72. Margo

Margo smiled and cupped Negals cheek. I appreciate your confidence in me, but I doubt I will be as lucky as Frankie. I will probably pass out like Karen.

You will not, but even if you do, Karen was out for less than a day.

It was so sweet of him to believe in her, but he was being overly optimistic. Lets just hope that I start transitioning and that it happens after my parents and my brother are safe in that mountain cabin that Kian talked about. She turned to Frankie. You dont happen to know where it is, do you?

Frankie shook her head. No clue.

Suddenly, a wave of dizziness washed over Margo, and when she closed her eyes, it got even worse. I dont feel so good. She put a hand on her upper chest.

The ship was swaying slightly, so some of the dizziness could be attributed to that, but she was also feeling faint, which was probably because of the anxiety and worry coursing through her veins.

Negal regarded her with concern in his eyes. Whats wrong?

It must be the stress. She looked at Frankie. Can I bother you for a cup of coffee?

Sure thing. Frankie rose, pushed her feet into her platform slides, and walked into the kitchen. Did you eat anything today?

Margo frowned. I had eggs and toast for breakfast and munched on some pretzels on the Lido deck, but that was it.

Frankie cast her a knowing look. The pretzels were no doubt served with a side of alcohol.

Margo chuckled. Of course.

I made the same mistake the day I met Dagor. She cast her mate a loving look. I didnt eat, and I had a couple of drinks, and then I saw the goddess that night, and when she introduced Dagor as a god, the shock was so great that I fainted. Frankie popped a pod into the coffee maker.

It sounded like what was happening to Margo, but the difference was that shed had a proper breakfast and skipping lunch had never affected her like that before.

Its the worry, Margo said. I wish I had Turners phone number so I could call him to see if he’s deployed people to safeguard my parents. I cant call them, and I cant ask you or Mia to call them either because it will only expose them to greater risk.

I can send Angelica again, Frankie offered. She doesnt live far from your parents, so its really no bother. She removed the cup from the coffee maker, added cream and sugar, and brought the cup to Margo. Do you want me to call her?

Margo looked at Negal. What do you think?

Its not a bad idea. Frankies cousin visiting would probably be less scary than some big military-looking guys showing up on their doorstep, and she can prepare them for the arrival of the military types. I can ask Aru to get me Turners number and suggest to him that he use Angelica as his undercover agent.

Frankie laughed. She will love that.

She will, Margo confirmed. Angelica is so feisty that Im worried shell get herself in trouble, but desperate times call for desperate measures. She looked at Negal. Call Aru, please.

Yes, maam. He pulled out his phone and placed the call. Hi, Aru, I hope Im not interrupting anything. I need a small favor.

He proceeded to explain what the new concern was in fewer words than Margo could have ever managed to cram all the information into, but that was probably thanks to his military training. Succinctly conveying information was crucial in combat situations.

Ill get you the number, Aru said. Is it okay if Gabi and I join you and Margo?

Negal glanced at Margo to get her approval.

Of course, it is, she said. The more heads we put together, the better.

You heard the lady, Negal said. We are waiting for you. He ended the call.

Margo sipped on the coffee, but it wasnt helping as much as shed hoped. She was still feeling dizzy from all the stress, and her stomach was starting to feel uneasy, too. Perhaps Frankie was right, and the two drinks shed had on the Lido deck and no real food since breakfast were to blame.

I need to lie down. She kicked her shoes off and turned to lie down with her feet propped on Negals lap.

Ill get you a pillow from the bed, Negal said, starting to move her feet off his lap.

No, dont move. Just give me one of the throw pillows.

He did that and tucked it under her head. Better?

Yes. She forced a smile. I guess Im getting too old to handle what I could with ease only a couple of years ago.

Frankie chuckled. You can stop worrying about that. Now that you and Negal have finally started working on your transition, you will be immortal in no time.

Margos cheeks heated up with embarrassment. Shed thought they were being discreet, but she should have known that Frankie would guess they hadnt slept on the couch in the living room the entire night.

Fates willing. Negal took her hand and kissed the back of it.

Im texting Mia. Frankie lifted her phone. We need to assemble the bestie war council. Her small fingers raced over the phones screen. And then Im ordering food from the kitchen. You need to eat more than pretzels and popcorn.

I didnt eat popcorn.

I know, but thats all we have left here. We need to restock.