77. Negal

As Negal held Margo close, he watched warring emotions flicker across her eyes. She was relieved and grateful that he was staying with her, but she also felt guilty about keeping him from aiding her family.

That was life, though. Nothing ever was easy, and everything had a price. To him, though, there was nothing more important than Margo, and he wasnt going to leave her side until she transitioned.

She and Bridget might still be doubtful about the cause of her symptoms, but he wasnt. The Fates had answered his prayers, making his mate immortal so she could be with him forever.

Catching Dagors eye over Margos head, he conveyed his thanks for his friends intervention with a nod and a smile, and Dagor responded in the same way before going back to shoveling noodles into his mouth.

I want you to eat something. Negal stroked Margos hair.

I cant, but you should eat.

Not without you.

She smiled up at him. Thats blackmail, but fine. If you get me a piece of toast, Ill munch on it while you eat lunch.

Your body needs more than toast to combat whatever is going on.

Her blue eyes were full of challenge as she looked at him. Thats the deal Im willing to make. Take it or leave it.

He laughed. Given that you are back to being stubborn, I think you are starting to feel better. He rose to his feet and walked over to the table.

Gabi handed him a plate. Ill make toast for Margo while you pile food on your plate, Gabi said.

As he got busy collecting samples from all the different dishes, Negal thought of a way to sneak out for a few minutes to get a syringe so he could give Margo a blood transfusion.

Glancing at Dagor, he suddenly remembered that his friend had stolen a whole stack of them.

Come to think of it, he should have given Margo a transfusion in preparation for the transition, but things had moved faster than hed expected, and he hadnt been prepared. Hed been caught off guard by how swiftly Margo had welcomed him into her bed.

Negal was almost done loading his plate when the doorbell rang. Since he was the only one standing, he walked over to open the door.

Kian, he said in surprise. Did you hear from Turners people?

Not yet. The guy walked in and stopped in front of Toven. You cant go. Its too big of a risk. We cant let the Doomers learn of your existence.

Toven opened his mouth to argue, but Kian cut him off with a raised hand. Orion can go in your stead. Hes also a powerful compeller, and more than capable of handling a few low-ranking Doomers.

Toven shook his head. Orion just got married. To your sister. And they are enjoying their honeymoon. The only other compeller that you will be okay with going is Kalugal, and its even more risky for him to get recognized by his former so-called brothers.

Kian was about to answer when he suddenly noticed Margo on the couch. How are you feeling?

Im okay, more or less. Margo shifted, so she sat propped against the pillow. Did you talk to Jasmine about her family?

Kian shook his head. Not yet. I was on my way to see her when I decided that talking some sense into Toven was more important.

There is nothing to talk about, Toven grumbled. As you said, some low-ranking Doomers are no match for me. Itll be childs play.

Just then, Kians phone rang, and everyone in the room tensed.

Talk to me, he barked into the phone as he walked out the door and closed it behind him.

Afraid that the stress of waiting for Kian to deliver the news might cause Margo to faint again, Negal put the plate on the table and rushed to her side.

Thankfully, the door opened a moment later, and Kian entered the room with a very different expression on his face than the one he had sported when hed left. Turners teams reached Margos parents, brother, and sister-in-law, and they are safe and packing their things as we speak.

They are okay, Margo breathed. But they need to hurry. If the Doomers get to them while they are still home, Turners men will be defenseless against them.

They are okay, love. Negal cupped her cheek. If the Doomers hadnt got to them yet, they wont now.

Can I talk to them? she asked Kian.

Not yet, he said apologetically. We dont want them to delay their departure. Lets wait until theyre en route to the safe house.

Margo nodded. You are right. I wasnt thinking.

Negal pressed a kiss to her hair, breathing in her scent and letting it soothe his own ragged edges.

For now, they could all breathe a little easier.