novelxo Chapter 224
Chapter 224 WARRICK The packhouse was again busting with activity .
For the first time in weeks , Broken Ridge was alive , much like at wolf stirred out of a long harsh winter .
werewolf moved all over the grounds , hammering broken beams .
into place and moving corpses from recent battles .
Even the pups joined in running errands from the adults apparently with an inexhaustible reserve of energy .
I leaned against a post , watching them all working in harmony .
The murmur of laughter and conversation arising in that group.
was a sound that I hadnt realized just how much Id missed .
Aurora stood near the center of the clearing , gesturing as she spoke to a few pack members .
Dane was beside her , his arm casually thrown over her shoulder .
He said something that made her laugh , and I caught a bit of it as they passed .
Do we call this a victory feast or a thank the Moon Goddess were alive dinner ? he joked .
Aurora smirked , hitting him .
Lets just call it dinner , Dane .
Chapter 224 2/6 Weve earned that much .
The gathering came together as the sun began to set .
werewolf from every corner of the territory came in , bringing food , stories , and a shared sense of relief .
The long tables groaned under the weight of dishes of roasted meat , fresh vegetables , and even a few loaves of bread that someone mustve stayed up all night baking .
I took up a seat toward the center between Piper and Trajan .
Enjoying your role as elder stateswolf these days ? I asked Trajan , grinning .
He gave me a glare , but the threatening expression couldnt silence the slightest gleam of a smile .
Somebodys gotta keep the pup element in this pack in order .
Piper snorted , leaning past me to catch his eye .
Dont let it go to your head , Trajan .
Next thing we know , youll be growing a beard and sitting around telling stories about the good old days .
As night fell , the mood lightened : werewolves were laughing and eating , even dancing to music playing from some of the .
musically talented pack members .
The tension that had held us all so tight in its grip began to melt away .
I tried staying out of the spotlight , but the elders had another Chapter 224 idea .
3/6 Come on , Warrick , one of them said , tugging at my arm .
We havent seen moves like yours since the last spring festival ! I groaned , trying to move free .
I dont dance .
Oh , but you do now , Piper teased , giving me a little shove .
The next thing I knew I was in the center of the clearing surrounded by cheering werewolf .
At best my dance was ungraceful but well worth any embarrassment as the laughter and applause made my face ache from smiling .
The night wore on , and Aurora stood to address the pack .
The murmur of conversation died away as all eyes turned to her .
Weve been through more than most packs could survive , she began , her voice strong and clear .
But were still here .
Together .
And thats something worth celebrating .
The pack erupted into cheers , the sound echoing into the night .
Aurora let the murmur die before she continued , A second chance is given to us , not to rebuild but to grow .
That which makes us pack , we nurture those ties better .
Chapter 224 4/6 From now on , I want some new traditions instituted : a monthly gathering where we share not only meals but stories and plans about the future , something to remind ourselves of who we are and what we fought for.
She spoke and the nods and grunts of assent circled the room .
Trajan looked almost impressed , for once the lines in his face .
relaxed .
The peak of the evening was when the pups started a little play they had prepared , with rags and pieces of wood , they copied the fight with the Nameless .
The over the top theatrical growls and dramatic flourishes sent everybody in a frenzy of laughter .
Then there was the time Trajan really surprised us all when he stepped in to play himself : towering over the pups , his serious .
looks made their giggles all the louder .
By the time he said , And that , children , is how we saved the grove ! the entire pack was doubled over with laughter .
Later into the night , with the merrymaking getting darker and more spaced , I sat out on the rim of the clearing with Piper .
The firelight dancing across her features shined , setting aglow that milky color in her cheeks .
Youve been quiet tonight , I said , poking her playfully .
She shrugged , a non … important smile dancing on her lips .
Chapter 224 Just .
thinking .
About ? Piper hesitated , then looked up at me , shining .
About how much everything has changed .
How much we have changed .
I turned my head , unsure of what that could mean .
For the good , I hope ? 5/6 She let out a soft , soft laugh then turned serious on me .
Yeah .
Changes for good .
Like realizing just how much someone means to you .
But this time , it did so with such force that it rendered me speechless .
Reaching for my drink and promptly knocking it over … end .
Piper burst out laughing , the tension between us breaking like a snapped twig .
Smooth , Warrick .
Really smooth .
I chuckled , scratching the back of my neck .
Guess Im not used to moments like this .
Neither am I , she replied with a much softer tone of voice .
We sat there for a moment , the unspoken emotions between us settling into something that felt comfortable , natural .
As the fire burned out , one of the elders , Joclyn , went to Aurora with a weathered leather journal in her hands .
The leather was worn and cracked with age .
Chapter 224 This belonged to Kael , she said softly , a reverent lilt to her voice .
Its time you knew the whole truth .
Aurora took the diary gingerly from him , unreadable .
Fingers ran over its cover ; she pressed her lips to a thin line .
Thanks , she said softly .
6/6 The packhouse was quiet now , the buzz of the day drained into a hum .
Outside , the soft crackle of the fire was in the cool , casting warmth into the coolness of the night .
Aurora sat cross legged on the floor with Dane beside her , Kaels journal open between them .
The leather binding was cracked , its pages fragile beneath the touch of her fingers .
The handwriting was uneven , words rushed like Kael hadnt written thinking of the weight that was to be and had let them pour onto the paper .
Dane leaned in closer to Aurora , his arm touching hers .
Anything useful ?