Wolf from the Past: Salvation Pack, Book 4 (6 page)

He leapt onto the porch and leaned against one of the posts. “What would you like for dinner?”

It startled her to realize that no one had ever asked her that question in her life. When she was a kid, she ate whatever was put on the table. To do otherwise was an invitation to incite her father’s anger, and that never ended well for anyone. Andre had certainly never asked her. She’d cooked whatever her mate had wanted. Living alone in the human world there was never a reason for anyone to ask her such a thing.

“I don’t know.”

“Think about it,” he encouraged. He crossed his arms over his chest, making his biceps bulge. He was a feral predator, a strong, aggressive male, and he wanted to know what she wanted him to cook her for dinner.

It made her laugh. Then her gaze immediately shot to him, wondering if he might take offense. But one corner of his mouth kicked up in a lazy grin and his blue eyes sparkled.

“What? You think I can’t cook?”

Armand stepped out of the house with a tray in hand. “What’s going on?”

Gator ignored the obvious tension in Armand’s voice and grinned. “Your sister is casting aspersions on my cooking abilities.”

“No, I’m not,” she insisted. She wasn’t used to anyone teasing her but found herself enjoying the exchange.

Armand snorted. “Aspersions, my ass. She’s probably just worried about her stomach.” Armand set the tray on a small table between two of the chairs and handed her one of the tall glasses. “Don’t worry. He won’t poison you.”

“Why do I put up with such slander? I should leave the lot of you to fend for yourselves.” Gator shook his head. “Have you decided what you’d like?” he asked her.

She shook her head. She could barely think with him standing there half naked. Making a decision about dinner was beyond her.

“I’ll surprise you.” He inclined his head to her, slapped Armand on the shoulder and went inside, leaving her and her brother alone.

Condensation had already made the glass damp. She brought it her lips and sipped the tart, cool liquid. “That tastes wonderful.”

Armand settled into the turquoise-colored chair next to her. “Glad you like it.” He picked up a plate of cookies from the tray and offered it to her. She took one. “Oatmeal chocolate chip cookies. They’re good. Anny made them.”

Sylvie took a bite and nodded. “They are good.” She chewed and swallowed, enjoying the flavors. “How did you and Anny meet? What pack is she from?”

Armand’s smile lit up his entire face. “She’s not from a pack. I met her in town.”

That didn’t make any sense. “But she’s a werewolf. I could smell her wolf. Do you mean she was a loner?” There were some who were banished from their pack for some infraction. It was the worst punishment a pack had, even worse than death in many ways, and it was rarely used. Still fewer who chose to leave their packs, like she had.

Armand shook his head. “No. Anny was human.”

Sylvie gasped and carefully set her glass on the arm of her chair. “How is that possible?” Her mind was whirling. Such a thing was so rare as to almost be unheard of.

He leaned back and stretched his long legs out in front of him. “It’s a miracle.”

Gator moved away from the open window as brother and sister began to talk. He wanted to be outside with them, with her. He forced himself to head toward his room. He needed a shower and then he’d cook for Sylvie.

Brother and sister needed time to talk. It was a good thing. If she and Armand were on good terms, she’d be more likely to stay here. His wolf chuffed in agreement.

He kicked off his jeans and strode naked into his bathroom. Like the rest of his space, it was functional but lacked much in the way of personality. Anny had been after him for months to do something to spruce up his room, but he hadn’t been interested. Now he wondered what Sylvie would think of it.

He planned on offering her his room if she stayed.

She had to stay. He couldn’t handle her being out there alone in the world. Yes, she’d survived on her own quite nicely for the past couple of years, but it was different now. He’d thought her dead. Now that he knew she was alive, he wanted to take care of her.

He snorted and stepped into the shower stall and cranked the tap. The water came out chilly, which helped cool his heated body. He adjusted the heat and stood with the water flowing down over him.

