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, tantalizing my appetite. Small bonfires, lit at intervals across the open field, cast a warm, flickering glow on the milling crowds. Clusters of people mingled and laughed, plates piled high with food from the various vendors lining the perimeter. It was exactly as I'd envisioned—a lively, intimate yet grand celebration, the perfect showcase for our pack's charm.

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 crossed the grassy field, carefully navigating the people and scattered picnic blankets. As I approached, I saw Zoe leaning toward Noah, her expression animated. Noah seemed bemused, but his gaze held an undeniable warmth. My heart twisted with a surge of jealousy.

Clearing my throat loudly, I approached from behind, linking my arm through Noah's and pressing against his side. His head snapped around, his eyes widening before narrowing. I smiled sweetly, then turned that same smile to 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 smile was strained, her gaze shifting uncertainly between Noah and me.

An awkward silence hung in the air. Noah frowned at me. "We should probably mingle," he said gruffly, shifting away from my touch.

A tiny spark of satisfaction flared at his discomfort. Good. For once, I was making him uneasy.

"Of course," I agreed smoothly, tightening my hold again. Turning back to Zoe, I widened my smile slightly. "Excuse us, Zoe."

With that, I pulled Noah away from the fire pit. I could feel the tension radiating from him, sensing the harsh words he was suppressing.

Once we were a safe distance away, Noah wrenched free, his eyes blazing. "What the hell was that?" he hissed, his jaw clenched.

I raised an eyebrow innocently. "What was what? Can't I stand with my husband at a public event?" I retorted, feigning offense. "Would you prefer I stand with Drake instead?"

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

"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 linked my arm through his again, more gently this time.

"Shall we?" I prompted, gesturing at 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 at ease, his demeanor relaxed as he engaged in conversation.

I remained close, acutely aware of him—the warmth of his body, the scent of his cologne, the feel of his bicep beneath my fingers. It had been too long since I'd been this close to my husband, too long since any intimacy.