Blood And Silver:Rise of the Alpha’s Rejected Mate Novel

Chapter 171 PIPER I entered Evanders quarters , my heart racing as if a noose of tension hung in the air .

My cheek was still stinging from Warricks outburst earlier , but the pain was nothing compared to the writhing tornado of emotions now twisting inside me .

Standing before the window , Evander was outlined against soft , gentle moonlight on a scarred visage , and his back turned to me .

His shoulders were hung tautly as though awaiting something , or rather , somebody .

Evander , I murmured before my voice could go away as my legs and body were already shaking .

He turned toward me , his eyes piercing , narrowing the moment they landed on me .

They shifted to my cheek and I watched his expression darken .

He did that , Though low , his voice carried a threatening tone in it .

Its nothing , I said quickly , waving a hand as if to brush it off .

I shouldnt have come here … Piper , he cut in , closing the distance between us .

Being near him was overwhelming , a mix of powerful strength and controlled anger .

Chapter 171 Speak to me .

His intense eyes made me nervous , and I felt my determination slipping .

Yes , it was Warrick , I said softly , shame firing up in my chest .

But its not what you think .

He was just … angry .

It wont happen again .

Evanders jaw clenched , his fists curling at his sides .

Angry ? he echoed , his tone unnervingly calm .

And what , you think that makes it all right ? No , of course not , I exclaimed , my frustration bubbling .

But its complicated , Evander .

You wouldnt understand .

Try me , he replied , leaving no room for debate .

I had to hesitate , my fingers intertwining in search of the words .

I believed I could manage it , I finally said .

I thought I could make him understand .

But hes not the man I once believed him to be .

Evanders expression softened a little , though traces of his anger still lingered .

You dont have to stay with him , Piper .

You deserve so much more than that .

Do I ? I asked , my voice shaking .

Do I deserve better after all that I have done ? After the choices I have made ? Evanders eyes gentled and he reached his hand out , his strong palm smoothing gently over my uninjured cheek .

You do , he said with conviction .

You always have .

Chapter 171 3/6 The weight of his words crashed over me , a wave that got me breathless for a moment .

So soft and grounding , filled with all the things I did not know I needed .

Evander , I whispered .

He moved closer , his hand dropping to his side , yet his gaze stayed hooked on mine .

You can stay here , he said softly .

As long as you need .

I wont let him hurt you again .

His words felt like a lifeline , and I held on hard , even as guilt tugged at the edges of my resolve .

Thank … you , I replied , my voice shaking with emotion .

He nodded , his face softening even more .

Sleep , he said .

Well sort this out in the morning .

I nodded , but I was unsure if the rest would come .

As I turned to leave , I could feel his eyes on me , a steady presence that wrapped around me like a blanket of security I hadnt felt in weeks .

Yet , when I walked away , one sole question clung to my thoughts .

What if it had been Evander all the time ? As I passed the corridor , I heard some voices , I stopped , and with furrowed brows , I looked around , then I noticed the voices were coming from the war room .

I took a deep breath and walked up to the slightly opened door and I could see them inside .

Trajan stood at the head of the table , eyes sweeping across the gathering of warriors , these warriors being the strongest of Chapter 171 Broken Ridge and the very spine of their defenses .

4/6 Weve received an intelligence report on the Namelesss movements , Trajan said , sounding much calmer than anyone else in the room could hope to feel .

Hes consolidating his forces .

Its only a matter of time before he turns his attention to us .

A rumble of unease passed through the room , exchanging uneasy glances .

warriors And what about Aurora ? one of them asked , skepticism lacing his tone .

Shes been taking dangerous risks , Trajan .

How can we trust her to lead us when shes putting herself in harms way ? Trajan straightened , his gaze firm as he met the warriors eyes .

Aurora is our Luna , Trajan said firmly .

Shes fighting for all of us and shes earned your respect .

Shes fighting for Dane someone else muttered , loud enough for the room to hear .

A growl stifled in Trajans chest , and the room hushed .

Auroras choices may be unconventional , Trajan started , his voice low , deadly .

But they are hers to make .

And if you think for one second that she is not willing to die for this pack , then you dont know her at all .

They all fell silent , with no one daring to press the issue further with Trajan .

Trajan took a deep breath and let the silence hang in the air until he spoke .

We cannot question our leaders at this moment , Trajan told them .

The Nameless is coming , and we must prepare ourselves for battle .

That means trust both in one another and our Luna .

They exchanged wary looks before each of the wolves nodded .

Good , Trajan said , his voice leaving no room for discussion .

Now , lets talk strategy .

Trajans voice broke the silence , resolute .

We reinforce the eastern perimeter first .

Its our weakest point , and the Nameless will exploit that .

A younger warrior , Gavin , frowned .

But what about the river crossing to the south ? If he splits his forces … He wont , Trajan interrupted .

The Nameless is strategic , but hes not omniscient .

Focus on what we know .

Evelyn nodded .

Ill take my squad to fortify the cliffs .

Its high ground we cant afford to lose .

Trajan met her gaze .

Good .

Move fast .

As the meeting continued , I couldnt shake the feeling that their unity was hanging by a thread .

Auroras risks were necessary but they were also polarizing .

And if we werent careful , that division could be our downfall .

Blood & Silver : Rise of the Alphas Rejected … Chapter 172