Page 60 of Omega's Vengeance

I scowl at him. “He needs medical treatment now. Alessio could die if we risk driving a long distance. Internal injuries are no joke. You know that.”

Valentino purses his lips. “If he did die, the merger could still go forward.”

My stomach clenches at his callous words. “Boss, I’d rather you didn’t say shit like that right now.”

“You didn’t seem that thrilled about marrying him when I broached the issue.” Valentino shrugs.

“I’m fully on board now.”

He studies Alessio with an emotionless expression. “You sure you wouldn’t rather just let nature takes its course?”

I growl, “Valentino, I called you forhelp.I wouldn’t have done that if I thought you were going to try and finish Alessio off.”

Valentino grimaces. “I’m not suggesting we murder him. I’m simply saying going to the ER in our town could potentially be dangerous.”

“You’re implying much more, and you know it,” I say. “If we stall treatment, that could potentially cost Alessio his life. I’m not okay with that.”

Valentino sighs and faces front again. “Fine. We’ll go to the nearest ER.”

I glare at the back of his perfectly styled head. I can’t remember the last time I was really angry with Valentino. But I’m angry now. “If this were Nico instead of Alessio, would you have suggested we drive to another city for treatment because it’s too dangerous to go to the closest ER?” I demand.

“Of course not,” he says incredulously.

“That’s what I figured,” I mutter. “You may not like Alessio, but he’s my omega. I’m not going to just let himdie, Valentino. Jesus, I can’t believe you even hinted at that. Why the hell did you even come to help if you’re going to be like this?”

He turns to me again. “I came to help you. Not him. You were in danger, Dario.That’swhy I’m here.”

“Well,” I growl, “We’re a package deal.”

“Fine.” Valentino says, facing forward again. “I already said we’ll take him to the ER. What are you still going on about?” He crosses his arms, looking sulky as he watches me in the visor mirror.

“You know, if Nico were here, he’d be on my side.”

Valentino gives a long suffering sigh. “I know.”

I scowl. “He’d be mad at you for evensuggestingwe not go to the nearest ER,” I grumble.

Valentino grimaces. “I was just being practical.”

“Sure you were,” I mutter.

Valentino looks slightly sheepish. “I didn’t realize just how attached you were to him. I knew you’d given him your bite, but I can see now you’re fully bonded with him.”

I run my fingers over Alessio’s smooth forehead. “Yes, I am.” In fact, I’m so bonded to Alessio I worry what will happen should he die. I’m not sure what would happen. I’ve heard stories all my life of alphas or omegas who lost their fated mates unable to go on. I never understood that. Not until now. Somewhere along the line, Alessio has become a part of me. I don’t understand why or how. I only know in my soul, if he dies, a piece of me will die with him.

When we reach Los Demonios General Hospital, I jump out of the SUV and carefully get Alessio out of the car. I don’t want to wait for Samual to go in and hunt down someone to help. That will take too long and I’m chomping at the bit as it is. I’m surprised when Valentino helps me half carry Alessio into the ER. I’d like to think he’s changed his tune toward Alessio, but I suspect he’s just trying to rack up brownie points with me. He’s probably worried I’ll tell Nico how callous he was about Alessio.

Whatever his reason for helping me, I’m glad Valentino accompanies me inside because the nurses recognize him. They scramble to find a doctor within minutes. The doctor is an older, weary looking alpha with salt and pepper hair. Tired or not, he takes his time as he examines Alessio’s abdomen.

“He was in a car accident,” I offer.

“Yes, so I’ve been told.” The doctor straightens, looking grim. “I suspect he’s ruptured something. We’ll need to operate.”

I nod, not hugely surprised at his diagnosis. “Will he be okay?”

The doctor grimaces at my question. “Hard to say. We can’t know for sure what we’re dealing with until we open him up.”

Valentino steps forward. “Heneedsto be okay.”

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