67. Margo

Margos head was spinning with all that Negal had told her about his home world, the colonies, and the many missions he had completed. If she had Mias talent for storytelling, she could have written a science fiction series based on Negals adventures alone.

Your life has been so exciting. She gave his hand a light squeeze before reaching for the chilled cucumber water Bob had served her. You must be bored out of your mind here on Earth.

Negal laughed. Ive condensed centuries of existence and told you only the highlights. What do you think happened the rest of the time?

She lifted one eyebrow. Boring stuff?

A lot of it. He frowned. Your phone is ringing.

It is? She bent over, lifted her purse off the floor, and pulled out her phone. Apparently it is. She looked at the screen, expecting to see Mia or Frankies name. Instead, Kians name flashed brightly, causing her eyes to widen in surprise.

Why is he calling me? she murmured as she accepted the call. Hello, Kian?

Hi. Im sorry to disturb whatever youre doing, but I need you to come to my cabin. Ill text you the number. My cabin is at the top residential deck.

I know where it is.

Good. Please, dont delay.

I wont. Ill be there in a few moments, she said, her mind racing with possible explanations for why Kian wanted to see her so urgently.

When he ended the call without giving her the opportunity to ask why he needed to see her, she turned to Negal. That was unexpected. Why do you think he wants to see me? Could it be about the job offer?

Negals expression was doubtful. It wouldnt be Kian calling you about that, he said. It would be someone else. It must be about a different issue.

Like what? Margo asked, her worry deepening. She hadnt considered other reasons for the call, her mind fixated on the potential job.

I dont know, Negal said. But I can come with you if you want me to.

She wanted him with her, needing the support and reassurance his presence provided. But what if Kian wouldnt be okay with it?

I dont know if thats okay, she admitted, biting her lip. I didnt ask Kian if I could bring you along, and Im not about to call him back and ask.

Negal leaned toward her, his eyes glowing brightly even in the middle of the day. If he doesnt want me there, he can just tell me to leave, right?

Margo swallowed. I guess.

Dont worry about it. Negal rose to his feet. Kian doesnt scare me.

She took his offered hand. That makes one of us.

He chuckled. You said that he wasnt as scary as everyone said he was.

I expected worse and was surprised that he was courteous with me, but hes an intense guy. I hope he will still want to play nice for the benefit of the poor human.

As they made their way to Kians cabin, Margo tried to come up with possible reasons for the summons, but each one she thought of was more absurd than the last.

What if he wanted to ask her if she and Negal had started working on her induction? That was too private, and she hoped he wouldnt be that uncouth, but according to the rumors, Kian often disregarded social conventions, so he might ask that. Or what if he wanted to tell her she had to choose one of the immortals to be her initiator because she couldnt join the village otherwise?

When they were finally standing in front of Kians door and Negal rang the bell, Margos heart lodged in her throat, and her mouth got so dry that she feared being unable to talk.

The door was opened by a guy she assumed was Kians butler.

Good afternoon, Mistress Margo, Master Negal. Please, come in. Master Kian and Master Turner are waiting for you.

Who was Turner?

Margo didnt remember being introduced to him.

Thanks for coming so quickly, Kian didnt waste time on pleasantries. Please, sit down. He motioned to the chairs the butler had pulled out for Margo and then for Negal.

Hello. Margo offered her hand to Turner. Have we been introduced?

He took her hand and shook it lightly. Not officially, but Ive seen you at the weddings. Victor Turner at your service, but everyone calls me Turner.

That still didnt explain why he was there and why Kian wanted her to meet the guy. Hopefully, he wasnt one of the immortal males Kian wanted her to hook up with.

Perhaps she should save them time and tell him that she was in love with Negal and wouldnt accept anyone else as her inducer.

So, here is the situation, Kian said. You know we hacked into Modanas security feed, right?

Negal nodded, and so did Margo, even though she didnt remember anyone telling her about it. So much had happened in such a short time that much of it was a blur in her mind.

Carlos Modana showed up at his brothers mansion with two men, Kian continued. The Guardians monitoring the feed called me to watch a conversation that occurred in Modanas office. Long story short, they mentioned you by name and also that your family is under the impression you are in the witness protection program.

A chill ran down Margos spine as she realized the potential danger to her family.

Kian was still glaring at her with his intense eyes. Why would your family think that? Did you disobey my orders and call them from someone elses phone?

Swallowing, she shook her head. I didnt.

Kian lifted a brow. So, how did they arrive at that conclusion?

She tried to think of something that wouldnt implicate Frankie, but then Frankie hadnt broken the rules. She hadnt given Margo her phone or called Margos parents for her. Shed sent a messenger, which was very clever.

I asked Frankie to help me, Margo said. She called her cousin Angelica, who knows my parents, and she went in person to relay the message to them, ensuring there was no digital footprint to trace.

That was clever. Turner nodded in approval. No one can trace that.

Kian, who had initially looked angry, seemed to accept Turners opinion because his expression changed from menacing to approving.

What do you think Carlos and his goons will do? Margo asked. What do they know about me?