Page 35 of Pleasure and Mane
Need water samples from all sources, soil from multiple locations, and food supplier testing within the hour. Quinn wants comprehensive environmental analysis. Compiled data on my desk by tomorrow morning. Priority Alpha.
Within seconds, his phone buzzed with Bertram's response:On it. Everything okay?
Ruling out all possibilities before we move on Vincent. Thanks, brother.
Caius then scrolled to Sheriff Martin's contact, a man he'd known since childhood and trusted implicitly with Leon's security. The phone rang twice before the familiar gravelly voice answered.
"Caius, what can I do for you?"
"Mike, I need increased patrols on our perimeter. We've got a potential threat—Vincent Keale. Keep your eyes peeled for himand track any movement. If anything feels off, I want to know immediately."
"Copy that. I'll double the border watch and brief my deputies. This connected to the pregnancy losses?"
"Possibly. Just keep everyone sharp."
"You got it, Alpha. We'll keep the town locked down tight."
Caius ended the call and set his phone aside, finally allowing himself to focus entirely on the woman beside him. Quinn was studying the genealogy records with fierce concentration, her dark-painted nails tracing along the yellowed pages. The sight of her dedication to protecting his people sent a surge of possessive pride through his chest.
Mine.His lion roared with satisfaction.Our mate cares for our pride already.
"Are you up for an adventure?" he asked, unable to suppress the grin tugging at his lips.
Quinn looked up, those bright green eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What kind of adventure?"
"The kind that involves getting away from all this heavy research for a few hours." He gestured toward the ancient tomes spread across the table. "We've got the whole day and night to ourselves while we wait for those test results."
"Don't you have other work to catch up on? I thought you were behind on your regular duties."
Caius waved dismissively. "Henry can cover for me for another day. Besides, I want to spend quality time with my mate." The word rolled off his tongue like honey, sweet and possessive. "I want to show you my favorite spot in the entire town."
Quinn's cheeks flushed pink, and his lion preened at the effect he had on her. "Where exactly is this favorite spot?"
"That's a surprise." He stood up, extending his hand to help her up. "Meet me at my truck in five minutes. And Quinn? Grab some shoes you can walk comfortably in."
She raised an eyebrow but took his hand, letting him pull her to her feet. "Should I be worried about this adventure?"
"Only if you're afraid of breathtaking views and good company."
Quinn laughed, the sound washing over him like music. "I think I can handle that."
Caius headed straight for the kitchen, his mind already spinning with plans. Roger, his chef, looked up from prep work as Caius burst through the door.
"Roger, I need a favor. Can you put together a picnic basket? Something romantic—wine, cheese, fruit, maybe some little sandwiches."
The older man's weathered face cracked into a knowing grin. "Well, I'll be damned. Never thought I'd see the day when our Alpha would be asking for romantic picnic baskets." He wiped his hands on his apron, already moving toward the pantry. "This about that pretty midwife?"
"She's my fated mate," Caius said, unable to keep the pride from his voice or the smile from his face. "And she's beyond special, Roger. She's everything."
Roger paused in his gathering of supplies, his expression softening. "Good for you, Caius. About time you found someone to make you smile like that." He resumed packing items into a wicker basket. "I've never seen you act this nervous or romantic, but it looks good on you. You seem happier."
Caius ran a hand through his short hair, suddenly feeling like a teenager planning his first date. "Is it that obvious?"
"Alpha, you're practically glowing. And you've been walking around here with a goofy grin for days now." Roger securedthe basket with a red checkered cloth. "She must be something special to get through that thick skull of yours."
"She is." Caius grabbed the basket and a thick wool blanket from the supply closet. "Thanks, Roger. I owe you one."
Caius jogged out to his restored '52 Chevy truck, his heart hammering with anticipation. Quinn was already waiting by the passenger door, having changed into comfortable tennis shoes. Her long brown hair gleamed in the late morning sunlight, and when she smiled at him, his chest tightened with an emotion so intense it nearly stole his breath.
