Thalia had left Luke in charge of Annabeth while she headed off to scrounge for food and a bigger jacket for the seven year old. He didn't like the idea of letting her go out alone but she was insistent. Annabeth had a cold and she didn't want her going out in the cold.

"Besides," she'd said, "We just got here. I doubt monsters would find us so soon. I'll be fine. Annabeth needs to stay in here and rest. I'll be back in no time."

Obviously, Luke gave in. She was right. But if anything happened to her, he would never forgive himself.

"Luke."

He turned and saw that Annabeth was awake. "Hey sleepy head, how ya feeling?"

She snuggled into her sleeping bag, "Better. I'm hungry. Where's Thalia?"

"She went out to get food, she'll be back."

"Luke?"

"Yeah?"

"You won't leave me alone right? You won't send me away?"

"Oh sweetie of course not. We're family remember? We won't ever leave you behind."

She smiled, "You're the coolest guy ever."

"That I am."

She giggled, "Am I cool?"

He ruffled her curls, "The coolest seven year old I have ever met."

She nodded, "Good."

Luke chuckled, "Yeah." He checked for a fever, thankfully she still didn't have one. He was grateful. He just hoped she wouldn't acquire one any time soon. "Try sleeping some more. When Thalia gets back with the food, I'll wake you."

She nodded, "Okay." She closed her eyes. He thought she'd fallen asleep again but she whispered, "Luke."

"What is it?"

"I don't want to go back home ever again. I prefer you and Thalia."

"I promise you don't have to. We'll be around for as long as you need us." I smiled. "Go to sleep now Annie."

She nodded. After a few minutes her breathing evened out. Luke sighed. He was glad he and Thalia had stumbled across her, he didn't want to think about a little kid out in the world alone.

She had them. She always would.