Page 48 of Pleasure and Mane
"You won't." He lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to her palm. "I'm not going anywhere."
Thirty minutes later, they were back in his bed, Caius properly bandaged, and Quinn curled against his uninjured side. But sleep remained elusive. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw images of what could have happened—Caius lying broken and bleeding, Vincent's claws finding something vital.
The realization that hit her was more terrifying than any of those imagined scenarios. In just eleven days, this man had become so essential to her existence that losing him would destroy her. The fierce independence she'd cultivated for thirty-four years had crumbled completely, replaced by a need so profound it stole her breath.
When did I become this person?she wondered, listening to his steady heartbeat beneath her cheek.When did I become someone who can't survive without another person?
It terrified her. But as Caius's arm tightened protectively around her, pulling her closer even in sleep, Quinn realized she wouldn't trade this soul-deep connection for all the independence in the world.
Quinn spread the collection of wanted posters across the mahogany desk in Caius's home office, her eyes scanning each one with fierce satisfaction. Vincent's arrogant face stared back at her from dozens of copies, the bold red letters proclaiming "WANTED FOR MURDER" beneath his photograph.
"These are going up in every town within a hundred-mile radius," she announced, her voice carrying a steel that would have surprised her old self. The Quinn from two weeks ago never would have orchestrated a public takedown campaign, but that woman had been sleeping. This Quinn—Caius's mate, the Alpha's partner—was fully awake and absolutely ruthless when it came to protecting her new family.
Caius looked up from his laptop where he'd been coordinating with law enforcement across three counties. Even in his simple navy henley and dark jeans, he commanded the room with an authority that caused her pulse to quicken. The healing scratches on his face only added to his dangerous appeal.
"The sheriff's department confirmed they'll distribute them to all the surrounding wolf territories," he said, his blue eyes dark with satisfaction. "Vincent won't be able to show his face anywhere without someone recognizing him."
"Good." Quinn picked up one of the posters, studying Vincent's cold features. "I also sent his mugshot and criminal profile to every major news outlet in Colorado. Channel 7 is running a special report tonight about the 'Baby Killer Developer.'"
The possessive pride that flashed across Caius's face sent heat spiraling through her body. He stood and moved behind her chair, his large hands settling on her shoulders as he leaned down to nuzzle her neck.
"My brilliant, vindictive mate," he murmured against her skin, his voice a low rumble that made her toes curl. "Remind me never to get on your bad side."
When did I become someone who could systematically destroy another person's reputation?The thought should have concerned her, but watching the news coverage of Vincent's business empire crumbling felt like justice served cold and perfect.
"Three of his major investors pulled out yesterday," Quinn continued, leaning back into Caius's solid warmth. "His development company's stock dropped forty percent overnight. The man who murdered unborn children is finding out what it feels like to watch something precious that he cares about die."
Caius's hands tightened on her shoulders, and through their bond, she felt his mixture of arousal and admiration. "You're terrifying and I'm completely obsessed with you."
"Vincent's reputation was built on lies anyway," she said, pulling up news articles on her tablet. "Turns out this isn't his first time targeting shifter communities. I found reports from Wyoming and Montana—similar patterns of mysterious pregnancy losses in small towns right before Vincent swooped in with development deals."
"How did you?—"
"I may have charmed my way into getting access to some restricted law enforcement databases." Quinn's smile was pure innocence. "Apparently being the mate of a prominent Alpha opens certain doors."
The growl that rumbled from Caius's chest was entirely predatory. "You used my name to hack police records?"
"I prefer the term 'creative information gathering.'" She turned in her chair to face him, noting how his eyes had darkened to that intense blue that meant his lion was close to the surface. "Are you going to scold me, Alpha?"
Instead of answering, he pulled her up from the chair and captured her mouth in a kiss that tasted of possession and pride. When he finally pulled back, they were both breathless.
"You realize Vincent's probably furious about his business tanking," Caius said, his forehead resting against hers. "Cornered predators are the most dangerous kind."
"Let him come." The words surprised Quinn with their vehemence. "I'm tired of running from bullies who think they can destroy innocent families. Besides," she smoothed her hands over his muscular chest, "I have a very protective Alpha who won't let anything happen to me."
"Damn right I won't." His tone held the absolute authority of a man who'd never failed to protect what was his. "But Quinn, if Vincent does try something?—"
"We'll handle it together." She cut him off firmly. "I meant what I said the other night. You're not carrying these burdens alone anymore. I'm not some fragile human who needs to be hidden away while you deal with the dangerous stuff."
Something shifted in his strong expression, vulnerability flickering beneath the Alpha mask. "I've been the only one making the hard decisions for fifteen years. I don't know how to?—"
"Share the load?" Quinn's smile was soft with understanding. "Lucky for you, I'm a very fast learner. And I happen to be excellent at making hard decisions when the people I love are threatened."
The way he gazed at her in that moment—like she was his salvation and his greatest treasure combined—made her heart squeeze tight in her chest.
"The pride elders want to meet with you soon," he said quietly. "Officially. As my mate and their future Lioness."
Lioness.The title sent a thrill of terrified excitement through her. Two weeks ago, she'd been determined to stay single and focus solely on her career. Now she was preparing to help lead an entire lion shifter community.
