Chapter 90: Hannah

By the time I stepped onto the manicured grounds behind the main house, the festivities were in full swing. Lively folk music filled the air, emanating from a small stage near the gardens. The aromas of roasting meats and fresh-baked pastries wafted on the crisp winter breeze, making my mouth water. Small bonfires, lit at intervals around the open field, cast a warm, flickering glow on the milling crowds. Clusters of people mingled and laughed, their plates piled high with food from the vendors lining the perimeter. It was exactly as I'd envisioned—a lively, intimate yet grand celebration, the perfect showcase of our pack's charms.

But Noah was nowhere to be seen.

Furrowing my brow, I moved deeper into the crowd, politely responding to greetings of "Hello, Luna!" and "It's so lovely to see you, Luna!" My gaze swept across the festival until I spotted him: Noah's imposing figure near one of the larger fire pits. He was deep in conversation with Zoe, the two standing close together.

A flicker of irritation ignited within me. Of course.

Without hesitation, I made my way across the grassy field, carefully navigating clusters of people and picnic blankets. As I drew nearer, I saw Zoe leaning toward Noah, her expression animated. Noah seemed bemused, but the warmth in his eyes as he looked at her was undeniable. My heart twisted with a surge of jealousy.

Clearing my throat loudly, I approached from behind and linked my arm through Noah's, pressing against his side. His head snapped around, his eyes widening before narrowing. I smiled sweetly, then turned that smile on Zoe.

"Hello, you two," I said, tightening my grip slightly on Noah's bicep. "Lovely day for a picnic, isn't it?"

Zoe blinked, clearly surprised. "Oh… Hannah. Yes, it's lovely." Her forced smile didn't quite reach her eyes as her gaze flickered between Noah and me.

An awkward silence followed. Then Noah seemed to shake himself, frowning at me. "We should probably mingle," he said gruffly, shifting away from my touch.

A tiny thrill of satisfaction coursed through me. Good. For once, I was making him uneasy.

"Of course," I agreed smoothly, tightening my hold again. I smiled at Zoe, widening it slightly. "Excuse us, Zoe."

With that, I pulled Noah away from the fire pit. I could feel the tension radiating from him, the unspoken words simmering beneath his surface as we moved through the crowd.

Once we were at a safe distance, Noah wrenched his arm free and turned on me, his eyes blazing. "What the hell was that about?" he hissed, his jaw clenched.

I raised an eyebrow innocently. "What was what about? Can't I stand with my husband at a public event?" I pressed a hand to my collarbone, feigning offense. "Would you rather I stand with Drake?"

Noah's nostrils flared, but he didn't take the bait—not entirely. After a tense moment, he sighed, shaking his head.

"You're right," he muttered, almost inaudibly. "I'm… sorry."

My bravado faltered at the unexpected apology. Noah rarely apologized, especially not to me. Clearing my throat, I slipped my arm through his more gently.

"Shall we?" I prompted, gesturing to the crowd.

He hesitated, his intense green eyes searching my face, before nodding curtly. Together, we moved through the picnic grounds, greeting members of the pack. Noah seemed more relaxed, engaging in lighthearted conversation.

I remained close, hyper-aware of him—the warmth of his body, the scent of his cologne, the feel of his muscles beneath my fingers. It had been too long since I'd been this close to my husband, too long since any kind of intimate contact.