Free Wolf from the Past: Salvation Pack, Book 4 by N.J. Walters Page B

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