Page 61 of Noah

Runaways who got lost in the system, but they now thought Howard was responsible for them. As no family came forward or bodies had been found they were finding it hard to prove. However, it would bring the total count of Howard’s suspected victims to over eighty and it would continue to grow.

“He sounds…” Noah had no words.

Were humans incapable of understanding loyalty or love?

His eyes fell on a wave of golden hair, her skin fresh and healthy in the moonlight, and he knew he was judging humans too harshly.

His Adrienne was a revelation. Oleg was a surprise and the humans in Moon were all different.

“He was an animal. A beastly thing with no respect for any life let alone humans,” Wren continued.

“Was…Is he still alive?”

Wren shook her head. “Where he is, let’s just say he won’t ever get out.”

“He’s getting off lightly compared to his victims,” he said.

“Yes. But we understand we can’t run around killing indiscriminately. Where does the line stop once you start?”

Noah considered her words and agreed with her. One person’s version of just punishment might not fit another’s.

“Perdy is the reason we know about my olfactory sense and female dominance differing from males. There aren’t many people we trust but she’s a good egg and has proven herself many times over. She’s gifted and has started cataloguing our DNA, even finding siblings among the Numbers. This has helped us to understand that we are not all as alike as we first thought.”

“She’s talented,” Noah said. Extremely so and he heard pride in her voice as Wren spoke about Perdy.

“Yes, she is. I know the human is your mate. I can notice the very subtle scent.” Wren gave him a sly look from under her eyes. “So why did she send you over here?”

He burst out laughing, turning heads as he did so. “You caught me,” he said, holding his hand over his heart. “She insists I try and be social. Be nice!” He scoffed.

Wren laughed. “And you find that difficult?”

“I find being away from her difficult. There aren’t many people I like to talk to.”

Wren glanced at the watch on her wrist. “Well, you have been standing here talking to me for thirty-five minutes now so that’s not so bad.” She lifted her eyebrows and stuck out her bottom lip. “And I did make you laugh, mission accomplished,” she pointed out.

He laughed again. “I think I like you female.”

Wren beamed at him just as a hit of mango vanilla assaulted his senses in a cloud of sweet drugging sensation. Adrienne leaned against his side, so he put his arm around her waist.

It was natural.

Wren didn’t attempt to hide her smile.

The guilt about lying bit him again when he felt how easily she leaned into him. He would lose Adrienne’s trust. He resolutely shoved those thoughts away, determined to work hard to make it work. She still wasn’t committed to staying in Moon—whether she found her mate or not.

“Hello, it’s nice to see you again,” Adrienne said.

Wren grinned widely at her. “Nice to see you having fun. How are you doing? How do you find Moon?” Wren looked at him when Adrienne wasn’t looking, then winked. He shook his head. That one would be trouble.

“I like Moon. It’s more beautiful than I imagined. The pictures don’t do it justice.”

Wren grinned. “Most of them were from the very beginning construction stages, and the ones that aren’t are in public spaces that anyone will see if they book a trip to our human and Number town.”

“Oh.” Adrienne nodded. It explained why she hadn’t recognised Moon.

“We try to keep some secrets,” Wren explained then hesitated like she didn’t want to offend Adrienne. Noah found himself liking Wren more.

“Oh please,” Adrienne laughed suddenly, lightening the mood as the sweet sound filled the air. “I was stuck in that warehouse for barely a week and can happily say if I was held as long as all of you were, I wouldn’t let a damn person inside Moon’s gates, not even in the shopping areas.”

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