Page 49 of Pleasure and Mane
"When?"
"Tonight." His hands framed her face, his large thumbs stroking over her cheekbones. "They want to discuss enhanced security protocols for our family and your role in pride leadership. Quinn, they're going to ask you to make some serious commitments."
The old Quinn would have panicked. This Quinn squared her shoulders and met his gaze steadily. "Then it's a good thing I've never been more certain of being your mate and staying here in Leon permanently."
TWENTY
CAIUS
Caius felt his lion roar with complete satisfaction at her unwavering resolve.Fifteen years of leadership, and I've never had someone stand beside me like this.The fierce protectiveness and possessiveness that surged through him was entirely overwhelming. His mate wasn't just accepting her role—she was embracing it with the same passionate dedication she brought to everything else in her life.
"We need to finish tracking Vincent's locations first," he said, though every instinct screamed at him to carry her upstairs and show her exactly how her words affected him.
Later, Haider. You need to focus right now. Your town, your family, and your mate are relying on you to protect their safety and end this threat.
Quinn nodded, her green eyes sharp with determination. "I've been cross-referencing the old land records with current property databases. Vincent owns three hunting cabins in wolf territory, plus a remote ranch that's been in his family for generations."
Caius spread the detailed maps across his desk, his tactical mind already plotting surveillance routes. The healing scratches on his face pulled slightly as he frowned in concentration. "Theselocations are spread across fifty miles of rough terrain. We'll need coordinated teams."
"Already handled." Quinn's efficient response made his chest swell with pride. "I called Bertram while you were on the phone with the sheriff. He's organizing teams of six scouts each, rotating shifts every twelve hours."
God, she's magnificent.Caius straightened, his navy henley stretching across his broad chest as he reached for his phone. "Bertram, it's Caius. Quinn just briefed me on the scout assignments. I want radio check-ins every two hours, and if anyone spots Vincent, they observe and report—no engagement without backup."
Through the phone's speaker, Bertram's voice carried clear authority. "Understood, Alpha. What about Rules of Engagement if we corner him?"
Caius's blue eyes hardened to ice. The memory of Vincent's smug face and the knowledge of all those murdered babies made his lion snarl for blood. "Capture if possible. But if he resists or threatens any of our people..." His voice dropped to a dangerous growl. "Do what's necessary to protect the pride."
Quinn moved to his side, her warm hand settling on his arm. Through their bond, he felt her unwavering support mixed with gentle restraint.She knows I want to tear him apart with my bare hands. She also knows that's not who I need to be right now.
"Vincent's desperate," Quinn said, her voice carrying the analytical tone she used when solving medical puzzles. "Desperate people make mistakes. He'll surface soon, probably somewhere he feels safe and familiar."
Caius ended the call and pulled up the security grid on his laptop. Red dots marked patrol routes, guard stations, and safe houses throughout Leon. "I've tripled perimeter security andassigned personal protection details to every pregnant female in the pride. And no one travels after dark."
"Smart." Quinn leaned against his desk, her jeans molding perfectly to her curves. "I've been working with Lavinia to create a phone tree system. Every expectant mother has my direct number and Lavinia's. If anyone sees anything suspicious—a strange car, unfamiliar faces, anything—they call immediately."
The tactical part of Caius's mind appreciated her thoroughness. The mate part was consumed by how naturally she'd stepped into a leadership role, and how the pride mothers had already started looking to her for guidance and reassurance.
"Vincent targeted pregnant women because they're vulnerable," Quinn continued, her green eyes flashing with protective fury. "But now they're our early warning system. He won't get close to anyone in this pride without us knowing."
Caius caught her hand, bringing it to his lips to press a kiss against her palm. "You realize what you've done, don't you? You've essentially declared war on a psychotic wolf shifter who's already proven he'll murder innocent babies to get what he wants."
Quinn's smile held zero fear and absolute determination. "Good. Like I said, let him try something. This time, he'll find out what happens when he messes with a pride that's united and ready to fight back."
My fierce, brilliant mate.Caius felt the familiar rush of possessive pride mixed with soul-deep love. In just two weeks, she'd transformed from a workaholic midwife into a lioness ready to defend her territory with everything she had.
But beneath his admiration lurked a cold knot of fear. Vincent had nothing left to lose now—his reputation was destroyed, his business empire was crumbling, and his carefully constructed image was shattered. Cornered predators were themost dangerous kind, and Caius knew with absolute certainty that Vincent would come for them hard.
The setting sun painted the sky in brilliant oranges and purples as Caius adjusted his charcoal gray suit jacket one final time. The tailored fabric stretched perfectly across his broad shoulders, and the crisp white shirt beneath emphasized his commanding presence. He'd chosen this particular suit with deliberate care—formal enough to show respect for the pride elders, but modern enough to signal that their leadership would bridge tradition with progress.
Quinn emerged from her suite wearing a matching charcoal dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. The tailored fabric fell just above her knees, professional yet undeniably feminine, and the color coordination wasn't lost on anyone who saw them together. They looked like a unified force, a mated pair ready to lead.
She's breathtaking and spectacular.Caius felt his chest puff with possessive pride as she approached.And she's mine. Forever.
"Ready for this?" Quinn asked, her green eyes bright with nervous excitement as she smoothed her hands down the dress.
Caius captured one of her hands, bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss. "I've been ready for fifteen years. The question is whether the elders are ready for you."
Her laugh sent warmth shooting straight through his chest. "They're about to find out exactly what kind of lioness they're getting."
