novelxo Chapter 171
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