Because of Them

Chapter 20

Winnie entered Christian's office. She had been summoned.

"Hi," she greeted, immediately going to Lex and snuggling into his chest. He rubbed her back.

"Hey, pretty girl," Lex said. "Christian has something to talk to you about."

She glanced at Christian, and then at Wilder.

"The trial date has been scheduled for Thomas," Christian said. "I was wondering if you would consider testifying against him."

She tensed. "But he'll be there," she squeaked. And so would a lot of other people, watching.

"You don't have to," Christian said.

"Will it help? There were others, weren't there?" she whispered, feeling a tightness in her throat. She could feel the pressure behind her eyes. She was already scared. There was no way she could do this.

"Winnie, you made a full, quick recovery because you had us. Only one of the other girls found her mate. She is willing to testify. The others are still healing," Wilder said.

Suddenly, she felt really stupid for even considering not doing it. She was responsible for Thomas being captured.

She felt selfish. She had everything she could ever want right here in the room with her, and most of the girls still had nothing. She couldn't imagine trying to navigate all of the fear and pain she had in the beginning on her own. Even now, her three men recognized her emotions better than she could herself. 

She sniffled a bit, "You'll be there?"

"Christian and I have to be," Wilder said. "But of course we'll be there for you."

Lex dried a lone tear, "Don't cry." He kissed her forehead.

"I'm scared," she whimpered. He moved his arms to create a tighter embrace.

Lex handed her off to Christian who lifted her into his lap. She tucked into his neck, matching his breaths with her own.

"I'd be worried if you weren't scared," he said softly. "I can't imagine what this feels like for you. You have to be the strongest person we've ever met."

She relaxed at his words. Tom couldn't hurt her anymore, none of them could.

"I won't know what to say," she mumbled, stomach twisting at the idea of speaking in front of so many people.

"We can practice," Christian rubbed her back. "You can write something down, too."

The three of them, and others of the pack had worked really hard and risked a lot to take down that facility. She owed them this.

"Maybe I could meet with the girl who found her mate?" she asked in a soft mumble. It would be nice to have someone fully understand what she went through, beyond her mates.

"I think that's a great idea, honey," Christian said, confirming with Lex and Wilder who nodded. "I can make that happen."

Wilder took her from Christian.

"We're finished for the day," he said to her. "Let's do something."

"Like what?" she asked.

"I can think of a few things," he said, voice thick and husky. Heat bloomed in her belly.

She was tossed onto their massive bed. It was Lex who pulled her to the edge of the bed, leaning over her. It was his turn anyway, if they were trying to keep track.

He kissed her hard, and she moaned softly, bringing her hands up to his hair. She tugged and he gave a little growl.

She pulled away from the kiss to give a gentle laugh. Lex smiled, kissing down her neck.

"It's my turn to make you cum on my fingers," he said, sliding his hands beneath her shirt, up and down her ribs.

Winnie wiggled in anticipation. She was absolutely addicted to them.