Page 75 of Noah

“What the hell has been going on here?” Adrienne couldn’t believe she had been so wrong about Mhane. A drug lord or was it a lady?

“No,” said Noah quickly grabbing her arm and giving her a reassuring look. He pulled her forward and pointed at the top of a pile on the shelf. “Look. It’s just as dusty as the rest. It’s not Mhane.”

She let out a huge sigh and her shoulders dropped as she leaned over and put her hands on her knees. “What am I supposed to do with this? I can’t move it without someone noticing and how guilty will I look?

“And your sister? Mhane, what’s her involvement in all of this?” Owen asked as he blinked at the wall of cocaine.

“Mhane? She’s been visiting it for years, but she can’t have anything to do with it. She probably worries about the police too, right? I mean how innocent would she look turning up right after dad died or maybe a long time after he died and conveniently finding the drugs?” Adrienne shook her head still in shock as she tried to work out what she was looking at.

Adrienne had no idea what street price drugs were or if what her dad had stashed there was a lot. All she could say was she thought it was a lot.

“It’s exactly why I haven’t touched it. I was hoping you might turn up at some point and help me figure out what to do,” said a feminine voice.

Adrienne turned so quickly that it felt like her eyes spun in her head.

A figure stood in the light and then walked toward her. As she came closer Adrienne recognised her dark curly hair and tiny shoulders. Mhane always had such slim shoulders and arms, but now they looked delicate and feminine.

Mhane had grown up and had lean curves. Mhane was inches taller than her, and her blue eyes sparkled with recognition and a sad kind of hopeful happiness as she hesitated, unsure of her welcome.

Adrienne’s shaky hand came up to cover her mouth. “Mhane,” she cried softly.

Mhane’s smile trembled and tears filled her perfectly round blue eyes. “Hey, big sister,” she whispered.

Adrienne moved at the same time as Mhane. When they touched and finally hugged, her hold was almost as bruising and tight as Mhane’s. They both started talking at the same time.

“I can’t believe…” she sobbed as they pulled away, still holding each other’s forearms.

“I didn’t think you’d come…” Mhane said, her grip like glue as if Mhane thought Adrienne would disappear.

“How long have you been…I mean did you know…?” Adrienne gestured at the drugs.

“I didn’t…Dad left a mess for us. I’m so happy to see you,” Mhane finally cried out.

They both laughed and fell into another hug. Ren sighed in relief and caught Noah’s eyes on her. Soft and something. Adrienne almost wanted to say it looked like love but that was ridiculous, right?

“I missed you,” Mhane breathed.

It was at this point that Mhane noticed everyone else around her. For the first time, she looked at the other occupants and her grip loosened when she saw Briar. “What’s going on?” she asked quietly.

Her arms dropped and she kept a light hold on Mhane’s waist. Encouraging her not to run as she no doubt wanted to, her muscles were tight as if she was about to flee.

God knows what they would do if she ran.

“Don’t be scared,” she whispered, her hold becoming lighter as she saw Mhane straighten.

Mhane’s walls came up, and Adrienne felt like she could see her building her defences up brick by brick. Mhane’s gaze shuttered, and her eyes became sharp and business-like as she took in the threats around her.

Mhane held herself apart.

Adrienne felt the distance between them and glanced pleadingly at Noah. Noah might be trying with his people and willing to love her, but it seemed comforting near-hysterical females, and getting them to feel comfortable enough to bond was beyond him.

Noah’s eyes flicked between her and Mhane. His eyes wide, he looked at Briar for an idea of what to do. She watched him almost plead for Briar to intervene. Briar shrugged and Adrienne sighed.

“Mhane this is Briar and Noah, my er…” she paused as her hand weakly flew up in their direction. What did she call Noah? “They are from Moon. I’ve been staying there.” Mhane’s head jerked around to her. Adrienne nodded. “A long story.”

“I bet,” Mhane replied. Owen walked between the shelves. Whatever he did must have startled her because Mhane spun and hit out.

Adrienne added low as an afterthought, “Temporarily.” At least her stay was supposed to be temporary.

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