Because of Them

Chapter 6

"This is mine?" Winnie whispered, running her hands along the soft quilt that covered the bed that Christian had set her on. They had been trying to keep her off her feet until the cuts and bruises were fully healed.

"All yours," Christian confirmed. "We can move stuff around and decorate however you'd like, assuming you want to stay."

He was giving her the choice?

"You'd let me leave?" she glanced at Wilder, and then at Christian. They had been so kind to her, kinder than anyone ever had.

"You're no prisoner, Winnie," Wilder said. "You can do whatever you want to do."

Whatever she wanted to do. What exactly did she want?

She wanted to be safe, and she felt safe surrounded by her mates. She didn't know much about them, but she was beginning to feel comfortable around them. They seemed like they would take care of her. Maybe she'd be okay here.

Lex entered the room with a stack of clothes. He set them next to her on the bed.

"I thought you might like to change out of what you had on at the hospital," Lex said. "We'll have to get you some of your own clothes tomorrow."

She nodded, feeling extremely grateful. She felt dirty and grimy.  "Thank you. Could I shower?"

"Of course. Anything you want," Christian said.

"Maybe test her feet first. She may not be strong enough for a shower," Wilder rumbled.

She blushed, feeling their intense gaze. Christian extended his hands and she hesitantly latched on.

Her legs wobbled unsteadily. She would've collapsed if he wasn't holding onto her.

"How about a bath instead?" he offered.

She'd do anything to feel clean. Lex drew a bath, and once it was ready, they helped her into the bathroom.

She used the wall and the edge of the tub to slowly lower herself in.

"Call for Wilder when you are ready to get out, and he can help you," Christian said from outside the door. He had work to do unfortunately.

"I'm coming to help," Lex told him. If they worked together, then the faster Christian would be done and back to being with Winnie.

Winnie soaked in the warm water. It felt amazing. She scrubbed at her skin and her hair, under her nails. It was beyond relieving to finally be clean. This was her fresh start.

She called for Wilder. It was too slick for her to be standing on her own.

He came in with his head turned the other direction. He offered her his hands, lifting her up, and handing her the fluffiest towel.

Once that was secure, he lifted her out of the tub.

"There," he said. "Let me get your clothes."

He set her on the counter, leaving to retrieve the shirt and pants Lex had left on the bed.

He set them next to her.

"How can I help?" he asked. Winnie looked very adorable and small on the bathroom counter. He tried not to stare, but he did notice quite a few scars littering her skin. He was still so fucking angry.

She hummed, "I think I can do it if you help me down."

He nodded, setting her back on her feet. He left her to get dressed, only going back in when she told him to.

He set her on her bed.

"How do you feel? Are you hungry?"

She gave a quick glimpse at a glimmering smile, one that pleased Wilder greatly.

"I'm okay, just sleepy," she said, attempting to run her fingers through her hair, and gently pull out some of the knots.

"I'm sure one of us has a brush," he said, disappearing for a second. She waited patiently for him to return.

It was quiet without any of them around. She had always been alone, and she dreaded it.

She glanced around the room. It was large and spacious, and hers. She couldn't believe they would give her her own room.

She had three mates. Three incredibly handsome, incredibly nice mates. They had treated her better in the two days she had been with them then anyone had her entire life. It made her uneasy, but also happy. Really happy.

Wilder returned with a brush. She turned around, sitting criss cross. He sat on the edge of the bed, carefully working it through her hair.

"We should have done this before you washed it," he mumbled.

She glanced back at him. He was so serious she couldn't help but giggle.

Wilder paused. That had to be the cutest sound he had ever heard.

Once her hair was soft and tangle free, she settled under the warm blankets. She was going to fall asleep instantly. This felt like a cloud.

"Do you need anything?" he asked.

She shook her head, and he stood up.

"Thank you, Wild," she whispered, her eyes fluttering. She was asleep before she could even hear his response.