Wolf from the Past: Salvation Pack, Book 4 Page 7

  “I was going to offer her our room.” Armand wrapped one arm around his mate. “Anny and I agreed.”

  “You have a mate,” Gator pointed out. “I don’t. No need to put Anny or you out of your room.”

  Sylvie looked toward Jacque, wondering what he thought about Gator taking over the decision-making process. In their former pack, to do such a thing was to court death.

  Her cousin leaned back and thoughtfully rubbed his chin. Then he glanced over at Armand. Her brother gave a small nod. Then Jacque turned to her. “Where would you like to stay?”

  “Umm.” He’d taken her off-guard. Neither her Uncle Pierre nor her father would have asked her opinion. And Andre would have simply told her what to do and expected her to do it without asking questions.

  All eyes were on her once again. “I’d like that. I mean, I’d like to stay here. With Armand,” she added.

  “It’s settled then.” Jacque smiled at her. “I’m glad you’re staying.”

  The determined expression on his face made her question whether or not she’d really had a choice. Jacque was more open to suggestions from the members of his pack, but underneath his more democratic style of rule, he was all alpha.

  Cherise rose from her seat and began to help Gator clear the table. Cole followed her into the kitchen and began pouring coffee for everyone. Sylvie still couldn’t help but stare at both Gator and Cole as they worked. Gator saw her watching and winked at her.

  “Not like where we came from, is it?” Armand’s quiet question made her pull her gaze away from Gator. She really shouldn’t be watching him, especially not in front of everyone else, but she found it hard to drag her eyes away from him.

  “No, it’s not.” That was an understatement.

  It was Gwen who spoke up next. She’d been quiet throughout most of the meal. “You’re safe here, Sylvie. You don’t need to be alone anymore.”

  Gwen was the alpha female and her acceptance meant everything. “Thank you.”

  Gator put a mug of coffee in front of her and handed another to Anny. Cole served Gwen and Cherise first. Once again, the men were putting the women first, and they did it so naturally Sylvie knew they really didn’t think about it. It was just something they automatically did.

  Gator went back to the kitchen and returned with a large plastic container filled with cookies. He set it in the middle of the table. “Chocolate chip oatmeal cookies,” he announced.

  Gwen reached forward and snagged two. “I love these.” She put one on her plate and took a bite out of the other. “You’ve really perfected this recipe, Anny.”

  The other woman beamed. “Thanks. I’m pleased with it.”

  Sylvie envied the other women. They seemed close. She’d never had a close female friend, not even growing up. Her father had kept her close to home and hadn’t allowed her to invite anyone over, not that she would have wanted to. Not with her overbearing, violent father nearby. She shuddered.

  A heavy hand landed on her shoulder, making her jump. Gator was watching her with concern in his eyes. “You okay?”

  She managed a shaky smile. “I’m fine.” When he frowned, she added, “Memories.”

  He nodded. “I get it.”

  She believed he did. All of them did. This group was special, and they’d invited her to be a part of it.

  “We need more space.” Cole contemplated the group from over his mug of coffee. The large mug looked almost dainty in his enormous hand. “We’re outgrowing what we have.”

  “I’ve been thinking the same thing.” Jacque plucked a cookie out of the container and handed it to his mate. Gwen rolled her eyes but Sylvie noted that she took the cookie and smiled before taking a bite.

  Gator grabbed the container and held it out to her. “You should have one before they’re all gone.”

  Her wolf preened inside her and Sylvie felt her cheeks heating as she took one of the delicious-looking cookies. “Thank you.”

  “You sure you don’t want more?”

  She shook her head. “I had some earlier.” She also wasn’t sure she could manage to eat the one she’d taken. Nerves had suddenly robbed her of her appetite. “This is more than enough. I filled up on the chili.” That wasn’t a lie. She’d enjoyed the spicy meal. “It was delicious.”

