Wolf from the Past: Salvation Pack, Book 4

by N. J. Walters

  Was she melting? She thought she must be. The way he looked at her and the things he said made her feel all soft and gooey inside. Gator was reaching inside her wounded heart and bringing it alive with his care and attention.

  Her wolf trusted his. And that was everything. Unlike humans, werewolves lived by their instincts. Hers were screaming that Gator was the one for her. But could she bring herself to mate again after what she’d been through? It was one thing to sleep with him, quite another to allow him to claim and mark her.

  She rubbed the scars on her neck and shivered.

  “Hey.” He reached out and caught her hand. “We don’t have to do this.” He started to ease from between her legs, but she shook her head.

  “No, I want to do this.” It was more than that. “I need to do this.” She tried to smile but feared it fell flat. “Just have patience with me. I sometimes go places I don’t want to.” She didn’t want the memories of the past to smother the beautiful moment between them.

  He squeezed her fingers. “Whatever you want. Whatever you need,” he promised her. “I have a reputation for being impatient, but I can find plenty of patience when something is important to me.”

  He released her hand and settled back. His breath was warm on her tender flesh. Then he dragged his tongue over her pussy from back to front. She sucked in a breath and arched into his touch. The slight rasp of his tongue stimulated already sensitive nerve endings.

  And when he pushed his tongue against her clit, she almost came off the bed. She tried to close her legs around his head but he kept them spread wide with his large hands. He growled and the vibration rocketed through her. It was like having a vibrator against her clit.

  At the last second, she threw her hand over her mouth to muffle her cries of ecstasy as she came. Her body trembled. A thin layer of sweat covered her skin. But it still wasn’t enough. “Gator.”

  He swore and heaved himself up and over her. His cock slid between her thighs and he pushed his way home. Sylvie sighed with relief when he filled her.

  How had he become so important to her so quickly? He shoved both arms beneath her thighs and lifted as he drove deep. It was frightening how much she wanted him. He’d stop if she asked him. She knew he would. But there was no way she’d ask. She wanted this as much as he did.

  He took her hard and fast, as though he couldn’t wait any longer. She was glad. It didn’t give her time to think, to second-guess. She lost herself in the passion blazing between them. Sylvie was surprised the sheets didn’t catch fire.

  She met him stroke for stroke, lifting as much as she could in her position. Gator held the power and, amazingly, she didn’t mind in the least.

  “Fuck,” he gritted out. “I can’t hold on.” His hips pistoned and she caught his urgency. Once again, she was totally in tune with him. When she felt the base of his shaft swelling again and knew he was coming, her body responded in kind.

  She caught his face and pulled him down so she could kiss him. He caught her cries and she smothered his moan of pleasure as they both came. Heart racing and lungs burning, she let herself go.

  He pulled his lips from hers and stared down at her. He looked so fierce, so determined. His mouth was set in a firm line, his blue eyes dark with passion. “Sylvie.” He said her name. Nothing more. But he said so much with that one word. She could hear the sensual promise, the possession and the hope.

  He collapsed on top of her and she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. She liked the way he covered her like a blanket, even if it made it difficult to breathe. He started to push away but she held on tight, keeping him where he was.

  “I don’t want to crush you, chère.”

  “You won’t.” She wanted to stay in this moment. She had a sick feeling of dread in her stomach. Something this good couldn’t last. Their former pack was watching them, waiting for the opportunity to attack.

  Gator rolled to the side, taking his considerable weight off her. She kept her arms locked around him.

  “Hey.” He pushed her damp hair away from her face and studied her expression. “Don’t think about it,” he told her. “We don’t know what will happen in the future.” He slid one hand up and down her spine, soothing her. She’d missed being touched in the years she’d lived alone. There was nothing sexual about his touch now. It was comforting. “We can enjoy this moment.”

  “You’re right.” She knew he was right. She was letting the past and the future destroy this precious time. She ran her finger over his arm, tracing the tattoos. “Why did you get these?” It had to have taken quite a while to get both arms done. Tattoos weren’t something a werewolf took lightly or did on a whim.

  He kissed the tip of her nose and the playful show of affection made her smile. “I wanted to look tough for the ladies.”

  “Really?” Because that truly didn’t sound like the man she’d come to know.

  “No,” he teased. “Not really, but it was a side benefit.” He sighed. “I just wanted something that was mine. You know what it was like living in that pack. You did what you were told and the pack was everything.”

  “I know.” She petted his chest, wanting to ease the ache that still echoed in his voice.

  “But the tattoo was my choice, my design.” He eased away and sat so she could see both arms. She knelt beside him and studied the intricate designs. Lots of swirls and pattern but also a stylized wolf on each arm.

  “It really is gorgeous.”

  He pointed to the larger male wolf on his right arm. “This represents me and reminds me to be strong, to fight for what I want.”

  She gently caressed the wolf on his left arm, the female. “And this one?”

  He caught her chin in his hand and rubbed his thumb over her swollen bottom lip. “This one is for my mate, a tribute to the woman I wanted but thought I could never have.”

  Her heart stopped and she froze.

  “This one is you, Sylvie.”

