Your Presence Makes My Wolf Restless.

Aisling had been referred to Madam Whitney by the she-wolves in the pack, and she decided to go with Bree to get her wardrobe updated. Driven by curiosity, Aisling decided to visit the renowned local designer. To her surprise, Madam Whitney's partner was one of the region's most sought-after tailors, and together, they dedicated themselves to crafting a stunning new wardrobe for Luna Aisling. 

The dresses were exquisite, made from luxurious fabrics from around the world. Sheer organza flowed in the sleeves and delicate veils, while elegant capes cascaded from the shoulders. Silks threaded with gold and floral patterns shimmered like captured sunlight, and the rich baudekin fabric seemed to glow with its inner light. 

Later, as the preparations for the annual ball began, Liam hosted a pre-ball dinner to welcome Aisling back into the pack community. The town's sports complex, just outside the manor's perimeter, had been transformed. The fields were now dotted with vibrant marquees, and it seemed like the entire community of Whispering Pines had turned out for the event. 

As she made her way to the VIP section, reserved for the pack's elite, Ingrid's expression shifted from surprise to annoyance. Clearly, Aisling's days of mourning were behind her, and her transformation didn't sit well with the Luna. Ingrid's eyes narrowed, Aisling met Ingrid's gaze with a saccharine smile, her amusement evident as she took in the Luna's ornate attire, complete with an excessively long train. For the evening's festivities, Aisling chose a gown of soft mauve, the sheer layers adorned with intricate embroidery of flowers and butterflies. The delicate veil, held by a golden headband, framed her face but couldn't hide the fiery cascade of her curls. 

The party was alive with chatter and laughter. Aisling spotted her brother Eoghan and his wife Astrid across the room. Eoghan looked sharp in his suit, not too flashy but definitely showing off his success. Astrid was stunning in a dress that sparkled like stars in the night sky. 

Aisling couldn't contain her excitement and rushed over to hug Astrid. Astrid, who was also Aisling's best friend, grinned back at her. Eoghan pulled her into a tight hug, saying, "It's good to see you smiling again. We've all been worried about you." 

Aisling chuckled, a sound that felt like a weightlifting off her shoulders. "No need to worry anymore. I'm ready for a fresh start." 

Aisling's pulse quickened when her eyes caught Fenrir's, but he remained stoic, a surge of irritation flooding her. Fenrir's casual stare seemed to dare her, and she tensed, refusing to let him rattle her. Astrid, who was also Aisling's best friend, noticed her sneaking glances at the towering warlord, who seemed uneasy in his formal attire. His shoulder-length ivory hair was tied back, accentuating his ruggedly handsome features. 

When Astrid caught Aisling looking, she pulled her close and teased, "Aisling! Are you eyeing the warlord right after coming out of mourning?" But her tone was playful, not scolding. Aisling blushed furiously, embarrassed to be caught by her best friend. She quickly explained that Liam had arranged for them to be partners at the ball, which is why she was checking him out. 

Astrid's excitement bubbled over at the news, drawing attention from those around them. Liam, noticing Aisling, hurried over and asked her to keep Fenrir, the warlord, company. Astrid eagerly teamed up with Fenrir, leaving Aisling momentarily pushed to the side. 

Taking a deep breath, Aisling steadied her nerves. She gave Fenrir a courteous nod once they reached his side, keeping her expression composed. Yet, beneath that facade, a storm of defiance and a hint of apprehension churned. She had to keep it together. The last thing she needed was to spark turmoil with just a glance or a misplaced word. 

Aisling locked eyes with him, her gaze unwavering. His eyes sparkled with a lively intensity. His aura was magnetic, his presence commanding attention in a way that set him apart. His skin was taut and tan over high, sharp cheekbones. Then, his nostrils flared, and for a fleeting second, the raw hunger in his expression was unmistakable. 

 "Your presence makes my wolf restless," he whispered in Amharic, sending a shiver down Aisling's spine. She shot a quick, embarrassed glance at Liam, her cheeks flushing with a soft pink. Conflicted feelings swirled within her, anger and excitement battling for dominance. Even her wolf seemed stirred by his words. Making a hasty excuse to use the restroom, she fled to cool her nerves. 

As she emerged, she felt herself being gently pulled into the side garden. Panic rose as she struggled against the grip, until she recognized Fenrir's musky scent. Her heart raced as he pressed her against the garden wall with his solid frame. 

"Have you lost your mind?" she demanded; her voice shaky with apprehension. 

"Yes," he admitted huskily. "Especially seeing you in this dress. I have the urge to make every male in the room disappear so that only I can see you." 

Her breath caught in her throat. "You didn't seem to care back there," she murmured. 

"You think so?" he replied, his tone low and intense. "You're wrong. I noticed you the moment you walked in, and everything else faded away. You intoxicate me. I yearn for you in a way I've never yearned for anything." Before she could protest, he captured her lips in a fierce, hot kiss, overwhelming her with passion and desire. 

Hidden away in the secluded garden, surrounded by the fragrance of blooming flowers and the soft rustle of leaves, their kiss deepened. His hands roamed to her waist, pulling her closer, as if the mere inches between them were too much to bear. She could feel his heart pounding against her chest, matching the rhythm of her own.

Aisling's mind was a whirlwind of emotions, lost in the intensity of the moment. She wrapped her arms around his neck, responding to his kiss with equal fervor. Time seemed to stand still, the world outside the garden forgotten. They were cocooned in their own universe, where nothing else mattered but the electric connection between them.

After what felt like an eternity, they broke the kiss, both breathing heavily. He rested his forehead against hers, his eyes burning with a mixture of longing and tenderness. "Aisling," he whispered, his voice barely audible, "I want you to know that this isn't just a fleeting desire. You mean more to me than I can put into words." Her heart swelled with emotion at his confession. 

Suddenly, they heard footsteps nearby. Someone was approaching the garden.

Fenrir reacted swiftly. He pulled Aisling deeper into the shadows, behind a thick cluster of bushes. His movements were smooth and silent, his instincts honed from years of living on the edge of danger. He pressed a finger to his lips, signaling her to stay quiet.

Aisling's heart raced, not just from the kiss but now from the fear of being discovered. She clung to Fenrir, her eyes wide with anxiety. Her breath came in shallow, quick gasps, and she struggled to calm herself. The proximity of his body and the urgency in his eyes gave her a strange sense of comfort despite the situation.

The footsteps grew louder, and a voice called out, "Is anyone there?"

Fenrir's grip on Aisling tightened, his body tense and ready to spring into action if necessary. She could feel the power coiled within him, a predator ready to defend what he considered his. The steps paused, and there was a long moment of silence, broken only by the soft rustling of the leaves.

After what seemed like an eternity, the footsteps retreated, and the voice faded away. Fenrir waited a few more moments, ensuring the danger had passed, before he relaxed slightly. He turned to Aisling, his eyes searching hers for any sign of distress.

"Are you alright?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.

Aisling nodded, though her heart was still pounding. "Yes, I'm fine. That was close. You can't keep doing this!"

Fenrir gently brushed a strand of hair from her face and kissed her forehead tenderly. "Come," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "Let's return before anyone notices we're gone. But remember, I'll be waiting for you, always."

With a final, lingering kiss, he reluctantly pulled apart and made their way back into the manor, his hands still intertwined in hers. As they reached the entrance, Fenrir gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before they parted ways.