Chapter 61 AURORA I dont know why I expected Dane , but it took my fogged brain a moment to realize the man holding me wasnt him .


    He wasnt quite as strong , didnt hold me quite as tightly as Dane did in the rare moments Id felt his arms around me ..


    I pulled back and looked up .


    Then I gasped .


    Holden ? What are you doing here ? I blinked , slowly taking in my surroundings .


    I was in the Blue Ridge pack house still … in the infirmary .


    Then it all came rushing back .


    The Reeds .


    The caves beneath the old pack house and the monster made of shadows that apparently lived inside them .


    Dane , in danger .


    And me , with every instinct I had screaming to protect him , leaping in front of him to take the blow that was meant for him .


    A dream lingered in my mind .


    At first , I was sure Id just had a nightmare … then I remembered the goddess , and that pushed everything else from my mind .


    Your grandmothers orders , Holden said , answering the question I almost forgot Id asked .


    She isnt happy with the dangers that youve faced here .


    She thinks Dane isnt doing enough to protect you .


    Blood & Silver : Rise of the Alphas Rejected … 1/5 Chapter 62 AURORA Mate ? I gasped .


    Dane stalked into the room .


    Former male , he growled .


    I misspoke .


    Something in me that had been rising popped like a balloon and copsed .


    I cursed myself for reacting that way .


    Then wondered if maybe I really was cursed , so still get butterflies for Dane after year after year after year of heartache and disappointment .


    Slowly , Holden eased me onto the bed and rose .


    You did misspeak , he growled .


    I dont want you in the infirmary where my vulnerable family members are lying , Dane said .


    Theres a certain level of treatment Im forced to give you as an Alpha , but respect that youre in my territory .


    Leave this room .


    Donte back .


    Holden smirked , then dropped into an exaggerated bow .


    As you wish .


    He left the room .


    Dane watched him go , then slowly , deliberately , he stalked over to me .


    Chapter 62 Youre awake .


    2/5 There was something in his voice … a tension he was trying to hide from me .


    But Dane had never been able topletely hide his emotions .


    Not from me .


    Yes .


    I still felt so weak , though .


    Holden had helped me sit propped against the back of the bed , so at least I was upright .


    My fingers yed nervously across the nket over myp .


    I forced them to be still , then folded them calmly together .


    Why do you sound like my being awake is a bother for you ? Its not .


    His voice was gruff , and he wiped his hands across his face .


    The twins will be so happy .


    Dont worry , theyre safe and taken care of .


    Trajan and Evander and Mrs.


    Jamison are with them .


    And I … He paused , then shook his head .


    I was with them , until just now .


    I wanted to reassure them , but I didnt know how .


    I couldnt promise them things would be all right .


    That you would be all right .


    But now youre awake .


    I couldnt help it , my heart warmed at the sliver of vulnerability I saw in him right then .


    I know what its like to want tofort your children , but to not be sure things will be okay .


    Its terrible .


    But Im … d you were there .


    He breathed out , and it seemed like all the tension went from him .


    He came and sat in the chair by the bed .


    How are you awake when Piper and my grandfather arent ?