Page 52 of Omega's Vengeance

Marie gives Alessio an irritable glance. “Alessio, Dario has been nothing but sweet to you since he came in this room, and you’ve been nothing but rude. Could you please stop that?”

Alessio winces. “Sorry.” He doesn’t sound particularly sorry. Knowing him, he isn’t the least bit sorry.

But he’s going to be mine either way.

Excitement sparks through me at that realization. He can bitch and complain all he wants. He’ll still end up in my bed. Not that I would ever force myself on him. I don’t have to. He likes sex with me. Regardless of his pissy attitude at the moment, he hungers for me the same way I do him. Plus, I haven’t touched him since the night in the forest. I have a feeling on our wedding night, he’ll be achingly responsive. I’m exhilarated at the idea he’s going to beallmine. No other alpha will ever have the right to touch him.

Nico pats his baby bump. “If you are pregnant, Alessio, it’ll be fun to have some company. We can bitch about our swollen ankles and indigestion together.”

Alessio seems uncomfortable with the conversation. “I guess.” He picks up a piece of bacon from his plate and chomps on it with a scowl.

“Have you informed your captains about the marriage?” I ask.

Alessio sighs. “Yes. They’re confused, and I don’t blame them.”

“Just remind them that the Abella Syndicate is still the Abella Syndicate. You’re just under the umbrella of the Black Knives. You’re under our protection. You’ll still operate independently, for the most part.”

“I’m not buying it,” says Alessio. “You’re telling me that Valentino won’t want me to ask him for permission when I make decisions?”

“Only if it’s a huge thing. He’ll want some say in how you handle the ports at first. Just until he can trust you’re able to do it without issues,” I say smoothly. “But I’ll be there for you to communicate through. Valentino doesn’t like to micromanage. You’ll have plenty of freedom.”

“If you say so.” Alessio’s tone is skeptical.

“You should see a doctor,” Marie says, changing the subject. “If you are pregnant, Alessio, you’ll need prenatal vitamins.”

Alessio pushes his mostly empty plate away. “I don’t feel any different physically. I’ll wait to see a doctor until I think there’s areason.”

Paolo laughs. “Man, you really don’t want to be pregnant, do you? You’re in absolute denial.”

Shrugging, Alessio stands. “I’m going for a walk. Then I need to make a bunch of phone calls.” He glances at me. “Am I allowed to leave this place? I’d like to meet with my captains today. There’s a lot to discuss.”

“You can meet with them. But I’ll go with you.”

His jaw tightens. “Awesome.”

Marie sighs, giving Alessio a resigned look.

I ignore his insolence. “Let me know when you’d like to meet up with them. My schedule is flexible today.”

He nods but says nothing.

“So Saturday then?” Marie asks, looking straight at Alessio. “For the wedding ceremony?”

He exhales. “Okay.” He hesitates and meets my gaze. “Maybe while we’re out we can stop by Sugar Supreme Italian Bakery and taste cakes.” He frowns. “I mean, if this dumb wedding is actually happening, we need a cake.”

I squash my smile, pleased he suggested that little excursion. I’m happy he’s at least pretending to be on board. I don’t relish the idea of dragging him, kicking and screaming, to the wedding ceremony. If he’s willing to check out cakes with me, that’s a good sign. “Sure.”

“See you then.” His cheek twitches and he leaves the room.

Paolo sighs. “He’s a stubborn one, Dario. High maintenance. You’ll have your work cut out for you married to him.”

“Agreed,” I mutter.

Marie lifts one shoulder. “He’ll come around. As I told you the other day, I’m sure you’re fated mates. He can’t fight the pull of that forever.”

I laugh gruffly. “I don’t know, Marie. If anyone could, it would be that little bastard.”

Chapter Twelve

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