The sexual affairs of wild voles (5)
I believe the answer is:
loves
'the sexual affairs' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to thinking as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
'wild voles' is the wordplay.
'wild' indicates an anagram.
'voles' anagrammed gives 'LOVES'.
'of' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for loves that I've seen before include "Solve (anag.)" , "Holds dear" , "Is enamoured with" , "Adores" , "Likes very much" .)