Page 16 of Pleasure and Mane
But acceptance was only the first hurdle. Even if his pride welcomed Quinn, that didn't mean she'd want the life he could offer her. She had her own practice, and her own dreams and ambitions back in Denver. Why would she want to tie herself to a man who turned into a lion and came with the baggage of leading an entire community?
More importantly, what if he failed her the way he'd failed his pride members in that disastrous territory dispute fourteen years ago? What if his inexperience with relationships, his complete lack of knowledge about being a mate and partner, ended up hurting the one person he couldn't bear to lose?
I don't even know how to be a boyfriend, let alone a mate,he thought grimly.I've spent my entire adult life alone by choice. What if I'm terrible at it?
"She's going to be mingling with the pride for hours," Henry observed, apparently reading his thoughts with disturbing accuracy. "Alone. Without anyone to... guide the conversations or provide context about our traditions."
The implication was clear, and Caius felt his protective instincts flare to life. Quinn might be winning over Lavinia's friends, but a full pride gathering was different. There would be dozens of lion shifters present, all of them naturally curious about the human woman living in their Alpha's home.
Most of his pride members were good people who'd welcome Quinn warmly. But there would be questions and comments about her humanity that might make her uncomfortable. And if anyone—anyone—said something that hurt or upset his mate...
His lion snarled at the thought, demanding immediate action.
"I suppose someone should be there to make proper introductions," Caius said, his tone casual despite the possessive fire burning in him.
Henry's smile was pure satisfaction. "I suppose someone should."
SEVEN
QUINN
The afternoon sun cast dancing shadows through the oak trees as Quinn listened to Sarah Miller, one of Lavinia's pregnancy group members, recount her heartbreaking story. The woman's hands trembled as she spoke about losing her baby at seven months—the third such story Quinn had heard in just thirty minutes.
"It happened so suddenly," Sarah whispered, her voice barely audible over the distant sound of caterers setting up tables. "One day everything was perfect, and the next..." Her voice broke, and Quinn reached out to squeeze her hand.
"I'm so sorry for your loss," Quinn said softly, her green sundress rustling in the gentle breeze. "Can you tell me more about the days leading up to it? Any unusual symptoms or changes you noticed?"
As Sarah continued her account, Quinn's mind raced with the inconsistencies she'd been hearing. Three different women, three different stages of pregnancy, but all with similar patterns—sudden onset, no clear medical explanation, and healthy pregnancies right until the end.
Something's not adding up,Quinn thought, filing away the details for later analysis. The medical professional in her wasintrigued by the puzzle, but the woman in her ached for these families who'd suffered such devastating losses.
"Quinn's going to figure this out," Lavinia said with fierce confidence, her hand resting protectively on her growing belly. "She's brilliant. I can already tell."
The faith in Lavinia's voice made Quinn's chest tighten with both gratitude and pressure. These people were counting on her and trusting her with their deepest fears and hopes. She couldn't let them down.
But even as she focused on the medical mystery, part of her mind kept drifting to last night's kiss and Caius's abrupt departure afterward. She'd barely slept, replaying every moment—the way his strong hands had grabbed her waist, the heat of his mouth against hers, and the intoxicating scent of cedar and pine that seemed to cling to his skin.
And then the way he'd pulled back as if she'd burned him, leaving her standing alone in the moonlight.
Did I do something wrong?The question had been torturing her all day. She'd expected to see him at breakfast, maybe discuss what had happened between them, but Henry had informed her that Caius was working in his room and wouldn't be joining them for meals.
The dismissal stung more than she cared to admit.
"Oh, look at the time!" Lavinia exclaimed, glancing at her watch. "The party's officially starting."
As if summoned by her words, pride members began filtering into the south gardens from various directions. Quinn watched in fascination as families emerged from the treeline that bordered the estate, children racing ahead of their parents with infectious laughter. The atmosphere transformed from intimate conversation to festive celebration within minutes.
"Quinn, I want you to meet everyone," Lavinia beamed, linking their arms as Bertram appeared at her other side. Hisimposing six-foot-four frame and dirty blonde hair made him look like a Norse god, but his green eyes held warmth when he looked at his pregnant wife.
"Hey Quinn, I hope you got all settled in. Sorry we skipped out on dinner last night," Bertram said with a grin that transformed his serious features. "But just so you know, Lavinia hasn't stopped talking about you since yesterday."
"Hopefully good things," Quinn replied, surprised by how comfortable she felt despite being surrounded by supernatural beings she'd only learned about twenty-four hours ago.
"Definitely good things. Come on, let's introduce you around."
For the next hour, Quinn found herself swept into a whirlwind of introductions. The Matthewson family with their twin toddlers who kept trying to climb her legs. Elena Rice, a teacher who peppered Quinn with questions about prenatal nutrition. Daniel and David Goodwin, brothers who ran the town's construction company and immediately offered to build anything Quinn might need for her medical setup.
Each interaction left Quinn more amazed by the warmth and acceptance she encountered. These people weren't treating her like an outsider or temporary visitor—they were welcoming her like family.
