Page 123 of Tail, Dark and Handsome: Celestial Mates
Mari held up her thumb and index finger, pinching them together. “A little. When we first met. I try not to read anything now.” There was nothing good written about them nowadays, and Valerian would give her an in-depth summary anyhow.
“The deal is not big. Lots of kits change their name,” he said, then glanced at Winter, who sat quietly. “What happens if Dad goes to prison?”
“He won’t because he did nothing wrong,” she said, firmly believing every word.
“But what if they find him guilty at the trial? Can I stay with you?”
Mari moved to the settee. Zero leaned into her, this teenager who was nearly her height yet considered small for his age. She stroked his hair. “The trial is for Chase. No one else. Well, Tomas.”
“I dislike him,” Zero said instantly.
“Agreed,” Winter added. Father and son nodded in agreement.
“That point is that Chase is on trial for his actions. It doesn’t matter what he says—the trial is about him, not Winter,” she explained. “And yes, we’ll be together. You’re mine. I’m not giving you up.”
“But Uncle Chase sues for a paternity test and it turns out I’m his and then he gets custody and he’ll be my guardian and you’ll be alone.”
“Listen to me, Zero Cayne. You are mine. We’ll run away. Change our names. Start a new life on another planet.” She meant every word.
“Everyone says—”
“Nuts to what everyone says. They don’t know Winter, not the way we do.”
“But Uncle Chase has lawyers. He always gets what he wants.”
“Then you get a lawyer too.”
“With what credit? Dad’s assets will be seized.”
Mari opened her mouth to protest as the conversation spun out of control. Zero needed order. This was the kid who ordered his thoughts on notecards and made checklists for social situations. He needed a plan, and she had nothing more to offer than don’t worry, the universe will work itself out.
“And Brae, Asan, and Karil will lose their jobs and you’ll have to move away and I’ll never see you again and it’s not fair.”
Yeah, her easygoing attitude about fate would not help. Zero felt everything so keenly.
Winter spoke, “You are wealthy in your own right. Hire a lawyer.”
Zero jerked away from her and twisted in his seat to face Winter. “With my milk money?”
“With your trust fund.” Winter wedged himself onto the far side of Zero, despite the settee groaning under the weight of the three of them. “You inherit your mother’s money and all her royalties. It’s in a trust now, but you will have full access to it once you finish school.”
“That’s ages away. I need it now.”
“There’s always your tuition allowance,” Winter said.
“My what?”
“Your mother set this up before her…before. The trust has been paying an allowance every year for your education and expenses. I haven’t touched it, so it’s been sitting in an account. I’m sure there’s enough for an army of lawyers.”
“But I’m a minor.”
“Then be declared an emancipated minor. You’ve more common sense than many adults I know.” Winter softly stroked the base of Zero’s ear, melting away his tension.
Zero buried his face against Winter’s shoulder. “Uncle Chase says he’s my real father,” he muttered, barely audible.
Winter stiffened but did not draw away. “I know what he says and you already know my thoughts. You are my kit. Always. Nothing will change that.”
Zero looked up at him. “But is it true?”
