Chapter 234 AURORA Dane and I didnt make a sound as we readied for bed , other than the soft crackle of the firece .
I hauled the cover up , and my spine sent a shiver .
Not cold just that there was something nestled ill in my chest .
Are you good ? Dane asked gruffly as he unbuckled his belt , tossed it over one of the chairs , and startedying out his sword .
He raised only an eyebrow skeptic , but let the matter drop .
I turned toward the window where the darkness out there pulled in very long shrouds by moonlight .
I almost missed it just the least susurrus filtering to my ears .
Listen , do you hear that ? I whispered suddenly , with my fingers tightened into the covers edge instinctively .
Dane stopped dead , his eyes two glinting brown daggers flew to the window .
Stay here , he said , grabbing a jacket as he whirled toward the door .
Dane Stay .
There was no rise , no fall to the word , no room for discussion .
I sat frozen as he stepped outside .
The sound of the door closing Chapter 234 itself .
like the quiet sucking of a sound from the universe .
My heart was hard in my chest and listening for anything beyond the pop and hiss of the fire .
2/8 Danes heavy feet ground against the dirt as he walked around the cabin .
He moved in slow , powerful strides , then stopped .
I didnt catch what Rowan said in return , but there was an edge to Danes tone now .
What are you doing out here ? A moment of silence fell , then Rowans voice was quick , just a shade defensive : Just checking the perimeter .
Thought I heard something and wanted to make sure everything was secure .
Dane didnt say anything for several seconds .
Thats not your job , he said finally .
If youre concerned about security , report to me .
Otherwise , keep away from this house unless summoned .
Another silence , then Rowan muttered something I couldnt .
catch .
A few minutester , Dane was back , his jaw clenched .
It was Rowan , he said simply , closing the door behind him .
Rowan ? I repeated , puzzled .
Said he was checking the perimeter , Dane said , lowering himself heavily onto the edge of the bed .
But something felt … off .
I frowned , the uncase in my chest deepening .
Ill talk to him Chapter 234 tomorrow , I said softly .
3/8 Dane nodded , though his expression remained tense .
Be careful with him , Aurora .
Convinced , the next morning , which was our time , the pack was summoned to a conve .
Morning was crispy yet light and airy opposite of the chill of winter .
The tension ofst night refused to go away from me .
I spoke to ns for extending our defenses and binding themunity closer together , but Rowan just stood at the back of the room , crossing his arms .
His eyes were too bright a question I couldnt find the words to answer .
Luna , he said suddenly , cutting me off mid sentence .
The pack fell silent ; all eyes turned to Rowan .
My stomach knotted .
Yes ? I asked , keeping my tone steady .
You speak ofmunity , of unity , Rowan said , his voice , carrying across the silent crowd .
But what is it to us when some wolves are always given favors and others are pushed aside ? Murmurs swept through the pack .
Rowan , I said cautiously , every wolf in this clearing has worth .
If you have felt disrespected , I apologize , but … Spare the condescension , he cut in , venom coating every word .
Chapter 234 I stuttered , at aplete loss .
4/8 Whats your problem , Rowan ? Piper asked , striding forward , hands akimbo , eyes shing bright as a cut de .
This isnt about you being ignored ; this is about you wanting attention , pure and simple .
Darkness crossed Rowans face .
You dont know anything about me , Piper .
I know enough , she shot back .
Enough to know this little .
outburst has a lot more to do with you than it does with the pack .
The pack muttered again , eyes flicking from Rowan to Piper .
Enough , I said firmly , stepping between them .
Not the time , not the ce .
He turned to me , his jaw tight , then whirled off without another word .
Later in my office , I attempted to let the confrontation with him go to focus on the stack of reports thaty before me on my desk .
My thoughts kept straying back to Rowan how angry het was , frustrated .
Where from ? A sharp knock at the door jerkily pulled me from my thoughts .
Come in , I called out .
Chapter 234 5/8 Piper came in , looking a bit sheepish .
Sorry about earlier , she said , rubbing the back of her neck .
I just couldnt stand there and let him talk to you like that .
I understand , I said , offering her a small smile .
But next time , let me handle it , okay ? She nodded , looking relieved .
Got it .
She was gone , and I turned to my desk once again only to realize that there was now a folded note lying on my desk .
I furrowed my face ; for I knew clearly there hadin nothing here but a minute before .
She opened it .
Shudders traveled down as , in shaking hand scripted , she read aloud : Youre not so wless , they think you are .
My gaze fixed on the note in my hand , while my heart went on racing .
Misshapen letters , words weighing a great deal heavier with me than the ink was written with : Youre not as perfect as they think you are .
Who would do this ? Automatically , my brain leapt to Rowan , but the suspicion got nixed instantly .
This was something .
entirely different , because it was nned .
I folded the note with care , slid it into my drawer , and made a mental note to deal with itter .
The pack needed me focused , not distracted by some anonymous threats .
Chapter 234 6/8 I tried to shake the feeling of unease for the rest of the day , throwing myself into work .
Outside the training grounds , Piper caught up with me , a mixture of guilt and determination on her face .
Hey , she said , falling into step beside me .
Hey , I replied my tone light , though my chest could have stayed clutched up all day , honestly .
About earlier … Pipers voice trailed off ; her fingers tugged at the edge of her sleeve .
I shouldnt have snapped at Rowan like that .
I mean , he deserved it , but still .
I gave her a faint smile .
Your heart was in the right ce , but you have to remember , the pack looks to us for guidance .
When they see us losing our temper , it sets them on edge .
Piper nodded , her gaze falling .
Youre right .
Its just I dont like seeing anyone speak to you this way .
I appreciate that , I said ,ying a hand on her shoulder .
But next time , let me handle it , okay ? Deal , she said with a slight curve of the lips .
Muchter that afternoon , I found myself wandering into the packhouse library .
It was a small space , sunlit and silent ; a ce to think .
I settled into a chair by the window , outside of which came the faint hum of pack life .
Chapter 234 7/8 Words that teased me , ying a macabre waltz in my brain , as if my brain wanted to drive me mad .
It was an oversight I wanted dearly to make but couldnt .
Was this a warning , a threat , or something more ? Luna ? I looked up to find Joelyn standing in the doorway , and in one second , she had settled me with her serenity .
Joclyn , I said , gesturing to her .
What brings you here ? She sat back in the chair opposite me , hands folded neat in herp .
I couldnt help noticing that you appeared … distracted , today .
I did not particrly feel like discussing the note .
Still , Joclyn has always shown good sense and experience ; above almost anyone else I respect her perception and judgment .
I pulled out the note and passed it to her .
She read in silence , expression unreadable .
This is disturbing , she said finally , her voice low .
I dont know who wrote it , I admitted .
But it feels … personal .
Joclyn nodded slowly .
You have made hard choices as Luna , and not everyone will agree with them .
But this … , She lightly tapped the note with her fingers .
This feels like more than simple dissent .
Chapter 234 What should I do ? I asked , barely above a whisper .