  She gasped and her heart thudded slow and hard. He’d permanently marked himself with a reminder of her. “Me?”

  He leaned down and gently pressed his lips to hers. “Yeah.” His voice was hoarse. “Maybe I shouldn’t have told you that, but you deserve the truth. No one else knows. They all just thought they were cool wolves. But I wanted something, a tribute to you.”

  To think that he’d permanently marked his body…for her. It was mind blowing and surreal. “I don’t know what to say.” She felt as though she should say something profound.

  He smiled. “Nothing to say. You didn’t know. It was my choice.” He rolled off the bed and held out his hand. “I don’t know about you, but I need a shower before I can sleep.”

  Sylvie was sticky and sweaty. “A shower would be great.” She could tell he didn’t want to discuss his tattoos or the past any longer. She didn’t blame him. The present was much more pleasant.

  “That’s a big shower stall you have,” she teased.

  His grin widened. “All the better to wash you with, my dear.”

  Sylvie laughed. “You’re the big bad wolf, are you?”

  He caught her hand and brought it to his lips. “With everyone but you, mon ange. You never have to be afraid of me.”

  Her heart did a little flip and her wolf howled with pleasure. She truly believed him. Other than her brother, Gator was the only man who’d ever made her feel safe. He also made her feel so much more.

  “How about that shower?” Her voice was low and sultry and his nostrils flared when he scented her growing arousal. He tugged her toward the bathroom door and inside.

  Chapter Nineteen

  The sun rose with the promise of another hot day, shining in through the window and brightening the entire bedroom. She didn’t mind. She loved the morning when the world was quieter. She’d always been an early riser.

  Sylvie donned shorts and a tank top, decidin
g to dress casually like the other women did, and padded barefoot into the bathroom. She’d slept better than she’d thought she would, all things considered.

  Her gaze was drawn to the shower stall, and she blushed just thinking about what they’d done in there last night. Gator had lifted her, put her back against the wall and rocked them both to heaven. Then they’d washed and he’d taken her back to bed, cuddling her from behind until they both fell asleep.

  She’d noticed that he never took her from behind when they had sex, never put her in a position that would leave her feeling physically vulnerable. It made her appreciate him even more. It had been on the tip of her tongue to say she loved him. Maybe she did. How could she know for sure?

  She didn’t bother with earrings or jewelry. It would only be in the way if she decided to shift. And she might. It had been an incredible experience to embrace her wolf after so long. “Remember, you promised not to go anywhere alone,” she lectured her reflection in the bathroom mirror.

  “Who you talking to, chère?” Gator strolled into the bathroom, wearing nothing but a pair of faded jeans that clung to his thick thighs and lean hips. The zipper was up but the button was left undone. He scratched the light covering of hair on his chest.

  Honestly, it should be illegal for a man to look this good first thing in the morning. His hair was sleep tousled, his eyes heavy lidded. He walked with a swagger that announced to the world that he’d gotten laid last night.

  She shook her head. “No one.”

  He placed his hands on her shoulders and dropped a kiss on her cheek. “If you say so.” The teasing glint in his eyes made her smile.

  “What’s the plan for today?”

  He turned on the cold-water tap in the sink, lowered his head and splashed water onto his face. She handed him a towel when he was done. “Thanks, babe.” He rubbed the thick cotton over his face, drying it before he answered her.

  “I need to patrol and I know Jacque will want to meet with us to discuss defense plans.”

  “By us you mean the men, don’t you?” They might be progressive, but they were still male werewolves. “What am I going to do today?” She wasn’t used to being idle.

  Gator shrugged. “Whatever you want. Treat this as a vacation. Read, relax, take a nap.”

  She took the towel from him and when he turned away from her, she snapped him on the butt with it. He whirled around and the incredulous expression on his face made her laugh. Then she thought about what she’d done. Andre would have beaten her if she’d dared such a thing with him. She hadn’t given it a second thought with Gator. It had been pure instinct.

  “Think that’s funny, do you?” Even though she could see the humor in his eyes, she tensed. He grabbed her and nuzzled her neck. When she stiffened even more he, released her. “I’ll get even,” he promised.

  She released her pent-up breath and tried to smile again. “I’ll be waiting,” she teased, trying to recapture the playful moment.

  He slung his arm around her shoulder and guided her out of the bathroom. “Seriously, you should take it easy. Anny has shelves loaded with books in her room. I know she wouldn’t mind you borrowing one.” He gave her a sly look. “You could always bake a pie or three. I like pie. Especially cherry.”

  She patted his six-pack abs. “I can tell.”

  “Woman.” He caught her hand and brought it to his lips. “You don’t say things like that to your man.”

  Your man. His words brought with them a sense of contentment.

  “You ready?” He hesitated by the door.

  She knew she’d have to face them all eventually. The only person she was really worried about was Armand. She wasn’t quite sure how her brother would react to Gator spending the night with her. “I’m ready.”

  He opened the door and waited until she went ahead of him. “Remember, chère, he loves you.” His whispered reminder softened some of her anxiety.

  Cole and Cherise were nowhere around but both Armand and Anny were in the kitchen making breakfast.

