Free Twisted by Rebecca Zanetti

being Skene. We’re good fighters because of the ability, which is one of the reasons our enemies took us out. It was also why I was trained so early to be on the Council.”
    Sounded seriously lonely. Maggie wrapped her fingers tighter around his. “So, how about a tour of the wolf headquarters?”
    “Sure.” He maneuvered her closer to the main lodge.
    “Are you considering staying here?”
    The thought occurred to her to lie, but she couldn’t do it after the day they’d shared. “No. Even if I remember my life and know I love you and want to get hitched, I’m not living here without you.”
    “You can’t hunt with me.”
    Now she shrugged. “So it’s an impasse. We don’t mate.”
    “We’ve had this discussion before.”
    “I was right then, too.”
    He slowed. “Are you remembering?”
    Her shoulders straightened. “No. I mean, sometimes I hear your voice right before I wake up. Your voice with the brogue. But that’s all.”
    He turned her to face him. “That’s incredibly sweet.”
    Warmth settled across his rugged cheekbones.
    Heat climbed into hers. “I’m not sweet. Telling you the truth seems to be the easiest path.” Her grin even felt happy.
    “Even though I don’t remember my past yet, I do feel like I loved you.” She kicked a loose pebble, her gaze dropping.
    “A lot.”
    One knuckle under her chin lifted her face. “I loved you more.” His mouth took hers.
    Warm and gentle, his kiss wandered right down to her heart and spread.
    He lifted his head. “You may never remember your past, sweetheart. But you’re strong enough to go forward and create a good life for yourself. Trust me.”
    “I do trust you.” Was it possible for her to move on without knowing herself ?
    “Good. Are you ready for a wolf party?”

    She bit her lip. “I’m not sure. But what the heck.”
    Chuckling, he took her hand and led her around the weathered lodge. A potluck had been set up in the middle of the scruffy clearing, complete with bright checked table-cloths. Two long tables were piled high with tons of food in crockpots, pretty dishes, and decorated bowls. People milled around, setting up, while a band tuned instruments close to a makeshift dance floor.
    Terrent tugged her toward the wide porch along the main lodge where Gerald helped a little boy untangle a kite. “Hi.”
    The Alpha glanced up, a smile lighting his worn face.
    “Help. Please help.” He handed over the strings.
    Terrent accepted the mess and dropped to his haunches.
    “Hey, Toby.”
    “Hi, Trnt.” Toby smiled, showing a gap where his two front teeth had once been. Long blond hair sprang out from his head in every direction, and his eyes were a bright green.
    Very wolflike. He had to be about four, maybe five years old.
    “My kite got grounded.”
    “We can fix it.” Terrent tugged a string free.
    Warmth flushed through Maggie. What the heck? Now she was some silly female getting all soft over a guy helping a kid?
    Yeah. Yeah, she was.
    He jerked his head toward her. “This is Maggie.”
    Toby stuck out a grubby hand. “Hi. You Trnt’s?”
    Maggie shook his hand, saying “no” just as Terrent answered “yes.”
    Toby nodded solemnly. “That means you his.” He sighed and shook his head at Terrent. “Girls.”
    “Amen, brother.” Terrent finished untangling the strings and handed the kite back to the kid.
    “Thanks, Trnt. You the best.” Toby took the kite and jumped off the porch, his small legs pumping. The flag lifted.
    “Cute kid,” Maggie said. Her gaze caught on Roger as he sat in a wide chair at the end of the lodge. A king surveying his subjects.
    Terrent followed her gaze. His shoulders went back.
    Gerald sighed. “Let it go. We’re going to do the transfer of leadership ceremony next week. Unless someone challenges him, he’s going to lead.”
    “Good luck. I’m glad I’ll miss that moment.” Terrent glanced at his watch. “I’ve been away from work too long and plan to leave soon.