Chapter 236 AURORA He spun around , his eyes catching on mine before slipping off again .

Im fine .

You dont seem fine , I insisted .

I said Im fine , he growled ; the whip in his voice had me back stepping in one step .

A silence hung in the air until he blew out a heavy sigh and passed a hand over his hair .

Sorry .

Didnt mean it .

Im just tired , thats all .

I nodded back at him while knowing in my heart that the words didnt ring quite in truth .

If ever you feel the need to talk , my doors always open .

Thanks , he mumbled and dived back into his work .

I sat outside later that evening with Dane when the sun was already dipped below the horizon , leaving tangerine orange and pink painted across the sky .

It had been one very long day , but most definitely the snail like progress this pack was making toward unity was going to keep my hopes high .

Piper and Warrick seem better , Dane said as his arm flopped over my shoulders .

Chapter 236 2/6 They are , I said , smiling .

Though I think Piper might kill him if he teases her too much .

Dane chuckled .

Thats how you know its love .

I laughed , leaning into him .noveldrama

What about Trajan ? He has been hanging with Joclyn a lot lately .

Dane grinned .

I think hes finally letting himself be happy .

Its about time .

We sat in silence for a while , and then as the stars began to appear , my eye finally caught a flicker of movement .

Dane , I said slowly , my gaze fixed on the training arena .

He followed my line of vision , the tension flowing into his body .

What is he doing ? In the middle of the field , Rowan was doing combat drills , his movements aggressive .

He came to a sharp halt because a group of younger wolves were watching a bit too closely among whispers .

Trying to impress someone ? The jocular voice sailed across the field .

Stiff , his fists clenched to his sides , he turned glaring in that direction .

They all took off in a dead run and were gone into the darkness , still chuckling .

Dane and I had exchanged a glance ; a shroud of unease fell between us .

Somethings not right , I whispered , and with that , Chapter 236 the chapter ended .

3/6 Alone in that arena , his shoulders heaving as he clutched his tight gripped training staff , the words of Alina still echoing in his head : You deserve to be seen .

The laughter and the music of joyful noises filled the air with that unity so long belated , and I was standing close to Dane , practically in the very center , the grip of his hand clasped in mine rather tightly .

The great bonfire that burned behind us lit his features soft , and as I watched , he drank all the joy in , his face spreading wide into a smile .

This is what its all about , Dane muttered low in his throat , pride evident in his voice .

I nodded , giving his hand a squeeze .

Its moments like these that make everything worth it .

We stood for a while , just observing .

Piper and Warrick were in their element , commandeering the makeshift dance floor with grossly exaggerated moves which had the pack in stitches .

Piper ! Warrick exclaimed , spinning her so hard she almost lost her footing .

Careful ! I might be too good at this .

Too good ? Piper replied , her grin wide .

I think youre just trying to hide that youve got two left feet .

The pack erupted in cheers and laughter , and I caught Trajan Chapter 236 shaking his head from his seat by the fire .

4/6 Is it possible to hurt yourself dancing ? he asked Joclyn , dry , but his eyes were amused .

Joclyn laughed , and the sound was warm , real .

With those two ? Definitely .

Their conversation was quieter now , but the way Joclyns hand remained on Trajans arm didnt slip past my notice .

Dane leaned into me , a little nudge of his elbow against mine .

Theyre good for each other , he said .

They are , I agreed .

Its good to see him smiling more .

Yet , not everyone shared the joy .

I saw Rowan seated on the outskirts of the party .

He sat hunched over , watching the fire without emotion .

The light danced in his eyes , yet his expression didnt show warmth .

I didnt even have the chance to wonder if I was seriously reaching for him before Alina stepped beside him .

She spoke something in a low voice , but that did little to conceal the acidic bite of her words .

You will never have what they have with you continuing to sit here , she said .

His head snapped towards her , the expression on his face .

stormy .

Enough , Alina , he growled .

I am sick of your games .

Chapter 236 Alina squared her shoulders , her eyes flashing defiance .

Games ? Ive done nothing but try to help you .

Help me ? Rowan launched to his feet , voice escalating .

All youve done is twist everything , feeding into every doubt Ive ever had .

By this time , several wolves had faced them and were 5/6 murmuring , the rumble of their voices growing louder .

I stepped .

forward , raising a hand for silence .

Rowan , I said quietly , meeting his gaze .

Lets talk .

His shoulders had stiffened , but after a moment , he nodded reluctantly .

I nodded and led him away from the staring crowd to a quiet part of the clearing .

Whats wrong ? I asked softly .

For a while , he said nothing ; his jaw was stiff .

Then , taking a deep breath , it all spilled out .

I wanted to be noticed by you … but now I just want to belong .

It was the vulnerability in his voice that struck me like a ton of bricks .

I reached out , setting a hand to his arm .

Rowan , you are noticed .

You are valued .

And I promise well find your place together .

He nodded , the relief and residual uncertainty warring for dominance on his face .

As the festivities slowly wound to an end , the whole dynamic of Chapter 236 6/6 the evening shifted .

Music became quieter , wolves found places near the fire and chatted and chuckled over a shared silence .

But Pipers only attitude towards distraction , it seemed .

Once or twice I catch her , peering outwards into the darkness , frowning at the villages edge .

What is it ? I ask softly , joining her side .

Alina , she returns quietly .

She just ducked away ; nobody but me saw .

Curiosity fluttered in my chest , but a smidge of doubt still lingered .

Its late .

She probably just wanted some air .

Piper shook her head .

No.

Something feels … off .

She was running before I could get a word out , her footsteps light as she followed the direction Alina had gone in .

Piper , wait I called out , but she was out of earshot .

I watched her disappear into the shadows , and for a moment , something in the night just felt colder .

Piper moved through the trees , her eyes sharp as she tracked Alinas path .

She came to a stop when she spotted a faint light ahead .

Her breath caught in her throat .

What was Alina doing out here ? Stepping closer , a low growl echoed through the forest , freezing her in place .