71. Negal

As soon as Negal closed Kians cabin door behind them, Margos shoulders slumped and she leaned against the wall, closing her eyes.

Shed been so resilient through all the life-altering events that had happened to her in the last several days, whether good or bad. But everyone had their breaking point, and evidently, Margo had reached hers when her family was threatened. The strength she had mustered in front of Kian evaporated, leaving her shaken and distraught.

Im so scared for my family. I hope Turners people move fast, she whispered. Two hours are an eternity.

He wanted to comfort her, to provide some solace in the storm, but he knew platitudes would offer little reassurance. Do you want to get a drink before we talk to Jasmine? If she sees you like this, she will panic.

Margo opened her eyes and gave him a feeble smile. We could make up a story for her that will be partly true and partly fiction like we did last night. That was so much fun.

He cupped her cheek. Yes, it was. But we will not use our own names this time.

The idea had been to make her smile again, but she shook her head.

For this story to be relevant to her situation, it cant be fun. It has to relay that her family might be in danger.

We dont have to go, Negal said softly. Kian will send someone to collect the information from Jasmine anyway, or maybe he will go himself. Besides, I dont think they will go after her parents.

Margo nodded. Its a stretch. We are not sure they will come after my parents either.

Absolutely. Kian is just being overly cautious, which is commendable, but you dont need to worry too much about this. Negal was glad that Margo was willing to listen to reason. I suggest we go back to the Lido deck and try to relax with a drink. We could also go to your cabin. Which option do you prefer?

Im too upset for the Lido. Lets go back to the cabin. She sighed. I hope Frankie is there. Talking to my besties always helps.

It occurred to Negal that her friends families might also be in danger, but he’d managed to get Margos panic down a notch, and he didnt want to get it up again. The first chance he got, though, he was going to text Kian and remind him to check on the other two families.

Negal hated feeling helpless. He could go ashore, get a taxi to the airport, catch the first flight back to Los Angeles, and safeguard Margos family himself, but it would take too long. He wouldnt get there before Turners people, who would arrive in less than two hours, and hopefully they would make it in time.

When they entered the cabin, Margo sighed with relief when she saw Frankie sitting on the couch, and her next move was to abandon Negal by the door and rush to embrace her friend while releasing a great shuddering sob.

Whats wrong? Frankie caressed Margos back. What happened?

As the words tumbled from Margo in a rush, Negal offered a clarification here and there, but mostly, he remained silent. He would never admit it, but he was a little jealous that Margo was seeking solace in her friends arms and not his.

He was her mate, and it was his job to comfort her. But then shed known Frankie for most of her life, and shed met him only a few days ago. In time, he would become the one she ran to, but he couldnt expect it to happen overnight.

Frankie patted Margos back. Kian and Turner know what they are doing. I know its scary, and not knowing is the worst, but you need to have faith in them.

Margos chuckle sounded more like a hiccup. You know me. Im a cynic. Even the most capable people make mistakes, and when its the lives of my loved ones on the line, I need to stay vigilant and on top of things. But I might start transitioning, and then what? Margos gaze flicked to Negal. Who will ensure that my family is being taken care of?

His heart swelled with pride that she was looking to him for help. No matter what happens, I will make sure that your family is safe. You have my word. But even if you start transitioning, I dont expect you to be completely out of commission. He pushed to his feet, sat on Margos other side, and took her hand. I fully expect you to issue commands and run the show from your hospital bed in the clinic.