  “Glad you enjoyed it.” He grabbed several for himself before returning the container to the center of the table. Sylvie fought the urge to pull her top away from her body and flap it to fan herself. Being around Gator kept her in a continuous state of upheaval. She’d never reacted in such a way before, never been so aware of a man.

  Armand glanced at Gator and then at her and frowned. Sylvie broke off a piece of the cookie and popped it into her mouth. The combination of oatmeal and chocolate chip really was delicious. “These are amazing, Anny.”

  Her brother’s attention was immediately diverted and he smiled. “Anny is an incredible baker.”

  Anny laughed. “Glad you like it. I can’t always depend on these guys to tell me the truth. They’ll eat anything.”

  Gator slapped his hand over his heart. “You wound me.”

  Anny snorted and Sylvie tried not to feel envious over their byplay, even though she had no reason to be jealous. Gator wasn’t her man. It was obvious that he was close to Armand’s mate. The two of them had a lot in common with their obvious joy of working in the kitchen.

  “Back to the problem of space,” Jacque interjected. “I think we need to build another cabin, maybe two, depending on who wants their own space.”

  Cole twined his fingers with his mate’s. “I was thinking we could build two smaller places. Maybe one or two bedrooms in each. One for Gator. The other for Cherise and me. That way Anny and Armand and Sylvie could share this one.”

  Jacque nodded. “That would work.” He turned to Louis. “What do you think?”

  “If we keep the design simple, we could have the first one up in about eight weeks, give or take, depending on material shipments. Might not be totally finished inside, but it would be habitable.”

  “We have most of the logs already cut and sitting in the shed beside my workshop,” Cole interjected. “It wouldn’t take long to get them both framed up.”

  “Workshop?” she asked.

  Cole offered her a small smile. “I build things.”

  Cherise laughed. “He makes amazing furniture like this table.” She ran her fingers over the smooth wood. “He’s really talented.”

  “I don’t want to hear about his prowess in bed, chère,” Gator teased. Cherise snorted while Cole took a half-hearted swing at him, which Gator ducked easily.

  Sylvie found herself smiling along with the rest of them. Warmth filled her chest that had nothing to do with the heat of the summer’s evening. She genuinely liked these people. All of them.

  Gator grinned at something else Cole said to him. Sylvie didn’t hear it over the avalanche of panic that threatened to bury her. Oh God. She really, really liked Gator. And not just as a potential friend and packmate.

  She’d already been aware of this, but it hadn’t been such a big deal when she’d thought she wouldn’t be staying. Now she’d be living with him every single day. Seeing him first thing in the morning and last thing at night. She’d be sleeping in his bed and eating food he’d prepared.

  Sylvie felt the familiar tightness in her chest. Then a hand reached beneath the table and snagged one of hers. Gator. Once again, he’d sensed her on the verge of a panic attack and sought to comfort her. And darned if it wasn’t working yet again. She concentrated on taking one breath at a time. The buzzing in her ears faded and she became aware of the conversation continuing around her.

  “Cole, you and Gator draw up the plans since the homes will belong to you. Give Louis a list of any supplies you need so he can get them ordered.” Jacque rubbed his hands together. “I’m looking forward to
building again. It’s been too long.”

  “I can help,” Sylvie blurted out. They all stared at her like she had ten heads, but she was determined to do her part.

  “I want to be part of it too.” Sylvie could have kissed Cherise at that moment. “If Cole and I are going to live in one of them, I want in on the construction.”

  “I don’t know anything about construction, but I can help with the interior design,” Anny added.

  Armand snorted. “My mate, queen of Internet shopping.”

  She elbowed him. “Don’t knock it. It keeps you out of the stores, doesn’t it?”

  Armand grabbed Anny’s hand and brought it to his lips. “It does indeed.”

  “I don’t know what I can do to help.” Gwen shrugged. “I know absolutely zero about construction and I’m not much for shopping, but I can follow directions.” She looked at her mate. “We all need to be a part of this.”

