Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Thirteen

Dario

I see the SUV right before impact. I don't have time to avoid the vehicle, but I have time to press the gas hard. That one action saves us from being T-boned by the SUV. The other car smashes the rear, right side of our SUV, causing us to spin wildly into the center of the intersection.

Panic strikes through me because Alessio's side of the car took the hit. Thank god he had his seatbelt on, and the air bag deployed. But he didn't make a sound when the vehicle slammed into us, and hasn't made one since. I pray he's okay.

On impact, I bang my head on the side of the car. Thankfully, the airbag deployed instantaneously with a sound similar to a gunshot. My vision is momentarily obscured as the airbag opens. There's an acrid scent in the car, similar to the scent of fireworks. Crunching metal sounds, and glass shattering fills my ears.

The car comes to a stop, and there's the sound of the radiator hissing, and people outside the car screaming. Alessio groans, which at least reassures me he's alive. We need to get out of the car now. I have no idea why that car hit us. Was this actually an accident, or were we rammed on purpose? I suspect that later simply because of the speed of the other vehicle. If that's the case, we're sitting ducks inside the car.

Dazed, I force myself to unhook my seatbelt and open my door. I slide out of the car and onto my knees. Feeling dizzy, I tug my Glock out of my suit jacket. I taste blood, and suspect I bit my tongue on impact. I inch around the car, moving to the front. The SUV hit the rear of our car, so heading around the front seems smarter. I need to get to Alessio's door before anyone else does. In the distance I hear sirens, and as I round the front of our car, I see that Alessio is stumbling out of the vehicle.

Alarm jolts through me when I also see a big guy with blood on his face, climbing out of the other SUV. He immediately moves in Alessio's direction, and I grit my teeth when he draws a weapon.

"Shit," I say under my breath. I lift my gun and fire two rounds into the thugs chest, and he drop like a sack of potatoes. I didn't have a lot of time to aim. But he was big which made him an easy target. I ignore the screams of the onlookers and turn my attention to Alessio.

Alessio flinched at the sound of my gun, but now he's just staring at me blankly. There's blood streaked down his cheek, and he's obviously stunned. "We crashed?" he asks.

"In so many words. You okay?" I look past him at the white SUV. I don't see anyone else in the car, but the guy I shot exited the passenger side. There has to be another guy. Did he take off, or is he lurking nearby? Maybe he's pretending to be an onlooker. Maybe he's taking aim at my head right this second.

"Let's go," I growl, grabbing Alessio's arm. "We need to get out of here before the cops arrive."

He nods. "Right."

I tug him after me, heading toward the sidewalk. The sirens are getting closer. We need to hurry. The vehicle and registration won't lead to me. As long as we get out of here before the cops arrive, we should be golden. Valentino has some cops in his pocket, but you never know who's going to show up. It's easier if we just bounce before anyone can stop us.

I lead the way down an alley on the side of a dress shop. I check behind us every few seconds. It doesn't appear that anyone is following us. As we run, I pull my cell out of my back pocket, and call Valentino.

He picks up on the third ring. "Hello?"

"Somebody just tried to kill Alessio," I growl into the phone.

There's silence, and then, "Where are you?"

I glance around, but there are no street signs near us. "Don't know our exact location. We crashed at the intersection of Hemmingway and Empire Avenue. We're on foot now, probably about a mile south of that."

"That's near Luigi's place. The Rattling Can. It's on Princeton Street."

"Right. I know it."

"Head over there and I'm on my way." He hangs up.

I pull up maps on my phone and locate Princeton Street. Then I tuck my phone away. "This way."

"Coming." Alessio drags his feet a bit. He's out of breath, and really pale. He's always pale, but at the moment he's ashen. The blood smeared on his face stands out even more against his white skin.

"We have to go faster," I say gruffly.

"I'm trying. I… I don't feel so good," he mumbles, staggering slightly. "My stomach hurts."

Anxiety washes through me. It's not smart to stop right now. We're still too close to the crash. But when he stumbles and almost falls on his face, I take pity on him. "You said your stomach hurts?"

"Yeah." He blows out a harsh breath.

I glance around uneasily. "Sit on the curb."

He does as I ask, laying back on the cement. He holds his stomach, wincing. I kneel beside him and push up his shirt. There's no visible wound, but his stomach does seem a bit distended. My uneasiness grows as I begin to check over his abdomen with my fingers. Usually, his stomach is flat and his abdominal muscles defined. At the moment, his stomach is definitely bloated.

"Does it hurt when I press?" I ask.

He winces. "Yes."

I mutter, "You might have internal injuries."

"Fucking perfect." His eyes are closed as he says softly, "Shit. I… I think I'm going to be sick."

I help him over to a honeysuckle bush near a fence. He wretches for a few minutes. I'm relieved he doesn't vomit blood or anything like that. I rub his back to comfort him, and once he quiets, I ask, "Can you walk?"

"I think so." He grits his teeth and I help him to his feet. We go along for a bit, but he's obviously struggling. At one point, he stops and mumbles, "Sorry. I just need a second."

The pallor of his skin is alarming. Every alpha instinct in me is buzzing with anxiety. The need to protect him is eating at me, but I have no fucking clue what to do. If he is bleeding internally, he needs to get to the ER immediately. There's nothing I can do for him.

"Look," I say in a coaxing tone. "We just need to get to The Rattling Can. Luigi will have a car. I can take you to the ER from there."

"I know, I'm just so dizzy." He leans into me, resting his head against my chest. His breaths come in little puffs, and he clutches my shirt with his slender fingers. "You're gonna get caught because of me. You should go, Dario. Leave me here."

