Chapter 227 AURORA I woke to the sound of excited chatter just outside my window .


    The sun was soft streaming through the curtains , but beyond the walls , it was anything but .


    Voices ovepped in a symphony of ns , ideas , andughter .


    Before I could even sit up , the door burst open .


    Piper stormed in , a roll of fabric clutched in her arms , her face alight with determination .


    Were doing this right , Aurora ! she said , radiant , triumphant .


    Your wedding is going to be the event of the decade .


    I blinked , still dozing Good morning to you too , Piper .


    She ignored my sarcasmpletely , unrolling the fabric with a flourish .


    It shined in the sunlight , a pale silver that reminded me of the groves glow .


    Look at this ! she eximed , holding it against me .


    Joclyn said its perfect for your dress .


    We will start fittings tomorrow .


    Day went into serious activity as the pack dove headlong with n not seen in ages , in preparation for this asion .


    The air was thick with wolves darting across the vige , the Chapter 227 sounds of rising talks , murmurs of theirbors .


    2/6 Piper took charge of decorations , her voice cutting through the chaos as she directed wolves to hang gands of wildflowers and string lights between the trees .


    Warrick , thats the wrong branch ! she called , exasperated as he tried to secure antern too high for its own good .


    Im doing my best here , Piper ! he shot back , bncing on the tips of his toes .


    Your best needs to be better , she snapped , hand on her hips .


    Despite how much they argued , there was a spark flying between them no one could ignore .


    Warrick might grumble under his breath , but he always did what Piper asked , even when it meant moving armfuls of supplies across the clearing .


    Meanwhile , Dane and Trajan were simrly upied , ensuring the initiation site was neat and perfect , scrubbing the debris clean and leveling it off around the circumference of the copse .


    This is where it would be , said Dane , washing off his hands then stepping back , eyes surveying the result .


    Its still , peaceful .


    Perfect for something new to be born from .


    More than anything , those words meant something from Trajan .


    Chapter 227 3/6 His approval meant so much , so very much , considering just how much experience he had and how respected he was within the pack .


    Later in the day , I sat in Joclyns workroom with her as she stitched my ceremonial robes , hands flying across the fabric that Piper had brought .


    This was a sacred moment , Aurora , she said in a hushed , reverential tone .


    Your union with Dane is not just the joining of two wolves , but it is a sign of hope to be held by the entire pack .


    I nodded and went on to watch her weave patterns in the cloth .


    I just want it to feel right , I said , after everything we have been through .


    I want this to be a peaceful moment .


    It will be , she said in that low intense tone of voice , eyes locked on mine .


    Believe it .


    Of course , not all was sweet .


    As the day wore on , Pipers emotions turned beneath her surface .


    I noticed the way her eyes lingered on Warrick when she thought no one was looking , the way her smile changed whenever Alina , one of the younger wolves flirts openly with him .


    By the time we got together for a rehearsal near the ceremony site , shed reached a full boil .


    Chapter 227 4/6 You could at least pretend not to enjoy her attention , Piper snapped , crossing her arms as Warrick fumbled with a stack of chairs .


    Warrick looked genuinely confused .


    What are you talking about ? You know perfectly well what I am on about ! she shot back , her voice rising .


    The rest of us looked at each other uneasily , not quite knowing whether to interfere or leave them to it .


    Piper , can we not do this right now ? Warrick said , stress creeping into his voice .


    Weve got enough to handle without you picking fights .


    She fell , the anger draining away as quick as it hade , before she turned and walked away without another word , leaving Warrick standing , his shoulders dropping .


    Later that night , I found Piper sitting alone , knees to her chest , near the edge of the grove .


    Moonlight filtered down gently , but her features were lined with doubt .


    Mind if I join you ? I said , dropping onto the grass beside her .


    She shook her head , and her gaze drifted off .


    Wanna talk ? I asked low .


    Chapter 227 5/6 She wavered for a second before heaving a long sigh .


    I do not know what Im doing , Aurora .


    This bond .


    Its so strong , and it freaks me out .


    I dont even know if Warrick feels the same way .


    Iid an assuring hand on her arm .


    Bonds can get messy , I said .


    Theyre never ever clear , sometimes .


    But feelings like yours grow , Piper .


    Give them time .


    Her eyes sparkled with tears that refused to fall .


    What if I am just imagining all this ? What if he doesnt want it? I smiled wryly .


    Warrick cares about you more than he lets on .


    Youve just got to trust that he will figure it out in his own time .


    The packhouse was quiet by the time I got back , most wolves already retired to bed .


    I passed Dane in the hallway , the tired smile lighting his face .


    Long day ? he said , tugging me into a quick hug .


    Very , I said , leaning my head against his chest .


    But a good .


    one .


    We stood like that for a moment , the silence between ustpanionable and light .


    As the night wore on , Pipers feet carried her toward the training grounds .


    She wasnt certain what it was that pulled her there to clear her mind , perhaps , or maybe just in the hopes that Warrick might be there .


    Chapter 227 And he was .


    He stood near the edge of the clearing , his back to her as he spoke quietly with Trajan .


    She stayed hidden in the darkness , her heart pounding as she heard his words .


    6/6 I dont think Im the kind of wolf Piper deserves , Warrick said , his voice heavy with doubt .


    Shes strong , focused .


    Im just … me .


    Trajans response was too quiet for Piper to hear , but Warrick nodded slowly , his shoulders tense .


    Pipers breath caught , and her emotions went to war inside her .


    She wanted to step forward to tell him how wrong he was but her feet seemed stuck to the floor .