  Sylvie didn’t realize she was holding her breath and forced herself to breath. Jacque nodded. “Okay. We’re all in. Draw up those plans fast and we’ll break ground in a day or two.”

  “I’ve been tinkering with some designs.” Armand rose from the table and went into the other room to grab his laptop. “I knew this day would come and wanted to be prepared.”

  “I need a gourmet kitchen in mine.” Any other man might have been kidding, but Sylvie knew Gator was serious.

  “I wouldn’t expect you to settle for anything less,” Armand assured him.

  Jacque pushed away from the table and waited while Gwen stood. “We’ll leave you two ladies to discuss kitchens.” Both Gator and Armand frowned while Cole gave a snort of laughter.

  Gwen lightly tapped Jacque’s stomach. “You’d complain fast enough if Gator stopped feeding you. I sure as hell can’t cook the way he can.”

  “Ah, but you have so many other talents,” Jacque assured her. The others laughed and Sylvie couldn’t help but smile. Louis left with Jacque and Gwen, leaving the six of them around the table.

  “Why don’t I help Sylvie get her things from her car while you get things set up here?” Gator stood and offered her his hand. She automatically took it.

  “Sylvie?”

  She nodded at her brother. “That’s fine. I’ve got a bag in the trunk.” That wasn’t all she had in the trunk. That space and her backseat held all her worldly goods, which amounted to little more than clothes, some books and knickknacks she’d collected from thrift stores and yard sales. A small box of dishes and a bag with bedding. It wasn’t much but it was all hers, chosen because she liked it and not because her father or mate thought it appropriate.

  Gator walked beside her as they left the others working on the designs on the new homes. “Sure you don’t want to put your two cents worth in?” she asked.

  “Plenty of time for that,” he assured her. “Besides, Armand knows what he’s doing.”

  She took a deep breath as they stepped out into the evening air. “You don’t have to come with me. I’m only going to grab a bag.”

  “I don’t mind.” He also took a deep breath, but unlike her, he was searching for unseen threats. She didn’t think he ever let down his guard.

  “I’m perfectly safe.” Sylvie started down the path to the driveway, which was out of sight of the houses.

  “Of course you are.” He casually swung their hands where they were joined. She’d gotten so comfortable with Gator in such a short time she’d all but forgotten they were holding hands.

  Another thought occurred to her. “I won’t run, if that’s what you’re afraid of.”

  He stopped and tugged her hand until she was facing him. “No, chère, I’m not worried about you running. You told Armand you were staying, and I know you wouldn’t lie to your brother.”

  Sylvie frowned, not sure if that was a compliment or if he was implying she might lie to him and the others.

  “Let’s get that bag before they finish designing my house.” Gator tugged her along but she quickly took the lead again. “I need to make sure the kitchen is up to my standards.”

  She pulled her hand from his as they neared her car. “I’ll just get my bag and my purse. You can wait here.” She hurried to the car, hoping he’d stay where he was. She should have known better. Gator was nothing if not curious.

  She grabbed her purse and the keys that were still in the ignition and went around to the trunk. Gator was staring at the boxes in the backseat. “You want to take all this up to the house?”

  She shook her head and unlatched the trunk. The bag she needed was right on top. She’d packed a tote bag with essentials for an overnight stay in case she had to get a room at a motel. She hadn’t really allowed herself to believe she’d be staying with her brother and the rest of the pack. That had been little more than a dream. Now it was reality.

  Before she could grab the bag and close the trunk, Gator was beside her. When she tried to shut it, He grabbed the edge of the metal and held it open. “That’s a lot of stuff for a short trip, chère.”

  The kindness in his voice almost broke her, but she rallied and gave him a smile. “I’m relocating.” She grabbed her tote bag and motioned for him to shut the lid to the trunk.

  He shook his head. “I don’t think so.” He reached in and pulled out two battered duffle bags that contained the rest of her clothing and the bedding she’d collected. “You don’t have a job or an apartment to go back to, do you?”

