Page 106 of Omega's Refuge

His mouth tensed. “I’m sure the baby is fine.”

“You aways think everything will be fine.” I gritted my teeth. “I guess I’m not always as optimistic as you.”

“There’s no point in thinking negatively, Tanner.” He wrinkled his brow. “It won’t help anything.”

“Maybe not, but I’m really worried. And telling me I shouldn’t be worried isn’t helping.” I avoided his gaze because I knew he’d be hurt by my impatient tone.

He didn’t respond in kind, he simply let out a shaky breath as if trying to control his emotions.

The nurse walked to the door. “I’m going to see if Dr. Holston will come see you now. I can seethe pressure of waiting is getting to you two, and more stress is the last thing either of you need.”

Once she was gone an awkward silence fell. I knew I should apologize to Rex for snapping at him, but I felt bitter and angry at the world. Why couldn’t anything ever just be easy? Why did I always seem to struggle for the tiniest bit of happiness? Just when things finally seemed to be going my way, this had to happen?

Rex came over to me and surprised me by taking my hand. His grip was warm and firm, and his expression serious. “I’m sorry if my being positive annoys you, Tanner.”

I winced guiltily. “You shouldn’t be apologizing tome. It should be the other way around.”

“No, you’re scared and I shouldn’t just brush over that. You have a right to be scared and to express those emotions. But I… I truly do feel like everything will be okay. Those weren’t just empty platitudes. I feel in my gut the baby is fine.”

His compassion made my eyes sting with tears. He could easily have held a grudge against me for being snippy, but as usual, he was being good to me. “D… do you really feel that?”

“Yes.” He nodded. “I really do.”

“I’m worried about the cramping,” I admitted.

“But it stopped, right?”

I nodded.

“The doctor will be able to tell us if we should be worried or not. To me, it’s a good sign that it stopped.”

“Right,” I murmured, shuddering at the memory of helplessly tumbling down the steps.

The door opened and an older man entered the room. His eyes were on a clipboard he held, but then he looked up smiling. “How are we doing today?” He stopped near the examination table. “I’m Dr. Holston.”

“I like to think we’re doing okay,” I said quietly. “Hopefully, you can put us at ease.”

Rex held out his hand. “I’m Rex, Tanner’s alpha.”

The possessive way he announced that sent warm shivers through me. I liked being his omega already. I really hoped nothing changed between us because of anything the doctor said.

“Nice to meet you both.” Dr. Holston, gestured to me. “Nurse Whelchel explained the situation to me. I understand you’ve had some slight cramping since the fall?”

“Yeah. It’s stopped though.” I grimaced. “But it made me really nervous.”

“That’s understandable,” Dr. Holston said. “But cramping doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong. Uterine irritation or ligament strain could cause mild cramping.”

“Oh.” I blinked at him.

I must have looked confused because, with a patient smile, he continued, “ During pregnancy, the ligaments supporting the uterus stretch to accommodate its growth. A fall or sudden movement can strain these ligaments, causing cramping or discomfort, particularly in the lower abdomen or groin.” He shrugged. “To be honest, anxiety or fear from the fall could cause the body to tense up, leading to a physical response that includes mild cramping. That’s why I say it’s not necessarily anything to worry about. Especially since it stopped.”

“That’s a relief,” I said, meeting Rex’s gaze.

Rex smiled tentatively. “Yes. Very much so.”

Dr. Holston nodded. “Just to be safe, I’m going to do a physical examination, if that’s okay with you, Tanner?”

“Sure.” I pulled my shirt up, exposing my stomach. “Do I need to take my clothes off?”

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