Page 57 of Nanny Omega

“I agree,” Ersa whispered.

His mother’s shoulders sagged with visible relief. She stood and wrapped her arms around Ersa in a warm, gentle embrace. “I’m so sorry things didn’t work out with Xander,” she murmured. “I truly hoped you’d found your happiness.”

“I know,” Ersa said, biting the inside of his cheek to keep from crying. He pulled away quickly, wiping at his eyes before the tears could fall. “Go get ready. I’ll wait outside.”

“No—wait inside,” his mother said, her voice full of soft concern. “I don’t want you on your feet.”

“Okay,” Ersa whispered, too tired to argue. He made his way to the sitting area, curling up on the couch as he waited, trying not to think of everything he had to do. Or how much it already hurt.

His mother came down a few minutes later, and then they were off. The journey to the health center was quiet, heavy with unspoken emotions. The bittersweet ache in Ersa’s chest grew sharper as memories surfaced—of a different time, when hope still felt possible—and the contrast was so stark it left him breathless. It felt like a lifetime ago. So much had happened since then, and now, here he was, right back where he started. Alone. And about to let go of the last piece of a dream he’d dared to believe in.

When they arrived, they made their way to the Omega Health Care Wing. The familiar scent of antiseptic drifted through the air, and Ersa tried not to let it overwhelm him. Nora wasn’t on duty, which only made the experience harder. The nurse who attended him was kind but clinical, guiding him through a series of tests that left him drained and aching. By the time they were done, his limbs felt like lead, and the effort of keeping himself together was becoming unbearable.

“I’ll take you back to the reception area,” the nurse said gently, helping him up. “Dr. Alora is still with another patient, but he shouldn’t be long.”

Ersa’s body protested every step, and by the time they reached the waiting room, the tightness in his throat threatened to spill into tears. But then—like a miracle—he saw her.

“Nora!” His voice broke, relief washing over him as the nurse signed into duty.

“Ersa?” She hurried to his side, concern etched across her face as she helped him into the nearest couch. “What are you doing here? Is everything okay?”

He nodded quickly, not trusting himself to speak. If she was going to find out why he was here, it wouldn’t be from him. Dr. Alora would explain.

As if summoned by his thoughts, his name was called.

“Do you want me to come with you?” his mother asked softly.

“Yes, please,” Ersa whispered, his composure cracking. “I don’t think I can do this alone.”

Nora helped him down the hallway to Dr. Alora’s office, his mother following close behind. When they entered, the room felt strangely still, heavy with an almost palpable tension. Dr. Alora stood behind his desk, eyes fixed on his e-reader, his expression frozen in disbelief.

“Doctor?” Ersa asked, his heart beginning to race. “Is something wrong?”

The alpha looked up slowly, and the moment his gaze landed on Ersa, his entire body seemed to deflate.

“Please,” he said after a long pause, gesturing toward the chairs. “Sit down.”

Ersa didn’t hesitate. As soon as his mother settled beside him, he reached for her hand, clutching it tightly.

Dr. Alora glanced at Nora, then back at the screen, his face drawn with confusion. “Maybe we should connect with Master Quin and Sirhe.”

“The director?” Nora’s brow furrowed. “Why would we need to—”

“Because it’s the best way to handle this,” Dr. Alora interrupted, dragging a hand down his face. “This… this has never happened before. You ran his tests right after his heat, didn’t you?”

“Yes,” Nora said slowly, her voice tinged with apprehension.

“And there were no signs of pregnancy then?”

“None.”

“Are you absolutely sure?” the doctor pressed.

“I’m sure,” Nora insisted. “He came in sick. I gave him something for the nausea and…” She trailed off, her face going pale. “The medication. It… it must have interfered with the results. It gave a false negative.”

“That’s it,” Dr. Alora said, his eyes wide with realization. “I wondered why the tests showed nothing. But now—”

“What are you talking about?” Ersa’s mother demanded, her grip on his hand tightening. “What’s happening?”

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