  She tilted her chin up and held her ground. “I don’t think that’s any of your concern.” It was difficult for her to assert herself, but she was getting better at it. The fact that her heart was racing a mile a minute and she was sweating was inconsequential to the reality she was actually doing it.

  Gator dropped both bags on the gravel and clasped her loosely by the shoulders. “Everything about you is my concern, mon ange.” He leaned down until he was so close she could feel his breath against her lips. “Everything.”

  Then he kissed her. Oh, it was just as incredible as she remembered. He stroked her lips with his tongue and she parted them, allowing him inside. She knew this was a mistake, could lead to nothing but trouble, but she couldn’t help herself.

  She’d been so cold and alone for so long. Gator pushed all that away and warmed her from the inside out.

  The tote bag she’d been holding fell to the ground from her nerveless fingers. Feeling daring, she placed her hands on his bare chest. She did love the way the muscles tightened beneath his smooth skin. He was so warm, so alive. She ran her fingers over his abs and up to his pecs, marveling at his strength. And for once in her life, a man’s strength didn’t frighten her.

  That in itself was downright scary.

  His tongue tangled with hers, teasing, cajoling. It wasn’t long before she was stroking his, playing a sensual game of give and take that was totally unfamiliar to her. She might be in her mid-thirties and had been mated, but she was a novice when it came to these sorts of games.

  Gator, however, was an expert. He plied his tongue with a skill that left her breathless and wanting more. He stroked her tongue and growled low in his chest when she did the same in return.

  He let his hands slide down her arms and around to her lower back. She tensed when he pulled her closer, and he immediately loosened his grip, letting her know she was free to move away at any time. Strangely, it made her want to move closer.

  His erection was pressed against his stomach. He was hard, pushing against the front of his jeans. His big hands cupped her ass and squeezed. Her pussy clenched and she groaned.

  Gator eased back but kept his hands where they were. His gaze narrowed when she licked her lips. “We should get back to the house.” His voice was rough and deep and skated over her skin like a caress.

  “We should,” she agreed. Neither of them moved.

  He swore under his breath and slowly released his
hold on her butt one finger at a time until he pulled his hands away. He took a step back and huffed out a breath. “I’m lucky your brother didn’t see me.” His eyes glittered in the shadows closing in around them.

  “My brother has no say in my life.” Wow, was that really her saying such things?

  Gator shook his head. “That might be, but it doesn’t stop him from caring.” He grabbed her duffle bags and jerked his head toward the house.

  She closed the trunk, picked up her tote bag and headed back up the path.

  “You really don’t have anywhere to go, do you?”

  There was no point in lying to him. Gator would only keep questioning her. Plus, he’d be sure to tell the others what he’d seen.

  “I gave up my job and let my apartment go after I talked to Elise. I figured if there was a chance I might have a relationship with Armand, I’d want to relocate to the largest town closest to him. Somewhere I could get a job.”

  Gator gave a low whistle. “That was brave.”

  She was startled, he understood just how difficult the decision had been for her, how she’d struggled with it but ultimately done what she’d felt was best for both her and her brother. She started to shrug it off but stopped. All the books she’d read on recovering from abuse had encouraged her to be positive about herself, to vocalize her new way of seeing herself. “Thank you.”

  Holding both her duffle bags in one hand, he put his free one on the small of her back. It was a comfort to her. They walked side-by-side until they got to the door. Gator reached around her and opened it.

  Armand glanced over when they walked in. “Took you long enough.”

  Sylvie immediately started to duck her head but stopped. She straightened her shoulders and met her brother’s quizzical gaze.

  Once again, Gator came to her aid. “We got to talking.” He set the bags he was carrying on the floor. Then he held out his hand for her keys. “I’m going to bring in the rest of your things.”

  She hesitated but handed them to him. “I can help.”

  Gator shook his head. “No, but I appreciate the offer.” He looked meaningfully at Armand. “I think your brother needs to know that you gave up your job and your apartment for him.”