His dick ached. The damn thing had been on alert since the moment he’d laid eyes on Sylvie. Cooking dinner with a hard-on wasn’t exactly the best way to reassure her he was in control. It was also likely to get him a beating from his friend if Armand suspected Gator’s arousal was due to Sylvie’s presence.

No, much better for everyone if he took matters into his own hands, so to speak. He grabbed the soap and ran it between his hands. When he had a nice lather built up, he tossed the soap back onto the ledge and ran his hand down his stomach until he reached his cock.

He groaned the moment he touched his dick. It was all too easy to imagine it was Sylvie holding him in her hand. Yeah, that was what he really wanted.

He kept his eyes closed as he moved his hand. His motions were rougher than hers would be so he gentled his grip. His breathing hitched and got deeper as he pumped his fist up and down.

Gator could still smell her feminine scent, taste her on his lips. His balls drew up tight to his body. His hand moved faster.

Merde
. What would it feel like to have her mouth on him? Have her tongue lapping at his shaft? She had the sweetest lips.

He bit down on his bottom lip to keep from yelling as he found release. He kept pumping as semen shot from the tip of his cock to coat his hand and stomach. He tilted back his head and let the water flow over him. He should feel some relief, but instead he felt empty.

Gator swore, grabbed the soap and began to scrub. He needed to start cooking dinner for Sylvie. Right on cue, his dick began to harden again. He ignored it as he finished cleaning up and began to plan what he was going to make.

Chapter Six

This meal was much different from the one she’d eaten earlier. Laughter and chatter filled the space, and this time she felt more a part of things. Everyone was gathered once again around the big dining table, busily consuming bowlfuls of spicy chili that Gator had magically produced. The man really could cook.

Armand’s mate had pulled some homemade rolls from the freezer to thaw and bake to round out the meal. She still couldn’t get over the fact that Anny had been human. She cringed when she thought about how Anny had been converted.

Sylvie had always known their father was a bastard, but to hear what he’d done to Anny took it to a whole other level. She wasn’t sad he was gone. If that made her unfeeling, then so be it. Her father had been nothing but cruel to her for her entire life.

As if sensing her gaze, Anny looked up and smiled at Sylvie. She smiled back, pleased her brother had found a mate, and one who really seemed to love and appreciate him. That took a weight off her. She’d always worried that Armand would end up with some manipulative bitch who’d take advantage of his good nature.

“What are your plans?” Jacque set his spoon back into his empty bowl and leaned back in his chair. “You know I want you to stay with us. We all do.”

They all nodded. It brought tears to her eyes after so many years of feeling as though she had no place in the world.

“I have a job,” she began. “And an apartment.” Or rather, she’d had a crappy waitressing job and an efficiency apartment in Ohio. She’d dumped both, packed what few belongings she had in the trunk of her ancient car and driven to North Carolina. She’d had no expectations about being welcomed with open arms but had planned to find a job nearby so she could be closer to Armand.

Armand frowned. The motion brought attention to the scars on the left side of his face. Sylvie thought it ironic that she had a scar on her right cheek. What a pair they made.

Louis shook his head. “No. It’s not safe for you to be out there on your own.” He turned to Jacque. “Tell her I’m right.”

“He’s right,” Jacque easily agreed with his brother. “I’m right.” He leaned forward and rested his elbows on the edge of the table. “You need to stay here with your family.”

“Maybe for a day or two,” she began, mulling over the idea in her head. It scared and excited her at the same time. “Just to see how it goes,” she added.

“Sylvie can have my room.” All eyes turned to Gator. “That way she can be closer to Armand.”

Sylvie shivered at the thought of sleeping in Gator’s bed. It would almost be like sleeping with him. His sheets would smell like him.

“I thought she could take my bed,” Louis offered.

Sylvie’s stomach tightened. She wanted to stay here, closer to Gator. No, closer to her brother.

Gator stood and began to clear the table. “
Non
. It’s better if she is here with her brother. I can sleep on the sofa. It’s no big deal.”

“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.”