Page 460 of Lodestar

A sharp scowl flashed across Aidan’s brow at something she said, but he simply focused on his pasta before he reached for a slice of garlic bread.

Someone wasn’t thinking about getting laid tonight.

I heaved a sigh at the notion of this meal triggering an argument, but I guessed it meant the siblings would have to get together more often.

I was pretty sure regular catchups were why my brothers and I didn’t argue that much, just bickered.

As everyone settled into their meal and Katina popped her head in for dessert, I realized Star had grabbed her a pizza that she’d been eating in the living room she’d staked as her own.

That was when I knew Katina was capable of beingshy.Camden was why, of course. It sucked meeting your idols—I’d know. I was sure I was going to die when I’d met Savannah and Camden’s father, Dagger.

Here, Kat had a golden opportunity to eat with Camden himself, to ask him whatever she wanted, but she was too busy hiding out in her living room.

When she anxiously toed the rug beneath the dinner table, blushing as she peeked at Camden, hovering over cookie dough ice cream as she informed Savannah about my French braiding skills when Savvie had told her how pretty she looked—which had Aidan shooting me a bewildered glance—I experienced the weirdest feeling.

It wasn’t bad, just weird.

Justhappy.

So fucking happy.

And it was unusual.

But good.

Fantastic, even.

My family and Aidan’s were tangled together and I loved it. I loved that this was my future.

I loved that this was an unexpected blessing.

In my life, I'd experienced too few of those.

Like she knew where my mind was, Star squeezed my hand. Our knotted fingers remained clasped.

As they always would.

PRESIDENT DAVIDSON FOCUSES ON THE ‘SPARROWS’ IN THE FIRST CAUCUS OF HIS RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN

President Davidson declaresthe opposition ‘unfit to rule’ while two congresswomen seek bail for Sparrow-related crimes and various senators are being investigated for ties to the New World Sparrows.

When asked about rumors of his stepping down, Davidson declared that his loyalty was to the people of the USA who, in this time of corruption and greed, needed a steady hand at the wheel.

45

STAR

Vana: I wish we’d never eaten at your damn place.

Me: Why?

Vana: Aidan won’t stop asking about Camden.

Me: Conor’s asked me about him too. I just said he’s a recovering addict.

Me: He was okay that night.

Vana: I caught him betting in the kitchen.

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