Page 20 of Pleasure and Mane
"—has to be his mate, there's no other explanation?—"
Damn.They were all watching him, noting every subtle change in his behavior around Quinn. He'd been Alpha long enough to know that secrets in a pride lasted about as long as morning dew, and apparently his reaction to his mate wasn't as controlled as he'd hoped.
Quinn returned to his side carrying two perfectly crafted s'mores, chocolate melting between golden marshmallows and crisp graham crackers. "I thought you might want one," she said, offering him the treat with a smile that could have powered the entire bonfire.
"Thank you," he managed, his fingers brushing hers as he accepted the s'more. The brief contact sent electricity jolting through his body, and from the way her pupils dilated, she felt it too.
For the past several hours, ever since he'd emerged from his self-imposed exile in his bedroom, Caius had been completely absorbed by Quinn's presence. Despite his promise to Henry that he'd protect her tonight and despite his vow to himself thathe needed to maintain distance, he'd failed spectacularly at both objectives.
Being around her was like being caught in a gravitational pull he couldn't escape. Her laugh made his chest tight with unfamiliar warmth. The way she moved, graceful and confident in her own skin, mesmerized him. Even now, watching her lick chocolate from her thumb, his temperature spiked dangerously.
This is exactly why you're terrified,his rational mind whispered.Around her, you forget everyone else exists.
And it was true. When Quinn smiled at him, the rest of his pride, his responsibilities, his carefully maintained Alpha control—it all faded into background noise. His lion wanted to spend every waking moment in her presence, scent-marking her and claiming her, making sure the entire world knew she belonged to him.
But how could he maintain his duties as Alpha if Quinn consumed his every thought? He'd never had a relationship before, never juggled romance with leadership responsibilities. The territory was completely uncharted, and Caius prided himself on being prepared for every situation.
Maybe Henry could help,he thought desperately.Or Bertram. They both have experience with mates.
The urge to kiss Quinn again had been building all evening, growing stronger with every shared laugh and every casual touch. His control was fracturing piece by piece, and he was running out of strength to hold himself back.
Quinn turned toward him, the firelight dancing across her features, and Caius felt his resolve crumble completely. He started to lean closer, drawn by an instinct more powerful than any Alpha command.
"Alright, everyone!" Bertram's booming voice cut through the intimate moment like a blade. "Time for the monthly pride run."
The bonfire crackled behind him as Caius rose from his wooden chair. Around the circle, his pride members were already beginning to stand, the familiar energy of the full moon thrumming through their collective consciousness like a shared heartbeat.
Caius looked down at Quinn, still seated in the chair beside his, her green eyes reflecting the firelight as she watched the subtle shift in the group's dynamic. Something in her expression suggested she understood this moment held significance beyond her comprehension.
"Perhaps you should retire to your suite," he said, though every fiber of his being protested the words. His lion also roared in disagreement, wanting her to witness his true form and to see him as he truly was. "This part of our gathering isn't typically... observed by outsiders."
The word 'outsiders' tasted bitter because Quinn didn't feel like an outsider anymore. She felt essential, like a missing piece of his world he hadn't known was absent until she'd arrived.
Quinn's smile was understanding, tinged with something that might have been disappointment. "Of course. I know you need this time with your pride." She stood gracefully. "Thank you for tonight, Caius. I had a wonderful time."
The genuine warmth in her voice made his chest constrict. She wasn't hurt by his dismissal—she was being considerately professional, putting his needs and responsibilities before her own curiosity. Just like she did with everything else.Damn her selflessness.
"No," he heard himself say, his Alpha authority bleeding into the single word. "Actually, I want you to see this."
Quinn's eyebrows rose slightly, surprise flickering across her features. Around them, he could sense his pride members' attention shifting, though they were too well-trained to stare outright.
"It might help you understand us better," he continued, his voice rougher than expected. "Understand our town. Our... nature."
Understand me,his lion whispered urgently.Let her see what we truly are.
"Are you sure?" Quinn asked, her voice careful. "I don't want to intrude on something sacred."
"You're not intruding." The words came out more intense than he'd planned, and he caught Bertram's knowing glance from across the circle. "Stand back on the stone patio. You'll have a better view from there, and it might feel more comfortable."
Quinn nodded, moving toward the patio with fluid grace. Once she'd positioned herself safely away from the group, Caius turned back to his pride. The full moon hung heavy and silver above them, calling to the beasts within their human shells.
"Ready?" Bertram asked, already beginning to strip off his shirt.
Around the circle, his pride members were doing the same—removing shoes, shirts, and shorts with the practiced efficiency of people who'd done this ritual countless times. The air thrummed with anticipation and primal energy.
Caius glanced once more toward Quinn, noting how she stood completely still on the patio, her hands clasped in front of her, watching with what appeared to be fascination rather than fear.
Good,his lion purred with satisfaction.She's not running.
