Cattail and Hyssop had disappeared into the kitchen to cook some meat. Stone sat in the living room, on the verge, Winnie thought, of keening a dirge. Asher and Bet were sitting with him.

Winnie was in West’s room, waiting for him to come out of the shower. She’d pulled off her coat and tights and was lounging on his bed in nothing but her dress. The soft covers smelled of her man, and—even better—of her and her man making love.

The bathroom door opened and closed, and West strode in, still toweling off. She sat up to admire the hard planes of his body, the muscular thickness of his thighs, the broadness of his shoulders, the glitter of his dark gold body hair, the heavy weight of his manhood, and the masculine beauty of his face. Without realizing it, she wet her lips.

“Winnie,” he said, tossing the towel into a chair. He had no shame in being naked. That excited her, made her want to spread her legs and lie back for him. “How are you?”

“I’m fine,” she said, sliding off the bed so she could go to him. “I mean, it was terrifying to watch, but you won. You won. You’re so strong, West. You were unstoppable.”

“Hmm,” he said, clearly pleased. “Does that make you happy, Tam? To have a powerful man?”

“Of course,” she whispered, because it was true. “West, you are so gorgeous.”

He actually laughed. “No, darling. You’re the beautiful one.” Gripping her arms, he pulled her against him. “You accept me, don’t you? Everything?”

“Everything.”

He kissed her, another rich, demanding kiss. She could feel him hardening against her thigh, and she mewled.

“Mmm. I wish we had time,” he said, breaking that perfect kiss. “I want you. More than you can understand, I want you. But . . .”

She closed her hand around his half-hard cock, stroking it firmly, slowly. He growled.

“I want you too, West. I always will.” And she would.

“Good,” he purred, “because I’m your man for life.” His eyes closed with pleasure, and she tightened her fist as she stroked him, up and down, up and down. “More,” he demanded. “Go ahead, Tam, and finish me. I’m going to come on you.”

She leaned forward, kissing his chest, nipping his neck. His swollen cock, harder than a pipe, felt like heaven in her hands. His body was so perfect.

“Mmm, Tam.” His voice was harsher, lower. “What sweet hands. We can make the others wait.” He groaned. “Just finish me. I need to come on you.”

She stroked faster, harder. She could feel the veins in his cock pulsing angrily against her palm as his breathing tightened. His hips worked against the air, pushing his cock through her hands with more force.

“Make me come, my mate,” he groaned.

She was slick herself, her underwear hot and damp against her swollen lips. But this, what she was doing? It was for West. She just wanted his climax to be powerful, freeing, simple. He could fuck her later. This was his reward, his moment of release.

Suddenly, he let out a roar that she knew the rest of the apartment could hear. His fat cock was orgasming, creaming the hip of her dress with a fantastic load. She let out a little gasp, shockingly close to orgasm herself. The sight of his coming powerfully on her dress, staining it, marking her, was electrifying. She’d done this to him.

“Winnie!” he growled, his voice as low as she’d ever heard it. “You’re mine! All mine!”

“All yours!” she echoed, and her clit pulsed, near the brink. She shoved a hand in her panties, even though she’d promised herself she wouldn’t, and strummed it once. Twice. Climax. Her rigid clit pulsed and strained as the ecstasy washed over her, and she found herself going limp into his arms. They were panting.

“Good girl,” he whispered, tangling his hands in her thick blonde hair. “Look how much we enjoy each other. No other girl can make me come that easily, Tam, or that hard. Certainly not with her hands alone. We belong together.”

“Yes,” she answered breathlessly. And then he kissed her, a long, selfish kiss that went on and on. Her whole body was on fire, hot enough that it was almost too much to bear.

When he stopped, her lips were kiss-swollen and her wet underwear were cold against her still-swollen lips. How long had it been? Did it matter?

“You are perfect,” he said seriously. “I’m proud to have you by my side.”

“West,” she begged, not sure what she was asking for until he kissed her again.

They both went back into the shower. By the time they were out and dressed, the meat was done and it was only an hour till dawn.

“About time,” Betony said when she saw them. “Stone’s ready to chuck himself out the window. I hope you have a plan, West.”

“Don’t I always?” West asked. Winnie closed a button on his shirt for him. They’d dressed carelessly. “Thank you, love.” She kissed his collarbone as a you’re welcome.

“I’m serious!” Betony hissed, her eyes flashing.

“So am I,” West said coolly. “I’m always serious. Go into the dining room, Betony. I can smell that food is ready.”

They all sat to eat, Hyssop, Asher, Betony, Stone, Cattail, West, and Winnie, the table spread for a feast of juicy, fatty glazed pork.

“Where’s Kiefer?” Winnie whispered.

“He can’t be here,” West whispered back as everyone settled into their seats, unfolded their napkins, and poured themselves drinks. “I beat him. He’ll be licking his wounds in the woods.”

“So, West,” Stone said, sounding defeated. He didn’t seem interested in the sparkling pork that Hyssop served him. “What now? How now?”

“Eat,” West commanded. “My food is good.”

For awhile, they did. Winnie was amazed to watch Stone eat, too, even though he shot West looks of resentment and fear. Was this the power of an Alpha?

Finally, West held up a hand for attention. They went silent.

“Here is what we will do,” he began.