65. Onegus

Onegus let out a breath. We need to ignore their hateful propaganda. These paragons of morality believe that rape is justified as punishment of female disobedience, and so is beheading those who dare to voice opposition, even in the most trivial way, to the way things are run.

He let out another breath, breathed in, then out, repeating the process a few times until his fangs stopped itching and his venom glands stopped pulsating.

The enemy was not here for him to attack, and fueling his own anger served no one.

I apologize. He turned to Kian. We need to focus on Margos family, and perhaps Frankies and Mias as well. Mias grandparents are at their Arcadia home during the cruise, which leaves them exposed.

Kalugal looked at his phones screen and winced. Jacki and I are invited to Lokan and Carols cabin, so if you can continue without me, I should be going.

Go. Kian clapped him on his back. Thanks for the help. I might call you later, though, to ask your and Lokans advice.

No problem. Kalugal said his goodbyes to the others and hurried out of the control room.

As Kian and Onegus stepped outside, Onegus turned to Kian. I wonder what made Margos family think that she was in the witness protection program. She couldnt call them with the phone she was given, and her friends were warned not to let her use theirs. But maybe she asked one of them to call her family for her and tell them the story.

Kian nodded. I was wondering the same thing and reached the same conclusion, and Im not happy about it. They should have known better. If Margos parents didnt know anything, they would have been in less danger.

Not really. Onegus started toward the elevator. Margos future sister-in-law raised the alarm, calling the police and notifying them that Margo was missing. They would have been worried sick about her and would have probably booked a flight to Cabo to search for her. The witness protection story was actually not a bad idea.

Im not sure about that. Our problem now is how to protect Margos family while our entire force is here. I could lift the lockdown and ask Jade to organize a team to watch over them, but the last thing I want is for the Doomers to discover the Kra-ells existence.

They stopped in front of the elevators, and Onegus pressed the button. I guess its Turner to the rescue once more.

I guess so. Kian pulled out his phone and texted the strategist.

His phone rang a moment later, just as the elevator doors opened.

Whats up, Kian? Turner asked.

Can you come to my cabin?

When do you need me?

Right now. Kian leaned against the wall. We have a situation.

Turner chuckled. A new one?

Its still the same shit, just with a different flavor.

Turner laughed. Give me five minutes. He ended the call.

Kian turned to Onegus. Go back to your party. There isnt much you can help with now, and your guests are waiting for you.

Everything inside Onegus rebelled against the dismissal. He was the chief Guardian, and it was his duty to be on top of things, even if someone else was managing a part of the mission.

It was a matter of principle.

Ever since Turner had joined the clan, Kian had been entrusting him with handling all their hired human teams, and with all of the Guardians stuck on the ship, there really wasnt much Onegus could do for Margos family.

Still, that wasnt the reason he was willing to acquiesce. Today was a special day in his life, and for once, he should dedicate himself to celebrating with his friends and letting someone else be in charge.

Being a Guardian meant always being on duty, always vigilant, and moments of happiness were all the more precious for their rarity and shouldnt be squandered.

Call me if you need anything. Onegus pressed the button for his deck.

You know I will. Try to enjoy whats left of your day.

As he made his way back to the party, Onegus deliberated whether to tell his friends about the Doomers and the threat to Margos family.

Most of his guests were head Guardians, and he would need to tell them at some point even though there was nothing any of them could do.

Perhaps he could wait with the upsetting news and not ruin the party.

Toven was there as well, and he should know about the threat to Mias grandparents, even though Onegus considered that a very remote risk. If the Doomers found the connection, they would disregard Margos obviously human childhood friends. In fact, their friendship might protect Margo as well. Nothing in her history connected her to immortals.