Because of Them

Chapter 24

It was a new feeling for Winnie. There was a part of her that always felt dirty. It lingered in the corners of her mind that she was used and nothing could correct that. But being with Christian, and being loved and cared for so deeply from all of her men erased those thoughts. She had been cleansed from her past life.

She had been extra clingy the past few days, a bit fearful that the bliss would leave, but it never did. She was floating on the softest cloud.

Lex shifted his legs, drawing her out of her peaceful doze.

"You okay?" she asked, yawning a bit. She squinted at his bright laptop screen.

"Yeah. Go back to sleep," he said, running his hand along her ribs.

"Want a snack," she mumbled, and he released her so she could stand. She dragged the blanket she was using over her shoulders like a cape. "Do you guys want anything?"

Christian smiled gently, shaking his head. "No, honey. We'll be finished here soon."

Winnie left the office to go to the kitchen. She shuffled around to find some of the fresh veggies Christian kept cut up for her, taking the container to the backyard.

The sun was harsh, but there was a nice breeze that made it feel perfect. She abandoned her blanket to walk the perimeter, checking for any new growth or fruits ready to be picked. It was unbelievable how much she was at peace with everything. Everything was calm and right.

There was a good patch of the yard that was being directly hit with the sun, and her wolf itched to lay in it.

That's where they found her a little while later.

"Someone is sunbathing," Lex cooed, as Wilder crouched down to scratch behind her ears. Winnie rolled happily, her tongue rolling out in a pant.

She shifted back, and Lex pulling her t-shirt over her bare skin. She slipped on her shorts.

"Come on. Your wolf may like the sun, but you will most definitely burn," Wilder said, urging her into the shade.

She giggled, "Where's Christian?" she tried to listen for him, but came up blank.

"He left. He said he had a surprise for you," Lex bent his head, capturing her lips. He nipped playfully and she smiled.

She held her arms up to Wilder who scooped her up.

"How are you feeling? Are you still sore?" he asked.

"Not one bit," she admitted, rubbing his back.  She pecked his lips.

Christian brought back many surprises.

"Dinner," he announced, setting down the pizza. Winnie peeked at it curiously. She hadn't ever had it, at least not that she could remember.

"I don't think we've had this since we've been together," Lex said. "You cook way too good."

Christian smiled, setting down the second box.

"What's in there?" she asked. He slid it closer, and she lifted the flaps of the bix to reveal a dozen donuts. The box was warm, and they smelled amazing.

"What's the occasion?" Wilder questioned, stepping up behind Christian.

"Nothing in particular," he answered. "I actually went out for this."

He revealed a nicely wrapped package that he handed to Winnie.

"For me?" she asked, already knowing it was a book. She gently tore at the seams, revealing the newest book in the series she had been reading. "Christian," she smiled. "Thank you. Didn't this come out today?"

He nodded, "I had it on order for you."

She reached for him, and he bent over the island so she could give him a kiss.

"You're so sweet to me," she told him softly. "I don't know what I would do without you, any of you. I love you."

Christian gave her another kiss, "I love you more."

Lex scooped her up and she laughed.

"What about me? Do you love me?" he asked.

She acted like she had to think about it, punished when he tickled her ribs. She squirmed.

"I love Wilder," she confirmed. "He doesn't attack me."

Lex gasped dramatically, dropping her onto her feet.

"Kidding," she smiled.

"No take backs," he said, doing his best to frown but she could see right through it.

"I can do whatever I want," Winnie said.

"Is that so?" Wilder asked.

She blushed, clarifying, "With Lex, I mean."

They all laughed.

She tucked back into Lex's embrace, "Of course I love you, Lex. You know that, right?"

He nodded, "I know. Just like I know Wilder loves me, even if he doesn't say it. I love you, every one of you."  

"Cheeseball," Christian said, but Winnie could see a slight blush on his neck. "Come on, let's eat."