Page 29 of Noah

Now, there was guilt and a sense of strong protectiveness that almost made him snarl as a human male slowly approached them.

“My name is Drew and I have medical training. It would be helpful if I could travel with you Cain and Lila in the Jeep if that is okay with you Noah. It will allow me to aid your female if she needs it.”

He felt his chest loosen because Drew acknowledged Ren was his. What made that matter so much? The two of them had just met.

Noah’s beast didn’t care, raking at his insides and pushing him close to Ren. He made a sound to go ahead, and Drew began to take the IV drip off Lila while she kept an eye on Ren’s pulse.

His eyes were drawn to the Jeep at the end of the alley as they made their way down the stairs. The Jeep backed up to the shutters.

A crowd of people with cameras and lights gathered in a coordinated circle. The group was gathered around a platform that a male and female were setting up.

The male was a Number, but carefully groomed. His hair was slicked back with a substance that refused to let strands move. He wore an impeccable shirt with no wrinkles and was buttoned right up under his chin. Under his collar sat a knotted tie that looked extremely uncomfortable.

The male rounded up the press. The woman was chatting with a group of people. She was older, human, and dressed in the same impeccable style as the male. With complete control and calm serenity, she commanded the crowd.

Oleg who was behind Noah, asked, “Who is she?” And he pointed his cane in her direction.

Noah shook his head and Cain chuckled deeply. “Her name is Hettie. And you would be very brave indeed to take her on,” Cain laughed.

“A handful aye?” Oleg rubbed his chin thoughtfully and grinned. “I think I’ll introduce myself now. Perhaps I can help in some way.”

Oleg offered Noah a hand and slowly shook it. Oleg explained, “This is a greeting and a goodbye. I know you have been through lots, and I hope your female gets better. Stay in touch if possible.”

“Of course,” Drew replied, handing him a card. “This is the line through to Nick’s office.”

Oleg snorted and eyed Hettie. “I’ll get that gorgeous creature’s number before the day is out, you mark my words.” Giving them one last look, Oleg took off after the female.

Noah saw him walk a little straighter as he headed toward Hettie. Was he moving faster and straightening his clothes?

He shook his head in disbelief. He was confident that Oleg would succeed in pursuing her. Oleg had more courage in his pinkie finger than anyone in that crowd.

Oleg helped Noah, and Noah wouldn’t forget it.

Lila smiled but kept her gaze on Ren, supplying the best care. Noah gently lowered Ren where they pointed.

When he saw the cramped space at the back of the Jeep he rolled his shoulders, then reluctantly hopped in.

Lila and Drew watched her condition closely, so there was no room on either side. Lila was passing Drew a clip that he attached to Ren’s finger.

Noah kneeled at her feet. The conditions were cramped, but he stayed out of their way. The Jeep started up, and his claws slipped out further as he dug into the Jeep to stay out of their way.

He wasn’t sure whether he should be relieved or frightened. He hated admitting he was afraid. A pinch of apprehension about interacting with Numbers accompanied his fear for her safety.

Ren could be trusted. He heard about Numbers from her. Oleg gained his trust because he had mentioned Numbers as she had.

So…yes. Noah trusted Adrienne that his people were free and living full lives.

Chapter 5

Adrienne

A steady beep. There was a low hum.

Adrienne struggled to open her eyes and eventually gave up. Listening to the sounds, she took deep breaths, which brought with them the smells of antiseptics, rubbing alcohol, and hospitals. The scent was unmistakably medical with a metallic, biting quality.

Was she in the hospital?

There was a spike of cold pain in her stomach that was too visceral to be called fear. Horror choked her as she refused to open her eyes.

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