Mark Her as His.

As he released her from his plunder, Fenrir whispered softly in her ear, urging her to stay conscious after their magical kisses. His words seemed to have an enchanting effect as she took a deep breath, regaining her focus. With a gentle reassurance, Fenrir expressed his desire to mark her as his, though he understood she was not ready. But informed her, after last night she belonged only to him and no one else. He left her to ponder his words on the makeshift bed, setting off to find food for a breakfast treat. 

Upon his return, he was surprised to find her dressed in tunic and leather tights, exuding the aura of the powerful alpha Luna she was and most importantly, she was his. Fenrir thought proudly as he served her a delightful breakfast of freshly squeezed orange juice, succulent slices of roasted rabbit meat, and an assortment of wild berries. 

Later, as they ambled leisurely back to the pack's sprawling manor, the morning sun cast a gentle glow over the quiet streets. With most of the revelers from the night before either still asleep or attending to their own affairs, the atmosphere was serene, allowing Fenrir and Aisling to enjoy a peaceful stroll together. 

Amidst their conversation, Fenrir gently took Aisling's hand in his, intertwining their fingers as they walked side by side. Occasionally, he would pause to point out a particularly beautiful flower or share a fond memory from his childhood, his voice laced with warmth and affection. 

Approaching the manor, Fenrir guided Aisling towards the side entrance, a subtle gesture to afford her privacy as they entered the grand estate. Before parting ways, he pulled her into a tender embrace, his lips brushing against hers in a sweet and lingering kiss. 

As they reluctantly pulled apart, Fenrir gazed into Aisling's eyes, his expression filled with genuine fondness. "I'll be eagerly awaiting the moment you come to me," he murmured softly, his words carrying a promise of future encounters filled with love and longing. 

The day after the Midnight Hunt, the air at Whispering Pines was filled with a mix of excitement and the sweet scent of brunch. It was a special time when those who had found their mates during the night got to step forward and share their joy with everyone. 

The grand hall was buzzing with chatter and laughter as each pair stood up. They were greeted with loud cheers and warm blessings from all the packs. It was a beautiful moment, full of hope and new beginnings. Each couple announced where they would start their new life together, and the crowd listened, their hearts full of happiness for them. 

To everyone's surprise, many from the Shadowfang and Frostfang packs had found mates, some even choosing partners from the other's pack. It was a rare sight that made the event even more thrilling. The hall echoed with applause and howls of approval, a sign of unity and peace among the packs. 

As the announcements went on, Fenrir's eyes were on Aisling. He had won her over in the chase, and he could have marked her as his mate, a sign of their bond. But he chose to wait. He wanted her to choose him fully, with her whole heart, before taking that step. Plus, their secret meetings were too exciting to give up just yet. 

Aisling felt his gaze and smiled to herself. She knew what Fenrir was thinking, and she liked the thrill of their private moments too as much as it scared her. The late brunch was a happy time, but what she looked forward to the most was the next time she and Fenrir would meet alone. 

Luna Ingrid sat next to Warlord Fenrir during the late brunch, her eyes sharp and watchful. Across from them, Aisling caught Fenrir's gaze, a silent exchange that didn't go unnoticed. Ingrid's jealousy flared like a fire; she was so envious of Aisling that she imagined doing something terrible to her. 

But instead of acting on her dark thoughts, Ingrid tried something bold. She reached under the table, her hand sliding towards Fenrir's leg, hoping to get his attention. Fenrir, however, was quick to react. His hand shot out, gripping hers firmly, a clear sign for her to stop. His grip was strong, but he almost hurt her; it was a warning, a silent command that said 'enough'. 

Ingrid pulled her hand back, shocked and embarrassed. She had tried to challenge Aisling's place in Fenrir's eyes, but Fenrir's reaction had put her in her place. The message was clear: Fenrir's interest lay elsewhere, and Ingrid should learn her place and keep her distance. The brunch continued, but the air was now charged with unspoken tensions and the drama. 

As the late brunch at Whispering Pines neared its end, Alpha Liam stood up to address the gathered packs. His voice carried across the hall, filled with warmth and authority. 

"Thank you, everyone, for joining us today," he began, his eyes sweeping over the crowd. "It's been a time of joy and celebration, and I'm proud to see the peace we've all kept. Your respect for the rules has made this event a success." 

He raised his glass, a signal for others to do the same. "To the mates who have found each other under this full moon, may your paths be blessed. May you find happiness and strength in each other, and may your love endure whatever comes your way." 

The hall erupted in cheers, the sound of clinking glasses and happy howls filling the air. Everyone was in high spirits, the mood light and full of hope. 

But beyond the walls of Blazemane Keep, nature was stirring. Dark clouds gathered on the horizon, a whisper of the fierce storm that was brewing. 

As Fenrir was absorbed in the festivities, Luna Ingrid was already setting her sinister plan into motion. She had always been envious of Aisling's growing bond with Fenrir and decided that drastic measures were necessary to remove her rival from the picture. 

Ingrid, with her deep knowledge of herbs and potions, knew of a powerful herb that could render even the strongest alpha unconscious. She had used it numerous times on her own mate when she wanted to meet one of her lovers without his wolf detecting her infidelity. Confident in her plan, she subtly gestured to her most trusted omega, a sly and loyal servant named Lena, and whispered instructions to slip the herb into Aisling's drink. 

Lena, ever dutiful, nodded and moved stealthily through the crowd. She approached Aisling, who was engaged in a light-hearted conversation with some pack members, and offered her a drink, blending in seamlessly with the bustling environment. Aisling, unsuspecting and still flushed from the excitement of the previous night's events, accepted the drink with a grateful smile. 

Within minutes of consuming the herb-laced beverage, Aisling began to feel an overwhelming wave of drowsiness. She excused herself politely, attributing her sudden fatigue to the exertions of the Midnight Hunt and the morning's celebrations. As she walked through the dimly lit corridors of the manor, her vision blurred, and her steps grew unsteady. She managed to make it to a secluded hallway before her legs gave out, and she collapsed, unconscious. 

Ingrid's lackeys, who had been waiting in the shadows, moved swiftly. They lifted Aisling's limp body with practiced ease and carried her away to a hidden chamber deep within the manor's labyrinthine cellars. The entire operation was executed with such precision and silence that not a single soul in the manor was aware of the treachery unfolding. 

Meanwhile, Fenrir was mingling with the guests, unaware of the peril Aisling was in. His mind, however, couldn't help but wander back to her. He felt a growing unease, a sense that something was amiss. But with the celebrations in full swing, he pushed the thought aside, focusing on maintaining his composure and fulfilling his duties as the host. 

In the hidden chamber, Aisling was laid on a cold stone slab. Luna Ingrid stood over her, a wicked smile playing on her lips. "You should have known better than to think you could take what's mine," she murmured, her voice dripping with venom. "Fenrir will soon realize that his place is by my side, and you will be nothing but a distant memory."