Page 19 of Pleasure and Mane
Quinn laughed, the sound bubbling up from somewhere deep in her chest. "I like seeing this side of you. This happy, carefree Caius. It looks good on you."
Something shifted in his blue eyes, growing warmer and more intimate. "You must bring it out in me," he said quietly, stepping closer until she could feel the heat from his body. His gaze traveled over her body like a caress. "And by the way, you look amazing."
Heat bloomed in Quinn's cheeks as his compliment washed over her. The sincerity in Caius's voice made her feel beautiful in a way she'd never experienced before—not just attractive but truly appreciated.
"Come on, let's go enjoy this epic bonfire," Caius said softly. He placed his hand on her lower back again as he guided her toward the patio exit, the gesture sending warmth spiraling through her.
As they walked back outside into the warm summer evening, Quinn found herself imagining what it would be like if this were their real life—if she and Caius were actually dating, and evenings like this were common occurrences rather than temporary arrangements. The vision felt so natural and right, like pieces of a puzzle finally clicking into place.
Like we were always meant to find each other,she thought wonderingly, even though they'd met in the most impulsive and strange circumstances imaginable. Somehow, despite abandoning her entire practice to help this secret community of lion shifters, nothing about being here felt random anymore.
It felt like coming home.
EIGHT
CAIUS
The bonfire crackled and hissed as Caius led Quinn toward the gathering crowd. The fire was magnificent—a towering orange blaze that Bertram and Henry had constructed with the precision of master craftsmen, just as they did every month. Sparks spiraled up into the darkening sky like tiny stars seeking their celestial home.
"Impressive work as always," Caius called out to his uncle and second-in-command, who stood near their creation like proud architects surveying their masterpiece.
"Twenty-five years of practice," Henry replied, brushing ash from his hands. "Though Bertram insists on making it bigger every time."
Bertram grinned, wrapping his arm around Lavinia's shoulders as she settled carefully into one of the wooden chairs arranged in a semicircle around the fire. "Go big or go home, that's what I say."
"Speaking from the man who once singed his eyebrows off attempting that exact thing," Lavinia teased, earning a round of laughter from the growing circle of pride members.
Caius felt Quinn's soft giggle vibrate through the air, and the sound hit him like a blow to the chest. Everything about herdrew him like a magnet—the way her green eyes reflected the firelight, how her fitted white t-shirt hugged her curves, and the intoxicating scent of lavender and rain that seemed to follow her everywhere. Even her cut-off jean shorts showcased her long, tanned legs in a way that made his lion growl beneath his skin.
Get it together,he commanded himself, but his body refused to listen. Every cell was hyperaware of her presence beside him.
"Quinn, you should try the s'mores," Lavinia suggested, pointing toward where several children were expertly roasting marshmallows on long sticks. "Tommy's become quite the expert since last month."
"I'd love to," Quinn replied, her voice warm with genuine interest.
Caius watched her move toward the children, noting how naturally she interacted with them. She knelt to their level, listening intently as seven-year-old Zoe explained the precise technique for achieving the perfect golden-brown marshmallow. The sight of Quinn laughing with his pride's youngest members sent something primal and possessive surging through him.
She fits here,his lion rumbled with satisfaction.She belongs with us.
"You're not being particularly subtle," Bertram's voice cut through his thoughts, low enough that only Caius's enhanced hearing could pick it up.
Caius tore his gaze away from Quinn reluctantly. "I have no idea what you mean."
"Right." Bertram's smirk was infuriating. "And I suppose the way you've been staring at her like she's the only person at this party is just friendly Alpha courtesy?"
Heat crawled up Caius's neck. "She's Lavinia's midwife. I'm just ensuring she feels welcome here."
"Uh-huh." Henry appeared at his other side, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "The same way you ensured her comfort by jumping fully clothed into the pool earlier?"
"The children were?—"
"The children have been attacking you at these parties for years," Henry interrupted smoothly. "This is the first time you've ever joined them instead of just deflecting their assault."
Caius's jaw clenched as he caught fragments of conversation from other pride members scattered around the bonfire. His enhanced hearing picked up every whispered word with crystal clarity.
"—never seen him so relaxed?—"
"—the way he looks at her?—"
