, catching every sound and movement.

Do you ever wonder what it would be a like to lead ? Alina asked suddenly, casual in her tone but deliberate in her words. Rowan hesitated, his grip tightening on his spear.

What are you getting at? Just a thought, she said, shrugging.

Youve got the drive, the ajes 101 Jou ajal Chapter 231 9/9 ambition.

But youre stuck in their shadow.

Dont you ever think about stepping out of it? Rowan stopped, then turned to her.

Why do you keep saying things like that? Because I see potential in you, Alina said simply.

More than they do.

More than you see in yourself.

Her words sliced to the doubts and longing hed been trying to suppress.

Before he could say anything, the sound of rustling in the bushes drew their attention.

He jerked his spear up, his heart racing.

Probably only a deer, Alina said, but her hand was on the hilt of her dagger.

The tension broke as a small rabbit jumped from the undergrowth, its beady eyes darting around the opening before it skipped off into the bushes. Rowan let his breath out and lowered the spear.

See? Alina said, the smirk twisting her mouth once more. Nothing to be concerned about.