33. Negal

As Margo and Frankie headed out to the ladies room, Negal tried to come up with a plan.

He hadnt expected Margo to announce that she was ready so soon, especially not in the middle of the dance floor at Kri and Michaels wedding, but now he had to solve their lodging problem so he could make this night special for her.

The thought of having Dagor and Frankie in the next room in her cabin suite or Aru and Gabi in his was far from ideal for their first night together. He didnt particularly mind, but Margo obviously did.

He needed a plan. But who to ask?

Negals gaze drifted across the room, landing on Gabi, who was laughing at something Aru had said. She knew many of the immortals and had family in the village. Perhaps she could tell him who the person in charge of lodging was.

It was also possible that the task had been assigned to one of the humans, but he had to start somewhere.

Im heading to the bar, Dagor said. Want to join?

Perhaps later. I need to talk to Gabi.

Negal walked over to where Gabi was sitting with Aru and a female he knew but whose name he had forgotten.

Good evening. He dipped his head to the female and turned to Gabi. Can I steal you away for a few moments?

She lifted a brow. Lady troubles?

No troubles. I just need to ask you something, in private if possible.

His quest for new lodging would make his intentions obvious, and although he didnt mind who knew, Margo would be embarrassed, so he needed to be discreet.

Of course. She cast Aru a smile. Can I get you something from the bar after Im done talking to Negal?

No, thanks, Im good. He trained his dark eyes on Negal. Is everything okay?

Everything is great. I just need Gabis help with something.

Aru nodded.

As they walked out of the dining room, Gabi turned to him. Whats up?

He glanced around, lowering his voice. Margo and I need a cabin of our own, preferably as soon as tonight. Do you know who takes care of assigning cabins?

Gabis eyes widened, and then a smile spread over her face. Congratulations. Im glad that my advice worked. She tapped her lips with a long-nailed finger. I dont know who is in charge of assigning lodging, but I might know someone who knows. Wait here. She flounced away without waiting for his response.

Moments later, she returned with the female who had been sitting next to her and Aru.

Negal, this is Darlene. My brothers mate.

Now he remembered who she was. Gabis family had visited often during her recovery, and although he and Dagor had tried to make themselves scarce during the familys visits, hed been introduced to Darlene.

Hi, Negal, Erics mate smiled. Gabi tells me that you need help with something.

I need a private cabin. Sharing one with Aru and Gabi doesnt work for me right now.

Hopefully, she wouldnt need further explanations.

Frowning, Darlene glanced at Gabi. Did the boys have a fight?

Gabi laughed. Not at all. Negals changing needs are romantic in nature.

Darlenes eyes widened with understanding. I see. Well, in that case, Ingrid is the person to talk to. I can give her your phone number, and she will contact you tomorrow.

I need the cabin tonight. Time is of the essence.

I see. Darlene was trying really hard not to smile, but her lips twitched, betraying her amusement. Ill go find Ingrid.

Thank you. Should I wait here?

Darlene hesitated but then nodded. Ingrid is a sweetheart. Shell be happy to help.

When Darlene left, Gabi remained standing by his side. Where is Margo?

In the ladies room with Frankie.

Gabi shifted to lean against the wall. What prompted the sudden urgency?

Negal wondered the same thing. Their kissing had been full of passion, so maybe that was what had cut through Margos resistance.

But what was more likely was that shed decided that she couldnt wait after hearing that Aru had refused to contact their commander about postponing their departure or letting Negal stay behind.

Pragmatism, I guess, he finally said. The cruise is almost over.

Darlene returned, accompanied by an elegant blond who regarded him with a twinkle in her eyes.

Negal, this is Ingrid, the clans interior designer and the person in charge of allocating lodging, Darlene introduced her. Ingrid, this is Negal, who doesnt need introductions.

Ingrid shook his offered hand. Darlene told me that you need a private cabin and that its somewhat urgent, but I really cant help you tonight. The upper decks are at full capacity, and all I can offer are staff cabins that are pretty utilitarian and not really conducive to romance if you know what I mean. She chuckled. It will be like taking a virgin to a motel. A shared cabin is preferable to that. But what I can try to do tomorrow is to move some people around to free a guest cabin for you and Margo.

He didnt want to move people from their cabins. If you can get us a staff cabin, I can try to spruce it up.

She gave him an apologetic look. Im sorry, but that too will have to wait for tomorrow. With the extra passengers weve collected, Im not sure whats available, and if its in habitable condition.

To say that Negal was disappointed was an understatement. I understand. Thank you for your help, and I apologize for dragging you away from the party.

Ingrid waved a dismissive hand. Dont mention it. Im always glad to help a couple in love.

Were they a couple in love?

Yeah, they were. Margo hadnt told him that she loved him, and he hadnt told her how he felt about her either, but he knew it to be true.

Relief flooded through Negal, though he felt a twinge of disappointment at the delay. Yes, that will be perfect. Thank you, Ingrid, and thank you, Darlene and Gabi. Margo will be thrilled.

As Ingrid and Darlene left, Negal turned to Gabi. Thank you.

She waved him off. I wish I could do more. As she turned to leave, the dining room doors pushed open, and Dagor walked out.

Did you see Margo and Frankie?

Negal frowned. They are not back from the ladies room yet?

Dagor shook his head. I thought that they were out here with you.

Ill go check on them, Gabi offered. They are probably having a girl talk. She winked before walking toward the bathrooms.

Whats going on? Dagor asked. Were you also looking for our missing mates?

First Ingrid with her comment about them being a couple in love and now Dagor, it seemed like everyone assumed that Margo and he were a done deal.

If only he could share their confidence.

I needed to find a private cabin for me and Margo, and I enlisted Gabis help.

Dagor regarded him with a knowing look. Given your expression, you were unsuccessful.

The person in charge of lodging cant do anything tonight, and the prospects of her finding anything decent for us tomorrow are not good either.

Dagors lips lifted in a grin. As always, your thinking is too linear. The solution is quite simple. He clapped Negal on the back. You just need to think a little creatively. Tonight, you will pretend that youre going to sleep on the living room couch because Frankie and I cant watch over Margo for another night, and you are still worried about her having a delayed reaction to the drugs she was injected with. And thats not even a lie. We will make ourselves scarce as soon as we enter the suite, so you will have the living room to yourself and can pretend that we are not even there. Then, if things go right, he paused, giving Negal a knowing look, you can join Margo in the bedroom later. That way, she will not be embarrassed about inviting you to stay the night. On our part, Frankie and I will not emerge from our bedroom until you text me that its okay.

Negal considered the idea. It wasnt perfect, but it was simple and didnt require any preparation or moving to another cabin.

That might just work. He clapped Dagor on the back. Thanks.

Anytime.