Page 88 of Omega in Hiding

“Okay. It’s okay,” he says, sounding nervous. “We’ll just get you to the hospital and it will be no big deal. We’ve got this, right?” He comes over to me.

“I think so?” I laugh jaggedly. “Even if we don’t got this, the baby is coming.”

Paolo helps me down the stairs to the foyer. He leaves me for a few moments to go tell Valentino and Nico it’s time, and he also calls one of the security team to drive us. He returns to me, face pale and strained. “It’s going to be just fine,” he says, opening the front door. “The doctors will know what to do, and it’ll be justfine.”

I always imagined I’d be the basket case when labor started, but it’s becoming clear to me that Paolo is the one having the attack of nerves. He helps me carefully to the car, putting me in the back. Then he tosses the overnight bag into the trunk, just as the security guy, Jack, arrives looking groggy.

“Is it time?” Jack asks, giving a tired smile. He’s an older alpha with short cropped gray hair. According to Nico, Jack has been with Valentino a long time and while he seems like a harmless, middle-aged guy, he can be ruthless when needed.

“It would seem so.” I wince as yet another contraction hits.

Jack gets behind the wheel, and Paolo gets in the back with me.

“Remember your breathing,” Paolo says.

I’m glad he reminded me. I’d forgotten about the breathing techniques. I hope they actually help with the pain. If nothing else, they give me something to concentrate on. I slow my breathing and grip the arm rests as the contractions hit. Jack drives quickly yet safely, and Paolo holds my hand, counting the breaths with me.

“The contractions are closer together,” Paolo says, watching me. “Aren’t they?”

I grit my teeth. “Yes.”

"We’re almost there.” Paolo pats my hand. “Just hang on a bit longer."

It feels like forever but eventually we arrive at the hospital. Jack drops us off in front, and Paolo helps me hobble to the hospital entrance. It takes a few minutes because each contraction makes me stop and pant with pain. When weget inside the building, there’s a nurse there waiting with a wheelchair.

“We got your call, Mr. Syracuse. I’m Nurse Evelyn. Everything is ready for Connor.” She’s tall with short red hair and alert brown eyes. “We’ve already gone ahead and checked Connor in, now we’ll just get him up to the labor and delivery ward ASAP.”

“I appreciate your speed,” Paolo says politely, but he’s buzzing with impatience. I don’t think teleporting upstairs would be fast enough for him.

After a short elevator ride, the nurse wheels me into a bright, spacious room with calming blue walls, soft lighting, and modern medical equipment. A large, comfortable bed sits in the center, surrounded by monitors and various instruments. There’s a cozy chair in the corner, and a bassinet ready for the baby.

The nurse smiles reassuringly at me. "Alright, Connor, we’re going to get you set up here in the bed. Mr. Syracuse, you can stay by his side."

“Obviously.” Paolo says gruffly. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“No.” She laughs nervously. “Of course not.”

The nurse helps me into the bed, attaching monitors to track the baby’s heart rate and contractions. The contractions are becoming more frequent and intense. I try not to be a big baby about the pain, but it’s actually quite agonizing. It’s like my insides are twisting around my organ. It’s a pain I can’t really describe.

A tall, well-built man in his early forties enters the room. “I’m Dr. Martinez. I’m the attending OB/GYN on call tonight.” He doesn’t shake our hands, which makes sense seeing as he’sdressed in a crisp white lab coat over light blue scrubs, and wearing gloves. His face is clean-shaven, with a strong jawline and a hint of lines around his mouth and eyes, suggesting he often smiles or grimaces.

Dr. Martinez moves with practiced ease, his presence instilling confidence. He checks my blood pressure, pulse, and temperature quickly, noting the readings and speaking quietly to the nurse. Attaching the fetal heart monitor, he listens intently to the baby’s heartbeat.

“The baby’s heart rate sounds perfect,” he says meeting my gaze.

“Okay, good.” I nod.

Paolo lets out a harsh breath as if he’s been holding his breath for a while, but says nothing.

I reach for Paolo’s hand, wanting to comfort him, but also craving his support. His warm hand curls around mine and I instantly feel better. My alpha has the ability to calm me with just his touch.

Dr. Martinez gently palpates my abdomen. He explains that by doing that he’s feeling the baby’s position and size. His touch is firm but gentle, providing both assessment and comfort.

“Baby is in a good position,” he says. “Now I’m going to check how far along you are as far as your cervical dilation.” With gloved hands, he performs a cervical examination, his expression focused and professional. "You’re definitely in active labor, Connor. You’re about five centimeters dilated and progressing well. Let’s keep monitoring you and see how things go."

“Okay,” I say quietly, wincing as another contraction begins.

The doctor leaves the room to go check on other omegas in labor, and the nurses quietly move around the room, getting everything ready for what is to come. Paolo stays beside me, stroking my hair and speaking quietly to me.

---