Read Online Jaguars' Reward [Impulse 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) by Zara Chase - Free Book Online Page A

three words and then sat with her hands folded in her laps, outwardly composed. He turned toward Zayd, who nodded. There was no need to pheromone. They both believed her—so far.
    “Ever seen this guy before?”
    Vadim handed her the printout of Edward Finch’s picture. She took it from him and examined it, furrowing her brow.
    “I think I might. He looks familiar. Who is he?”
    “He owns the boat we think you fell, or were pushed, from. His name’s Edward Finch.”
    “Finch?” She shook her head. “Doesn’t ring any bells. Is he the guy who stole my memory?”
    “Very possibly. We’re trying to find out more about him right now.”
    “I want my past back,” she said, sharing an imploring glance between them. “I might not like the screwups I discover, but they’re my mistakes and I need to know what they are and what brought me here to you guys. I feel like I’m living in a permanent state of suspended isolation all the time I don’t know.”
    This display of vulnerability felt like a punch in the gut to Vadim. He might not be able to mate with her, but he could sure as hell get her past back for her.
    “We’ll try that in a moment.”
    Vadim wondered if she knew her expression was full of reckless sensuality and obvious faith in his abilities. Damn it, she really shouldn’t look at him like that! It definitely wasn’t helping to keep his mind on business.
    “Thanks,” she said, blinking nervously.
    “You’d probably start to remember under your own steam,” Vadim said, forcing himself to sound all business when what he’d rather do—hell, he couldn’t afford to think about what he’d rather do. “If the people we suspect blocked your memory, they could also manipulate you into doing stuff you don’t want to, but only for a short time. They’re out of range now. Too far away to tune into your head and reinforce the block.”
    “How can you be so sure?”
    “We’re sure,” Zayd said. “If any scumbags were in Impulse trying to get to you, we’d know.”
    “Are you saying that if I just wait, it’ll all come back?”
    “Most likely. The only problem is that the bad guys will know it, too. So whatever they’re planning, they need to move fast.” Or get to Talia and silence her permanently before she gave them away. “If we can unblock your mind, you might be able to give us a heads-up.”
    “Then give it your best shot,” she said decisively. “I tried to kill you, Vadim. The least I can do is put that right.”
    Vadim could think of several ways in which she could redress the balance. Shit, don’t go there!
    “The name of our town agitated you when you discovered it’s where you’re at,” Zayd said. “And you suspected us of being shifters. Those were the only two things that meant anything to you, right?”
    “Yes. So what?”
    “They must be so heavily embedded in your memory that even the bad guys couldn’t wipe them,” Vadim explained.
    “You’ve been taught to hate Impulse and shifters from a very early age, is my guess,” Zayd added.
    Talia shook her head. “If you say so.”
    “You ready to do this?” Vadim asked.
    “More than ready.” She jutted her chin. “Let’s get on with it.”
    “Okay.” Vadim and Zayd knelt in front of her chair, each taking one of her hands. “Close your eyes, babe, and try very hard not to think about anything at all. I know it’s hard and you’re anxious, but this won’t work if you don’t let us inside your head.”
    She took a deep breath and did as they asked. Vadim waited until her breathing slowed and he sensed her gradually giving herself over to them. If only!
    “Go back two days,” he said in a soft voice. “What were you doing?”
    “Teaching kids basic karate moves.”
    Zayd extended his claws and scratched the air with them—a shifter equivalent of a fist pump. “You’re an instructor?”
    “Yes. Black belt.”
    “Where?”
    “Venice.” Her eyes flew open. “I live in Venice!” she cried