Page 23 of Such a Delicious Omega

“I didn’t think shifters got as much prenatal care as humans, but this is sounding like it.”

“Most don’t, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad idea. How has he been feeling?”

We headed up the stairs to the bedroom as we spoke, and when we got there, it was to find my omega wearing just a pair of undershorts. He looked hot but also a little disgruntled. “I decided not to bother getting dressed.”

“Hi, Echo, I thought we’d talk before the exam. But why don’t we do it the opposite way so you can be dressed and feel more comfortable for our discussion.”

“Do you need me to leave?” I asked, even though my wolf was protesting the very idea, hard.

“Up to Echo,” Jabez said. “Some alphas try to control the appointments, but as far as I’m concerned, the omega is carrying the child and he’s the boss where pregnancy matters are concerned.”

“I couldn’t agree more.” I went over and patted my omega’s shoulder. “He knows that, too. What do you say, omega mine? Can I stay?”

“Of course, alpha. I’m going to need you to help me remember any details or instructions. Suddenly, being pregnant feels very complicated.”

“And I haven’t even talked to you yet.” Jabez offered him a friendly smile. “Lie back and relax. I’m going to start with taking your vitals.”

I settled in a chair across the room to give the healer space to do his job. He examined my omega with such respect and care, my wolf never even protested another alpha touching our omega. Jabez had a real gift of bedside manner, I noted, as he asked Echo questions, listened to his answers, and made helpful recommendations.

After he finished, Echo got dressed while I led Jabez downstairs to the kitchen for tea and conversation. My omega came in and sat down, picking up a cookie and taking a bite. “And?” he asked. “Am I normal?”

“No,” Jabez said, “as I am sure your alpha will agree, you are extraordinary. But everything is fine with both you and the baby, as long as you don’t eat too many cookies.” He helped himself to another. “These are delicious.”

Since I’d baked them myself, and was the alpha father of the baby in question, I beamed with pride.

Chapter Twenty-One

Echo

Week thirty-eight of this pregnancy could be summed up in one word—discomfort. Samuel and Jabez, mostly Jabez, had insisted I take the last two weeks of my pregnancy off, not because anything was wrong but because standing that long at the hotel desk was proving exhausting.

Plus, I had a full-time job feeding this pup inside me.

“I need cheese,” I exclaimed but paused, determining the best way to roll off the couch and get to the refrigerator.

“Let me,” Samuel said. He’d come in right at the second I’d professed my need for dairy. He had impeccable timing in all things.

“You don’t have to,” I pouted, but contrary to my statement let myself roll back to comfort like a beached whale. Saying things like that was only allowed in my mind. Samuel said mates didn’t let mates talk badly about themselves.

Still, sometimes it slipped out.

He came over and kissed my forehead and gave my belly a bit of a rub. “But I like to. Snack plate, or do you want the block?” He chuckled. Yes, a few days ago, I’d stood in front of the fridge and bitten into a block of cheese. Was I ashamed? No.

Would I do it again? Absolutely.

“I want a fancy plate. You make the best snack plates.”

“Okay, but only a small one. And to go. I have a surprise for you.”

“What is it?”

“I bought you an outfit, and we have to leave in about an hour.”

I groaned. Nowadays, I needed a two-hour buffer on all outings. Maybe three. “Where are we going?”

“To the club.” My mate came back with a small plate of snacks and a bag in his other hand.

“I’m too big, Samuel. No one wants to see a manatee get spanked.”

---