Page 57 of Pleasure and Mane
The wolf's body went limp beneath him, the last breath leaving Vincent's lungs in a quiet wheeze.
Justice finally served.
TWENTY-THREE
QUINN
Two weeks had passed since Caius killed Vincent in that small hunting cabin deep in the woods. Two weeks since justice was finally served for the families in Leon whose unborn babies were murdered by that monster. Quinn stood in front of the full-length mirror in their bedroom, smoothing down her yellow sundress and trying to calm the nervous flutter in her stomach.
Today is the day.The monthly barbeque party was about to begin, and this time everything was different. A month ago, she'd been an outsider, windblown and frazzled, desperately trying to fit in. Now she was the pride's Lioness, marked and mated to their Alpha, with her own life and dreams taking root in this beautiful mountain town.
"You look breathtaking as usual," Caius said from behind her, his arms sliding around her waist as he pressed a kiss to her neck. The fitted white t-shirt he wore showcased every defined muscle of his chest and shoulders, while his khaki shorts highlighted the powerful thighs that had carried his lion form into battle for her.
"I'm nervous," she admitted, leaning back against his solid warmth. "What if my parents don't understand why I fell in love with this place so quickly? What if they think I've lost my mind?"
"Sweetheart." His hands spanned her waist, his thumbs stroking gently. "If you could fall in love with a growly, overprotective Alpha lion and his entire pride in less than two weeks, your family will have no trouble seeing why you stayed."
God, this man is everything and more.The thought hit her with the same intensity it had every day since she'd met him.How did I survive thirty-four years without him in my life?
Through their bedroom windows, Quinn could see the south gardens already bustling with activity. Pride members were arriving early, children splashing in the pool while adults set up chairs around the massive stone fire pit. The sight filled her with warmth.
This is home now. These people are my family.
"Construction starts Monday on the new midwife practice," Caius murmured against her ear. "My mate, revolutionizing supernatural prenatal care across five states. I'm so proud of you."
The fierce pride in his voice caused her chest to tighten with emotion. The prenatal clinic and adjoining birthing center had been her idea that he had brought to life. Already, female shifters from neighboring territories were requesting consultations, despite the facility being months away from completion.
"I still can't believe how many appointment requests we've received," she said, turning in his arms. "Wolf shifters, bear shifters, even a few dragon shifters from Colorado. Apparently, word travels fast in the supernatural community."
"That's what happens when you're the only human midwife brave enough to specialize in shifter pregnancies." His blue eyes burned with that familiar intensity. "You're making history, Quinn."
A knock interrupted them, followed by Henry's voice. "Quinn, dear, your parents would like to speak with you privately before the festivities begin."
Here we go.Quinn took a deep breath, but Caius's hands on her shoulders steadied her.
"They're going to love you even more after today," he said firmly. "And if they don't, I'll personally charm them until they do."
They walked hand-in-hand through the mansion's corridors, past the library where they'd had their first tense confrontation, past the medical wing where she'd treated his wounds the night he snuck out to confront Vincent. Every room held memories now, pieces of the life they were building together.
Her parents waited in the main sitting room, her mother's silver-blonde hair perfectly styled despite the long drive, and her father's kind eyes already taking in every detail of the opulent surroundings. Kate lounged in a leather armchair, her red hair shining in the late afternoon light streaming through the windows.
"Mom, Dad, Kate." Quinn felt Caius's reassuring presence beside her. "I want you to meet Caius properly."
Quinn's father stepped forward, his weathered contractor's hand engulfing Caius's large hand in a firm shake. The two men sized each other up with the careful assessment of protective males, and Quinn held her breath.
"So, you're the man who stole our daughter's heart," her father said, his tone neutral but not unfriendly.
Caius's shoulders squared, every inch the commanding Alpha even in casual clothes. "Sir, with all due respect, your daughter stole mine first. I was just fortunate enough that she decided to keep it and give me hers in exchange."
Oh my God, he's perfect.The formal politeness in Caius's voice carried an undertone of absolute certainty that madeQuinn's pulse skip. This wasn't just charm—this was her mate declaring his claim with quiet authority.
Her father's stern expression cracked, revealing the hint of a smile. "That's exactly what I hoped you'd say. Any man worth my daughter's time would know she's the prize in this arrangement."
Before Quinn could fully process her relief, her mother stood and crossed the room in three quick strides. Without warning, she pulled Caius into one of her trademark bone-crushing hugs.
"Welcome to our family, dear," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "I haven't seen Quinn this happy since... well, ever."
Quinn watched Caius's surprise melt into genuine warmth as he returned the embrace. The sight of her fierce, protective mother accepting her mate so completely made her throat tight.
