Leo’s gaze drifted away from Luke Holloway’s face. “Suit yourself,” he said coolly.
He turned to Selene, his eyes distant yet gentle. “Thank you for saving Altair.”
Selene shrugged off the gratitude. “It was Star who saved me.”
Altair gripped Selene’s hand, patted his own chest, then pointed to his smartwatch.
Selene quickly understood what he meant.
He was saying that as long as he was there, he’d protect Selene.
Selene smiled softly. “You were so brave today, Star.”
“Star! Can I give you a kiss?”
Daph hugged Altair, who didn’t resist at all, so she planted a kiss on his cheek.
Selene crouched down and pressed a gentle kiss to the top of Altair’s head.
His cheeks flushed a rosy pink, and in his dark eyes, it was as if a thousand stars had suddenly come to life.
Earlier, when Selene had returned to camp, she’d told Daph about her adventure with Altair–how they’d gone out searching for mushrooms and all that had happened.
After hearing the story, Daph was ready to storm off and pick a fight with Dames.
But when she learned that Dames would be spending the night down by the slope, she decided to wait until he was back at school. Then, she’d show him her fists and have a serious talk–hopefully, one that would end on peaceful terms.
Meanwhile, Luke Holloway had noticed something unusual. As Leo watched Selene and Altair, there was a rare warmth softening the man’s eyes behind his cold–rimmed glasses.
“Dr. Vaughn, have you ever thought about finding a mother for your son?”
Before Leo could reply, a housekeeper–busy setting out the dishes in the dining room–chimed in, “The young master is so close to Miss Thompson. If only Miss Thompson could be his mother.”
The staff who worked at Leo’s place, though aware that Selene had once been Leo’s sister–in–law, rarely had much contact with the Vaughn family. They’d seen Selene welcomed into Leo’s private study and noticed how comfortable Aitair was around
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her. In their eyes, Selene was clearly someone special to the father and son.
But the words had barely left the housekeeper’s mouth when Altair reacted, far more strongly than anyone expected.
Still in Daph’s arms, he suddenly began to squirm uncomfortably. Daph quickly let go, and Altair stumbled back two steps, his eyes darting to Selene, instantly brimming with tears.
He turned and bolted toward his room.
“Altair!” Selene called softly, but he only ran faster.
The housekeeper realized her mistake and bowed her head, apologizing, “I’m sorry, I
shouldn’t have said that.”
Leo’s voice was cold as steel. “Leave us.”
Selene and Daph both stared after Altair, worry etched on their faces. Leo shook his
head. “Let him be. Come eat.”
Selene turned and punched Luke Holloway’s granite–hard arm.
He reached up and scratched his head, a rare flush of embarrassment coloring his rugged features. “Did I say something wrong, too?” Every time he met anyone from the Vaughn family, he bristled instinctively and couldn’t help but jab at them, just to relieve the tension inside himself.
Selerie leaned in and whispered, “Altair’s a sensitive child. Next time you see him…” She mimed zipping her lips shut.
Luke pressed his lips together and nodded, obedient for once.
In the dining room, Selene took a small plate and picked out some food.
“I’ll bring this up to Altair.”
Daph watched Selene go, worry flickering in her eyes. What if Altair never spoke to them again?
*
“Little Star, it’s me. I brought you some dinner. If you’d rather be alone, you can take the food and eat in your room, okay?”
Selene knocked gently, but there was only silence from the other side–no answer.
“Little Star…”
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As she spoke again, she sensed movement. Looking down, she saw a slip of paper being pushed out from under the door.
Selene knelt down and picked it up.
I don’t want you to be my mom, it read in shaky handwriting.
A moment later, another piece of paper slid out.
This one was a drawing: a blonde queen in a pink dress with a crown, standing next to a king in uniform and a crown of his own. Beside them stood a little girl and a little boy.
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