Chapter 228 AURORA

"I don’t think I’m the kind of wolf Piper deserves."

The words of Warrick from the previous night turned in my mind while stepping outside into the cold morning air. Self-doubt from his words still lingered, ghostlike, in the packhouse, and Piper seemed all too aware of it.

But today wasn’t the day for that. The stress of wedding preparations reached a height, and I needed this one moment of peace before being consumed by it. A fact Dane seemed to know, from the way he leaned against the doorway, awaiting me with that easy smile.

“Stealing me away?” I asked, one eyebrow raised.

“Call it a rescue mission,” he returned, holding out his hand.

This lake was our spot, quiet and free from prying eyes and expectations. The sun hit the water, shining, while the soft rustling of the trees felt like a gentle massage. I kicked off my boots and let my feet sink into the cool grass as Dane spread out a blanket.

“Remember how I almost took you down during our first patrol together?” I said, smiling.

Chapter 228

I smiled as I saw him pouting. He picked up my dress and helped me into it.

“Thanks,” I breathed as I stood up, accepting his help. I looked around to quickly make sure nobody was watching.

I breathed out a sigh of relief as I noticed the area was clear.

“You promised, right?” Dane asked as he stood beside me.

I nodded, as I licked my bottom lip.

“Aurora! Dane! You need to see this,” Joclyn’s voice rang out, and I shot my head in the direction of the packhouse.

“We better start going back,” I said and grabbed Dane’s hand as I pulled him away, even though he was grumbling.

Joclyn met us with urgency in her eyes. “Leif has fallen sick,” she explained, with a hint of worry lacing her voice. “The pack is worried about how we will get along without his wisdom if this gets any worse.”

Leif was one of our eldest werewolves, a source of guidance and wisdom for the pack. The thought of losing him sent a stream of fear through me.

“I’ll go see him,” I said immediately. “Perhaps there is something we can do.”

Leif’s room was half dark, and it smelled of herbs. He looked frail and breathed shallowly, though his eyes still sparkled with that twinkle of wisdom which I admired so much in him.

Blood & Silver: Rise of the Alpha’s Rejected

Chapter 229