Chapter 20 - Returning To The Manor

As sunlight flooded into the bedroom window of the cabin, Fenrir was deep inside Aisling, thrusting and moaning in pleasure as he felt himself enveloped in her silky warmth. Her body was finally beginning to adjust to his size, and every thrust brought them both intense pleasure. She was in ecstasy, her moans filling the room as he expertly made her scream his name. When they finally reached their peak, they collapsed into each other's arms, exhausted and content, drifting off to sleep.

It was only when Aisling nudged him awake out of hunger that Fenrir realized they had slept almost the entire day. Kissing her softly, he got up, went to summon food, and when it arrived, he brought the trays to bed. They fed each other lovingly, enjoying the intimacy and the simple pleasure of being together.

After they had eaten, Fenrir's expression turned serious. "My love, it's time to go home," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "Elder Aerendir has informed me that the weather has improved. I fear the pack will hold a funeral for us if we don't return soon."

Aisling sighed, knowing he was right. "You're right," she said, her voice tinged with reluctance. "We can't stay hidden away here forever, no matter how much I wish we could."

Fenrir pulled her close, kissing her forehead. "We'll come back," he promised. "This place will always be our sanctuary, but our duty is to our pack. They need us, and we need them."

With a final, lingering kiss, they began to prepare for their journey back. As they packed their belongings and readied themselves to leave. 

the elders gathered to bid them farewell. Fenrir's sister, Eirianeth, was visibly emotional, tears glistening in her eyes as she embraced them tightly, reluctant to let them go. The bond between siblings was strong, and her concern for her brother and his mate was evident.

When they stepped out of the tree where Fenrir had activated the ring portal, Beta Finn, who had been beside himself with sorrow at the loss of both Alpha Luna Aisling and Warlord Alpha Fenrir, couldn't believe his eyes. His shock was palpable as he watched them emerge, his mouth agape and his heart racing with a mix of disbelief and relief. Rubbing his eyes to ensure he wasn't dreaming, he staggered towards them, his emotions overwhelming him.

As Beta Finn approached, his arms outstretched, eager to embrace them both, Aisling, standing in front of Fenrir as he retrieved his enchanted ring, felt a surge of protective instinct. Sensing her mate's tension, Fenrir let out a fierce warning growl, causing Beta Finn to freeze in his tracks and instinctively submit.

"Apologies, Alpha," Beta Finn pleaded, his voice laced with remorse. "I was overcome with joy at seeing both of you alive. We all thought you were lost to us forever."

Fenrir's expression softened slightly as he regarded Beta Finn, understanding the depth of his emotions. "No harm done, Beta," he said, his tone gentler now.

Returning to the manor, the atmosphere shifted as if a ghost had passed through. Ingrid's complexion changed visibly, her eyes widening in disbelief as she laid eyes on Aisling. Liam, who had been engulfed in grief over the loss of his late brother's luna and alpha, was overcome with emotion at the sight of Aisling. He cried tears of relief, his sorrow transformed into joy as he knelt before her, embracing her tightly.

Fenrir, observing the scene with a growing sense of displeasure at another man holding his mate, couldn't bear it any longer. With a commanding tone that brooked no argument, he intervened. "Alright, that's enough," he declared, his voice echoing through the room with authority. Even Liam, in his emotional state, had no choice but to submit to Fenrir's directive.

Addressing the assembled gathering, Fenrir made a solemn announcement. "As you can see, both Alpha Luna Aisling and I are back and unharmed," he began, his gaze sweeping over the faces before him. "Furthermore, I want to make it clear that Aisling is now my claimed mate. All males will desist from any unnecessary physical contact with her."

Turning his attention to Alpha Liam, Fenrir's tone took on a grave note. "Alpha Liam, it is with great sadness that I must inform you that Aisling's ambush and disappearance were orchestrated from within the manor itself," he revealed, his gaze piercing and unwavering as it settled on Luna Ingrid, whose complexion had paled considerably. "I will find the culprits responsible and deal with them mercilessly."

But Fenrir's announcements didn't end there. "One more thing," he continued, his voice steady and resolute. "The day after tomorrow, I will officially marry Aisling and make her legally mine. After that, we shall leave for the capital city."

Liam nodded solemnly, accepting the weight of Fenrir's words. Deep down, he knew that Aisling was far stronger and more dependable than he could ever hope to be. "Of course," he replied, his voice tinged with respect and admiration for both Fenrir and Aisling. "Alpha Luna Aisling is the true leader of this pack. When needed, she will resume her rightful place in charge."

The room fell into a contemplative silence as Fenrir's declarations sank in.

As Fenrir's announcements settled over the gathering, a palpable sense of shock rippled through the room. Whispers and murmurs arose, swirling with disbelief and astonishment at the revelations that had been unveiled. Eyes darted between Fenrir, Aisling, and the other members of the pack, each processing the weight of the moment in their own way.

Amidst the flurry of reactions, Aisling remained remarkably composed, her demeanor calm and collected as if she were unaffected by the sudden spotlight cast upon her. Despite being the center of attention, she carried herself with an air of aloofness, her gaze steady and unwavering. 

As Fenrir's authoritative commands echoed through the hall, His own followers, who had arrived at Whispering Pines after him, sprang into action with swift obedience. Among them were formidable female werewolf warriors, their expressions determined as they heeded their warlord's commands. Without hesitation, they positioned themselves around Aisling, protecting her and escorting her with respectful yet firm hands toward Fenrir's chambers, rather than her own.

Afterward, Fenrir singled out one of his most trusted and vigilant servants, a crossbreed of demon and wolf named Shadow. With a demeanor as dark and silent as her name implied, Shadow accepted her alpha's directive without question. Positioned as Aisling's unwavering guardian, Shadow was tasked with an unyielding duty: to remain by her side at all times, ensuring her safety and well-being with an almost otherworldly vigilance.