Free The Bewitching Twin by Donna Fletcher

then there are our birth parents, Oleg and Anya. They are also kind and loving. We were taken from them when we were newborn babes. Fiona and I have only recently reunited with them and with a brother, Raynor.”
    “How did you feel when you learned about them?”
    “It was strange to suddenly discover that the loving parents who raised you are not truly your parents. Upon meeting my real parents, I found myself feeling terribly sorry for my mother as I do for your mother. Neither of them were able to watch their children grow, hug us, laugh with us, cry with us, though they always continued to love us.”
    “You would make a good mother.” He almost laughed when her eyes sprang wide, her mouth dropped open, and she sat speechless.
    She was quick to rein in her shock. “I do not have time for children.”
    “No?” he questioned. “That is odd. You deal so well with ill children. Even the devilish little Daniel behaves around you.”
    She jumped as if his name sparked a thought. “We need to discuss Daniel.”
    “Now?” he asked, knowing she was uncomfortable with where their conversation had drifted and looked to avoid it.
    “You told me you would help to unravel the mystery of this illness, and I believe Daniel is the best place to start.” She shook off a yawn.
    “Tomorrow,” he said. “You need to sleep.”
    “There is too much on my mind. Sleep will elude me tonight.”
    “Try anyway. We will discuss this in the morning.” He stood and waited for her to stand, leaving her no choice but to follow his lead.
    She did not budge. She dismissed him with, “I will see you in the morning.”
    “Not this time.”
    Her wide-eyed innocent gaze made him laugh. “I have no intention of leaving you at this table to fall asleep like last time. You will get in that bed now.” He pointed to her bed.
    He smiled as her protest was swallowed by a yawn.
    Rogan walked around the table, took her hand and gently eased her to her feet. He tucked a curly red strand behind her ear, tugged at her earlobe then ran a finger along her chin. It was impossible not to, she was so soft and touchable.
    “You are tired. Why fight it? Sleep and we will discuss Daniel in the morning.”
    “But—”
    He pressed a finger to her lips and wished instead it was his lips that silenced her. A taste, that was all he wanted; a taste of her sweetness.
    He lowered his head.
    Rogan jumped, startled, then she ducked out of his arms like a frightened animal fleeing capture and hurried into bed.
    “We will talk in the morning,” she said and pulled the covers over her head.
    She lay curled in a ball and he would have loved to have gone to her, join her under the covers and simply hold her in his arms. She needed to be held and loved gently.
    He shook off his foolish thoughts, turned and went to seek the solace of sleep. His mind had been filled with Aliss of late and in ways he had not intended.
    He knew someday he would find love again, but with Aliss?
    It was not in his plans, but then plans changed all the time.
    Aliss watched the sun rise. It rose like a majestic fiery ball; its rays stretching over the land to nourish all it touched. The seedlings she had planted had sprung and the tiny plants turned eager leaves toward the sun.
    She mimicked them, lifting her face up for a kiss.
    The small village was just coming to life and she was reminded of her own clan and of her sister. She missed her. A day did not go by that she did not think of Fiona and returning home. A day also did not go by without Rogan popping into her thoughts.
    He would be there suddenly in her head when she least expected it. It was usually a recollection of something he had said to her or the thought of his hand on hers, warm and strong and welcoming.
    It had disturbed her to realize she had welcomed his touch, innocent as it was, though was it? Lately she was beginning to notice his hand reached out to her more and more and she did not mind. His touch seemed natural and