Page 84 of Omega's Vengeance

“This is exciting,” Alessio says breathlessly.

“We don’t want to know the sex of the baby,” I say quickly.

She nods. “Okay. Then I won’t tell you.” She puts gel on Alessio stomach, and begins rolling the wand lightly over his skin. “Today we’re checking the development of the brain, heart, kidneys, liver, spine, and limbs to ensure everything is developing as expected.”

Unlike the first time we saw the ultrasound, this time there’s a definite outline of the baby. The heartbeat is more obvious too, and the doctor doesn’t even need to point it out to us this time. My chest tightens as I gaze upon our baby. It’s hard to comprehend this is all real. Alessio is caring our childinsidehis body. It’s miraculous. Astounding. It just makes me love him even more, if that’s possible.

Alessio winces. “The baby just kicked. It’s been moving a lot lately.”

“That’s normal. If you weren’t feeling kicks, then I’d be more concerned,” Dr. Martin says. She peers at the screen, her face scrunched. “The placenta position is good. The baby’s growth seems on track. Amniotic fluid volume is excellent.”

Alessio hasn’t said anything for a few moments, and when I look at him I see tears running down his cheeks. My heart aches and I take his hand.

“It’s just so beautiful,” he whispers. “I feel closer to the baby seeing it. It’s not just this faceless creature giving me heartburn and making my legs swell. It’s a real little person in there.”

I nod, a lump forming in my throat. “I know what you mean,” I said gruffly. “This is real. This is everything I’ve ever wanted.”

Alessio smiles at me. “It’s everything we wanted that we didn’t even know we wanted.”

I laugh. “Exactly.”

Dr. Martin watches us with a little smile. “I have to say, it’s really nice to see a couple who are so in love. You two are very in tune to each other. I love seeing that.”

Alessio and I smile at each other.

If she only knew how we met, she’d probably be horrified. It’s true that now we’re bonded perfectly. But when we first met we were mortal enemies. I wonder what she’d say if she knew that Alessio had wanted to kill me when he first met me. But that’s not a story she’s ever going to hear. Because as rocky as it was when we began our journey together, our love is solid. All-consuming. I’d die for Alessio without hesitation, and I know he’d do the same for me.

Dr. Martin allows us to enjoy the ultrasound for another fifteen minutes, and then she flicks off the machine. She stands and pulls off her gloves, tossing them in the trash receptacle. “Everything’s going really well. There are no red flags that I can see, so just keep doing what you’re doing. Maybe make sure you’re getting some exercise. Walking is always good.”

“Dario tries to get me to walk every evening.” Looking sheepish, Alessio adds, “I’m not always as agreeable as I could be.”

“Well, keeping in shape is important because when the baby gets here you’re gonna need a lot of energy.” Dr. Martin shrugs. “Keep nagging him, Dario. He’ll thank you in the end.”

I grimace. “I’ll do my best. He gets pretty surly.”

“Would you please stop talking about me like I’m not here?” Alessio sits up. “I’ll take walks more frequently. I promise.”

“You heard him, Dr. Martin.” I grin. “You have to back me up if he tries to say he never said that.”

She laughs. “I’m staying out of this.” She moves to the door. “Are there any more questions?”

“Nope. Thanks for showing us the baby today, Doc.” Alessio slides off the table. I help steady him once his feet touch the ground, and he gives me a grateful smile.

“You two take care of each other.” Dr. Martin leaves the room.

Alessio dresses quickly, and we leave the doctor’s office. I’d planned on taking Alessio to lunch, but Valentino calls as we reach the car asking me to help him with something. Alessio’s face is pinched as we get in the car. I know he’s pissed off that Valentino interrupted our time together. I hate it when Alessio is upset. It makes me uneasy to have my omega displeased.

“I won’t be long, I don’t think,” I say gruffly.

“Sometimes I swear Valentino does this on purpose. I think he’s jealous.” Alessio crosses his arms, and stares out the window with a scowl.

I laugh. “He probably is jealous. He’s used to having my undivided attention. I don’t think he likes that I put you first. But that’s just how it’s gonna be, and he needs to get used to the idea.”

“Those are great words, Dario. But if you’ll notice, you’re abandoning me to go run to Valentino. How exactly am I coming first? He’s getting his way, as usual.”

I frown. “I’m not abandoning you. I just can’t take you to lunch. I’ll take you to dinner instead. Will that make you happy?”

“As if Valentino will let you get home in time for dinner,” he grumbles.

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