73. Negal

The thought that began forming in Negals mind excited and scared him at the same time. Could Margos sudden dizziness and nausea be the first signs of transition?

Bridget had said that every Dormants transformation was unique, but there were some commonalities. Most developed fever and body aches, and Margo hadnt complained about either.

That didnt mean those were absent, though, only that she wasnt aware of them yet because they were just beginning to manifest.

Negal wanted to lean over and press his lips to her forehead to check her bodys temperature, but with her feet propped on his lap his movements were somewhat restricted, and he couldnt do that without telegraphing his intentions.

In case he was wrong, he didnt want to raise her hopes for nothing. It was too early for her to start transitioning. Theyd only had sex once, and it had been last night.

The vain part of him wanted to believe that his venom and seed were so incredibly potent that they had triggered her transition, or that his and Margos connection was so powerful because it was fated, and therefore his venom worked its magic in record time.

But the rational and pragmatic part of his brain doubted both.

Aru and Dagor were also gods, neither of them inferior or superior to him, and as far as he knew, neither of their mates had transitioned after a single venom bite.

Then again, Karen was transitioning after he had bitten her only once, but her symptoms hadnt manifested immediately, and it had taken four days for the first signs of transition to appear.

Still, it proved that sometimes one bite was enough.

Closing his eyes, Negal sent a silent prayer to the Fates. Please, make my mate immortal because I cant live without her. Shes my one and only.

Only fated mates could fall in love so quickly and deeply in such an incredibly short time, and it was clear to him that Margo was his. He wasnt a young man with his first crush, believing that no other male had ever loved a female as much as he loved his. Hed been around long enough to recognize how different his feelings for Margo were from any feelings hed ever had for any female.

It was like in the stories about fated mates that he used to think were fables. The love was all-consuming, all-encompassing, and, like the universe, ever-expanding.

Surely, the Fates saw that too, and would bless Margo and him with an eternal union.

What are you thinking about so intently? Margo asked.

Negal smoothed a hand over the silky strands of her hair, tucking a stray strand behind her ear. I was praying to the Fates.

She chuckled. Im not dying, Negal. You dont need to pray for me.

Hadnt she guessed what he was praying for?

Margo was brilliant, so there was no way she hadnt. She was just too afraid to hope.

As the doorbell rang, Frankie pushed to her feet. That must be Aru and Gabi.

When she opened the door though, a different couple entered.

Tovens mate zipped toward Margo, stopping her wheelchair a hair away from colliding with the furniture. Frankie said you nearly fainted. Did anyone call Bridget? She put her hand on Margos forehead. You feel a little warm.

Negals breath caught in his throat.

Im fine, Margo waved a dismissive hand. The stress finally got to me, and I just fell apart. She smiled at Negal. Thanks for catching me.

Any day. He reached out his hand and put it on her forehead, but she didnt feel warm to him. On the contrary, she was a bit too cool. You dont have a fever.

Toven sat down on the armrest and trained his eyes on Negal. So, whats going on that is stressing Margo so much?

Her family might be in danger. Negal continued to tell Toven and Mia what Kian had told them.

The royal frowned at Negal. Why didnt Kian tell me? You and I ought to hop on a plane to Los Angeles and take care of those Doomers if they show up.

Margo looked like she was fighting back tears. Thank you, Toven.

The same idea occurred to me, Negal said. But Turners team will beat us to it. There is no way we can get there before them.

True. Toven rubbed the back of his neck. But perhaps we should go just in case things go south and the Doomers overpower Turners operatives.

Negal nodded. There is merit to what you are saying.

Of course, there is. Toven pulled out his phone. Im calling Kian.