75. Negal

Negal cradled Margo against his chest and thought of ways to get his hands on a syringe. He needed to administer a transfusion of his blood as soon as possible, regardless of whether Margo was transitioning or there was something else wrong with her.

His blood could fix whatever needed fixing.

Seeing her like that, looking sickly and defeated, was slaying him. He needed his vibrant and assertive mate back.

How did humans deal with the mortality of their loved ones? It was intolerable.

Where was the doctor? Why was it taking her so long to get to Margo?

It felt like an eternity until the doorbell finally rang.

When Dagor opened the door, Bridget strode in with her medical bag in hand.

Here is my patient. She sat on the coffee table, put her doctors bag beside her, and gripped Margos wrist.

I think Margo is transitioning, Negal said in a near whisper.

Im not, Margo murmured. Its just the stress and anxiety. It got to be too much, and I fell apart. Im sorry they dragged you here for nothing, Doctor Bridget.

Nothing to be sorry about. The doctor let go of her wrist. Your pulse is all over the place, which can be the result of intense emotions.

Negal shook his head. You’ve been kidnapped and drugged. You were terrified of becoming a monsters plaything, rescued, and then faced with the existence of gods and immortals, yet you handled it all with your head held high and in good spirits. Your reaction was never this extreme.

Not true. Margo smiled at him. I fainted when I first saw you. She lifted her hand and cupped his cheek. My angel. She gave him a look so full of love and adoration that his heart turned to goo.

Bending down, he pressed a kiss to her forehead, which, regrettably, still felt cool to him. That was different. You fainted because of the drugs and the alcohol and being in the sun for too long. Something else is going on with you now.

A ghost of a smile played on Margos lips. When it was just me in danger, I could handle it. But when its my family, its so much worse. Her voice broke, and she swallowed thickly. I feel responsible for dragging them into this mess.

None of this is your fault, my warrior mate. Negal brought her hand to his lips and brushed his lips over her knuckles. I love how fiercely protective you are of those you love, but falsely blaming yourself is not helping anyone.

Bridget cleared her throat, reminding them that they were not alone. Since you suspect Margo is transitioning, I assume you have started the induction process.

As Negal nodded, Margo tensed in his arms.

When did you start? she asked.

Last night, Negal said.

As a deep blush tinted Margos cheeks, she pinched his thigh in a warning.

He took her other hand to prevent her from pinching him again. You have nothing to feel embarrassed or ashamed about, my love, and certainly not when the information is medically relevant.

The doctor nodded and looked at Margo. Its not likely that you are transitioning so soon after your first venom infusion, but I cant rule anything out. I need to check whats going on with you, but I suggest we move to the bedroom for the examination so you will have some privacy.

Margos fingers tightened around Negals. Can Negal come with me?

Bridgets expression softened. Of course. I know better than to keep the mate of a transitioning Dormant away, not unless they are uncomfortable about being examined in front of their lovers.

Negal looked into Margos eyes, and when she smiled and nodded, he gathered her into his arms once more, cradling her like the precious treasure she was, and carried her to the bedroom.

She relaxed against him, tucking her face into the crook of his neck. Im not transitioning.

He chuckled. I see that you havent lost your stubbornness.

Im not stubborn, she insisted as he laid her on the bed. Im just being realistic. Even Bridget says that no one transitions after one venom bite.

I didnt say that, Bridget said as she closed the door. I said that its not likely, not that its impossible.