76. Margo

Bridgets touch was gentle but professional and firm as she checked Margos vitals. Can you describe your symptoms for me? she asked, wrapping a blood pressure cuff around Margos arm.

Margo took a slow, steadying breath. I feel dizzy, like the world is spinning, even when Im lying down. And Im weak like my limbs are made of lead. She swallowed against the dryness in her throat.

Sore throat? Runny nose? Bridget asked after recording the blood pressure test results.

Margo shook her head. Just dry.

What about aches and pains?

Only my head, Margo said. It has just started pounding.

She glanced at Negal, who was standing by the door, a concerned expression on his handsome face. She missed the warmth and strength of his hand but felt silly about reaching for him and kept her hands loose at her sides.

Bridgets forehead furrowed as she jotted notes on her tablet. Your temperature is slightly elevated but within the normal range, and your blood pressure is a little low, which could explain the dizziness and fainting. Usually, the transition is accompanied by elevated blood pressure, not low, but I still think that you are transitioning.

Margo wished it was true, but nothing the doctor had said should have led to that conclusion. Why do you think that Im transitioning if my symptoms dont align with how it usually happens?

The doctor put her tablet on the nightstand. None of the humans on the ship are sick, so you couldnt have caught a virus from them, and the fact that you just started working on the transition last night, and developed symptoms today cannot be dismissed as coincidental. Besides, weve seen transitions play out in so many different ways that it’s difficult to say anything is unusual. Kri’s mate, Michael, started growing venom glands before we realized that he was transitioning.

Are you sure? Margos throat felt even dryer. Has it ever happened to anyone so quickly?

Bridget pursed her lips. Well, we do have an instance where a Dormant was induced by one bite from a powerful immortal during a random hookup, and the symptoms of her transition were so mild that she just thought she had the flu. That immortal is what we call ‘close to the source.’ As is Kian, who performed the induction of my mate. Just the one bite and Victor didn’t even wake up until his transition was complete.”

She glanced between them. Still, I would have expected at least twenty-four hours to pass before any symptoms manifested, but Negal is a god, so he has extra mojo that mere immortals do not have.

Margos mind spun with the implications. If this wasnt the start of her transition, then what was wrong with her? A cold tendril of fear slithered down her spine. What else can it be?

Bridget shrugged. It might be the overload of stress, as you have suspected. The mind-body connection is very powerful, and intense anxiety and prolonged stress can have an adverse effect.

So, what do we do now? Negal asked. Should Margo move to the clinic for observation?

Bridget shook her head. I dont think thats necessary at this stage. Karen is still there. Shes stable, and if needed, I can release her earlier than I intended, but there is no reason to rush. She fixed Negal with a stern look. Just keep an eye on Margo, and if her symptoms worsen, call me.

They were talking about her as if she wasnt there, but this time Margo had no energy to remind them that she was listening. Besides, the doctor was giving Negal instructions on how to care for her, so it was all good.

Negal nodded. Of course. I wont leave her side.

Satisfied with his response, Bridget started packing up her equipment. When she was done, she smiled at Margo. Rest, stay hydrated, and dont hesitate to call me if anything feels off. Your body is going through a lot right now, whether its the start of transition or a reaction to stress.

Thank you, Margo said.

You are most welcome. The doctor smiled before walking toward the door, and as she opened it, the aroma of food reached Margos nostrils, but then Bridget closed the door behind her, and the smell faded.

I smell food. Margo put a hand on her belly. Am I imagining it because Im hungry?

Youre not imagining it. Negal sat down on the bed. The delivery from the kitchen must have arrived. But I thought that you were feeling nauseous.

I am. And Im hungry at the same time. Isnt that strange?

I guess so. Ive never felt both at the same time.

Margo wondered if Negal had ever felt nauseous at all. Can you help me up? She lifted her arm.

Wouldnt it be better if I carry you?

I can walk. She swung her legs over the side of the bed and sat up at the same time, which caused her head to spin.

Slow down. Negal took her hand. You are so damn stubborn. He helped her to her feet, keeping a secure arm around her waist as they made their way back to the living room.

The scene that greeted them was almost bizarrely normal given the circumstances, with their friends gathered around the table, digging into the food Frankie had ordered from the kitchen.

The scent of ginger and spices turned Margos stomach, and she swallowed hard against a surge of nausea. Negal guided her to the couch, settling her against the cushions like she was made of spun glass.

Ill bring you a plate, he offered.

Ive lost my appetite. Im no longer hungry.

Toven paused in the middle of typing on his phone. Im making plane reservations to LA. He looked at Negal. Are you coming with us?

Negal looked at Margo, Toven, and then back to Margo. Bridget said that I need to keep an eye on you.

Negal needs to stay here. Dagor looked at Toven. Aru and I will accompany you.

Margo opened her mouth to protest, to insist that Negal should go, that her family needed him more than she did, but the words felt false even in her own mind and then died on her tongue as a wave of dizziness crashed over her.

Negal was there in an instant, gathering her into his arms. Breathe, Nesha, he soothed, his lips pressing a cool kiss to her temple. Im not going anywhere. Im staying right here with you.

What does Nesha mean? she asked.

Soul, he whispered. You are my soul.