Page 86 of Omega's Vengeance

“Oh. Right. Of course.” I glance down at my boxers. I drop the bag and hurry to grab jeans and a shirt.

Alessio pulls on sweatpants and an oversized hoodie. He grabs his stomach and groans, breathing irregularly. “Shit.” He grits his teeth, in obvious pain. “These contractions are strong. We need to hurry.”

Anxiety rages through me as I go to him. “I’ll help you downstairs.” We make our way down the steps, stopping every few minutes so that he can tolerate the contractions. It’s slow-moving, but eventually we reach the SUV. “I called Valentino right before we started down the stairs. He said he’d meet us at the hospital.”

“I hope Nico comes too.” Alessio groans.

“He probably will.” I help him into his seat. I clip the belt below his huge belly, around his hips.

I drive faster than I probably should, but Alessio is in so much pain and his contractions are coming every three minutes. I know that now that his water broke, time is of the essence. “Remember your breathing,” I say. “They said it would help with the pain.”

“They lied,” he growls.

I grip the steering well. “It’s okay, Alessio. We’ll be there soon.”

He wiggles in his seat, grabbing his stomach and moaning. “This hurts more than I thought. I don’t like this one bit.”

I don’t know what to say. There’s nothing I can do to help them. All I can do is drive safely and quickly. It’s only about a five minute drive to the hospital, but it feels like an hour passes. I’m sure feels like even longer for Alessio. I park in front of the emergency entrance because it’s after hours. I just leave the car, and help Alessio into the emergency room.

Once inside, a bored looking nurse at the little podium says, “You’ll need to take him to the Labor and Delivery Reception. They handle all the maternity cases.”

I’m immediately pissed off at her lackadaisical attitude. I bristle and say harshly, “My name is Dario Coppola, and I need you to get a wheelchairnow. There’s no way he can walk that whole way.”

At the mention of my name, the nurse widens her eyes. “Oh, I… I didn’t recognize you, Mr. Coppola. I’ll get that chair for you.”

“Thanks,” I say curtly.

Alessio lets out a wail, and he grabs his stomach. “God, shit, fuck. I’m gonna die. This hurts too much, Dario. I… I can’t do this.”

“Yes you can. You’re gonna be fine.” I glance around angrily, looking for the nurse and the wheelchair. I see her running toward us pushing a wheelchair. I grab it from her, and help Alessio into the chair. Then I take off with him, going far faster than is probably safe. But he’s in so much pain, and the labor and delivery reception area feels like miles away.

When I reach labor and delivery, they’re far more on their game. Every one of them jumps into action when they see Alessio and me. Within minutes Alessio is taken to a labor room, and Dr. Martin is contacted. The nurses have me put on a gown and little booties on my feet. But I’d wear a clown suit if it meant I could be in the room with Alessio.

Alessio is moaning and obviously suffering as he writhes on the bed. There are stirrups at one end of the bed, but Alessio isn’t quite ready for that yet. The nurses check his cervix and tell us he’s ready. Dr. Martin arrives two minutes later, dressed in scrubs and looking much calmer than I feel.

She’s wearing a mask, but her eyes crinkle as she smiles at me. “You boys ready for this?”

“No,” Alessio wails. “I wanted an epidural. This is too painful.”

“I’m sorry, Alessio. You’re too far along for the epidural,” Dr. Martin says, and her mask puffs as she speaks. “This baby is coming now. I’d take too long to get the anesthesiologist here in time.”

“This is bullshit,” Alessio whines. “I told you I wanted an epidural. This isn’t right. I can’t do this. I can’t do it, I’m serious.”

He’s absolutely panicking, and I have to do something. I put my hand on his forehead. He’s sweating and hot, but all I can think about is trying to soothe my omega. At my touch, he does quiet down a little. He looks at me, his eyes filled with pain. I want to help him. I want to take his painforhim. But I can’t. All I can do is exert whatever calming alpha influence I have over him.

“Look at me, Alessio,” I say gruffly. I stroke his hair and hold his gaze. “You’re so strong. You can definitely do this, love. Before you know it, our child will be here. Youcando this Alessio. I know you can.”

“I’m scared,” he whimpers.

“I know. I know you are. I promise you, you’re going to be okay. It’s time. It’s time for our baby to arrive.” My eyes sting. “It’s up to you now, Alessio. I know that you can do this. Even if it’s scary, you can do this.”

His jagged breathing slowly calms. The raging fear in his eyes fades slightly. He’s still in a lot of pain and he’s still scared. But my voice is getting through to him. I can see the change in him.

I take his hand in mine. “Listen to everything that Dr. Martin tells you. She’s going to help you through this. It’s almost over, love.”

He nods. “It’s almost over,” he whispers.

Dr. Martin says, “Alessio, I need you to put your feet in the stirrups. Then, when I tell you to, you’re going to push.”

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