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 nothingpared 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 theynded 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 havee 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 eximed , my frustration bubbling .


    But itsplicated , 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 woulde .


    As I turned to leave , I could feel his eyes on me , a steady presence that wrapped around me like a nket 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 wereing 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 nces .


    warriors And what about Aurora ? one of them asked , skepticismcing 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 ising , 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 prizing .


    And if we werent careful , that division could be our downfall .


    Blood & Silver : Rise of the Alphas Rejected … Chapter 172