Page 387 of Lodestar

“She saved her three times.”

Anton frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Lyra was injured in the car accident that…” My gaze clashed with his. He nodded his understanding of precisely which car accident I was talking about without needing to say it in front of the traumatized little girl. “…and she needed medical care.”

“The only way I can show you the depth of my gratitude, Troy, is to help you now. This is not charity. This is thanks.”

“I did it for neither. You can thank me by letting me raise her the way I have been doing?—”

“Have I not promised you this already?”

“You have,” Troy groused.

“And are you not in need of somewhere to live?”

“I suppose,” was her glum retort. “My bees are in more need than we are.”

“Rest assured, they’re safe. I asked a friend who dabbles in honey to care for them until you can make more permanent arrangements.”

She appeared unconvinced. “Dabbles in honey?”

“Harrow’s Bees.”

Recognition flared to life in her expression. “They’re good people.”

“Indeed,” he drawled. "Anyway, would you not like to be close to Star?”

She sniffed. “Not particularly.” When I rolled my eyes and Anton hid a laugh, she grumbled, “I guess we could stay here until I make other arrangements.”

“That would please me greatly.” To Lyra, Anton asked, “Would you like to stay close to Star too?”

She gave him a timid nod and peeked at me, her shyness returning.

“Then it’s settled,” I said, a note of finality to my words. “Lyra’s going to Velcro herself to me so that she can stay close at all times.”

When she giggled, Anton’s face lit up with a smile. Once he inquired after the book she had tucked against her chest and Lyra, in her slow and cautious manner, explained what it was about, Troy and I shared a glance—just like I’d told her, I’d kept my promise.

Lyra was, and always would be,herkid.

30

CONOR

YOU - TWO FEET

“I’m tellingyou this will work,” I drawled as I read the message Star had just sent me.

Star: I want to kill Stimpy.

Me: She’ll never forgive you if you do.

Me: Leave the damn cat alone. At least it’s cute.

Star: Lucifer was supposed to be beautiful.

Me: You can’t compare a cat to Satan.

Star: Sure I can. Cats are spawns of Satan.

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