  “Morning.” Anny called the cheery greeting. “I’m scrambling eggs. Ham is in the oven.”

  Armand crossed his arms over his chest and didn’t say a word. He studied her for the longest time. Then he sighed and opened his arms. Sylvie went to him and hugged her brother tight. He kept his arms loose, barely closing them around her. She knew it was because he didn’t want her to feel trapped in any way. She appreciated his understanding and his willingness to accept her as she was, damaged and all.

  It was amazing how quickly being around these wolves had shattered her fear of being touched. Because her wolf trusted them, she no longer felt threatened when either Gator or her brother hugged her.

  She wasn’t sure she was up to any of the others holding her this close, but she could now handle a pat on the shoulder or a touch on the arm and enjoy it rather than having it bring on a panic attack.

  “What am I going to do with you?” he whispered in her ear. He kissed her cheek and released her. Then he pinned his gaze on Gator. “Just let me know if you need me to take him out back and beat him up for you.”

  Sylvie shook her head. “I’ll keep that in mind.” She loved that her brother wanted to protect her, yet he was letting her know he respected whatever decision she made about her and Gator’s relationship. She knew it couldn’t be easy for Armand. He’d always been a protector by nature, so different from their father.

  “Since nobody has to beat up anyone this morning,” Anny announced, “why don’t you pour some coffee and we’ll all have breakfast.”

  “Yes, ma petite.” Armand’s dry reply to his mate’s command made Sylvie smile. Gator snickered, not even bothering to try to hide his amusement.

  Anny pinned Gator with a look. “You can get the ham out of the oven.”

  Gator saluted her. “Yes, ma’am.”

  Sylvie carried the mugs that Armand filled over to the table and took her seat. Gator followed with the ham and Anny with a bowl filled with fluffy scrambled eggs. There was also a bowl of fresh fruit salad on the table and Sylvie reached for it first.

  Gator groaned and she turned to see what was wrong. He motioned to the bowl in her hand. “Another one who prefers fruit to meat. I bet you like salad too?” It came out as an accusation.

  She grinned. “I love salad.” She reached for the plate of ham. “But I love meat too.”

  Anny snickered and then Sylvie realized what she said could easily be misconstrued to have sexual connotations. Armand groaned and buried his head in his hands while Gator laughed outright.

  “Good to know,” Gator told her.

  “Eat your breakfast,” she muttered even as she felt her cheeks warming under his regard.

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Breakfast came and went and both Armand and Gator disappeared shortly after. Cherise showed up and told her and Anny that Cole had joined the other men at Jacque’s home.

  The three women moved to the back deck. Anny curled up in one of the big wooden chairs, Cherise perched on the railing and Sylvie sat on the steps that went down to the yard.

  Sylvie had the uncomfortable feeling that both women were hanging around just to keep her company. “Feel free to do whatever you normally do.”

  “You’re kidding, right?” Anny leaned forward. “After last night.”

  Sylvie didn’t quite understand what the other woman was getting at.

  Cherise fanned her hand in front of her face. “It was hot in the house last night.”

  She didn’t think her friend was talking about the temperature. She bit her lip and swallowed a groan.

  “Oh, yeah.” Anny picked up the thread of the conversation. “It was one of those nights that made me think we need to start building those other houses sooner rather than later.” She tilted her head sideways. “You two were still at it when I finally fell asleep.”<
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  “Still at what?” Gwen walked up the path with Louis a few feet behind her. When he saw the other woman, he turned to leave.

  “Stay close,” he warned them before disappearing into the trees.

  “Let’s just say that neither Gator nor Sylvie got much sleep last night.” Cherise’s dry assessment made them all laugh.

  Sylvie couldn’t help but join in. There was no malice in their teasing, only their honest pleasure for her. It was nice to have female friends.

  Gwen plunked down next to Sylvie on the step. “You’re looking perky for a woman who didn’t get much sleep,” she observed.

  Sylvie grinned. “What can I say? I feel energized.”

  “Me too.” Cherise raised her arms over her head and stretched. “Let’s just say all those amorous vibes spread throughout the house.”

  Anny laughed, but Sylvie noted her pleased smile and knew her brother and his mate had enjoyed themselves last night as well.

  “So what does everyone have planned for the day?” she asked.

  Gwen was wearing faded denim shorts and a blue top that matched her eyes. She leaned back and braced her arms on the porch behind her and peered up at the sun. With her blonde hair and fair skin, she looked like she belonged on a California beach. “I want to try to get some writing done. I’m close to finishing the rough draft of my book.”

  “What’s it about?” Sylvie asked. She couldn’t imagine the time and discipline it took to write an entire book. It wasn’t something she could do so she admired the other woman’s dedication.

  “It’s a paranormal romance.”

  Sylvie was momentarily stunned. “Really?”

  Anny snorted. “Yeah. I still don’t think that Jacque is going to let you submit a werewolf romance to an agent or publisher.”

  Gwen waved her hand. “I’ll worry about that when I finish the book.”

  “I’ve got an assignment to work on for my class,” Cherise announced. “I have homework.” She laughed. “Never thought I’d be so happy to say that.”