"I'm not leaving you here. Are you nuts?" I loop my arm around his waist. "You're coming with me if I have to carry you."

"Don't be stupid. You can just come back for me with the car."

"You're the stupid one. If I leave you here, you're a sitting duck," I rasp. "So just shut up about it."

"Dumb, Neanderthal," he mumbles. "Don't you even know enough to save yourself?"

Gritting my teeth, I lift him up and put him over my shoulder. He groans when his stomach presses against my shoulder. I know the position hurts him, but he's going to die if I don't get him to Luigi's place soon. He needs actual medical attention. Even I can see that.

I start walking, going as fast as I can without jostling him too much. He moans in pain most of the way. His skin is hot and he's sweaty. My anxiety spikes when he suddenly goes limp. "Alessio?" I growl. He doesn't respond. "Fuck."

I'm winded and wracked with worry when I finally reach The Rattling Can. Luigi is out front with Valentino. I'm so glad to see him, I could cry. I trust Valentino will help me, even if he can't stand Alessio. He'll do it for me.

Luigi gives me a cordial nod, and I reciprocate. But I don't say anything. I'm too distracted. All I can think about is getting Alessio to the hospital.

Valentino takes one look at my face. "Get him in my car," he says to his driver, Samual.

Sam runs around and opens the rear, passenger side door. I lay Alessio on the back seat. I'm as gentle as possible, but Alessio groans in pain. I move around to the other side and climb in. Valentino gets in the passenger front seat and Samual slides in behind the wheel.

"Let's go." Valentino swivels to look at me as he hooks his belt. "Did he get shot?"

"No. I think he's bleeding internally from the accident."

"Got it." Valentino nods.

Alessio groans and starts thrashing around. I grab hold of his shoulders, and shift his head so that it rests in my lap. "It's okay, Alessio," I say quietly. "I'm here. I'll take care of you."

His eyes open briefly and they're pinned on me. There's fear and pain in those eyes. His face is shiny with sweat. He swallows hard, his Adam's apple bobbing in his pale, slender throat. I've never seen him look quite so vulnerable. It's painful to see. He's scared. He'd hate knowing I can see that. He's too prideful. He's always so worried people will think he's weak.

"It's okay. I promise." I stroke a lock of golden hair off his forehead. He sighs and closes his eyes again. He trusts me. He trusts I'll take care of him because I'm his alpha. His faith in me is instinctive. He's too weak right now for his ego to hide how he really feels. My chest tightens at the way he relaxes at my touch. It's fascinating to watch him give himself over to my care.

I glance up and find Valentino watching me. "Carlo's people might be watching the ER," he says.

"I know."

"It could be dangerous."

I narrow my eyes, trying to understand his point. "Are you trying to say we shouldn't go there or something?"

Valentino shrugs. "We could go to an ER out of the city."

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 for help. 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 him die, 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's why 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 even suggesting we 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. "He needs to be okay."

The doctor flicks Valentino an uneasy look. "I'm not the one who'll operate on him."

"Then I suggest you pass along my message," Valentino says cooly.

"I will. I… I'll be sure the surgeon takes good care of this patient."

"That's all we can ask for." Valentino's smile doesn't reach his eyes.

After how he was earlier, I appreciate that Valentino is putting pressure on the doctor and trying to save Alessio. But I also worry that no matter how much he bullies the staff, if the damage internally to Alessio is too great, all the threats in the world won't save him.

I feel sick as they wheel Alessio away. I start to follow them, but Valentino takes hold of my arm and leads me to the waiting room. I obediently sit in the blue vinyl chair Valentino points to. He sits beside me, looking out of place in his expensive silk suit. The waiting room is small and crowded. I'm sure Valentino would love to escape the curious stares and whispers that come his way. But he stays beside me, texting on his cell phone.

I assume he's texting with Nico, and my suspicions are confirmed when he turns to me and asks, "So how are you holding up? This must be very hard on you."

I almost laugh because those words must have come straight from Nico. I know that Valentino is concerned for me, but he's not the type to inquire about my emotional or mental state. "This is brutal," I say quietly.

"Yes." He hesitates. "Do you love him?"

My face warms and I avoid looking directly at him. "I don't know. I've never been in love before."

"No, you haven't." He tucks his phone away. "I think my mother is right. You and Alessio must be fated mates. The way you are with each other, it defies logic."

I'm not sure how to respond.

He sighs and leans back in his chair, clasping his hands over his flat stomach. "It's exactly how it was with Nico and me. I was driven to be with him, even though it made no sense. I was consumed by him. It was impossible to ignore the instinct to be with him."

"Yes." I nod. "I didn't want to want him."

"But you couldn't help it," murmurs Valentino. "And he feels the same way, I'm sure. However, after seeing you two together today, strange as it seems, I think you two belong together. He's yours."

He's yours.

His words spark excitement in me. It's exhilarating to think that Alessio is mine. That he was destined to be mine. The fact that other people can see the connection between us is satisfying. To know that it's not my imagination that Alessio wants me. The idea of that thrills me, but then I remember he might very well die. The excitement fades and is replaced by overwhelming anxiety.

Valentino grimaces at my expression. "I don't think that doctor would dare let him die."

"I'm sure he'll try his best," I mutter. "But he's not god."

"True." Valentino pats my back awkwardly. "It… it'll be fine. Alessio is feisty. He'll probably pull through."

"I hope so."

"Nico wanted to be here, just so you know. He wanted to show support." Valentino sighs. "I told him not to come because of his pregnancy. I don't think he should expose himself to all the germs here."

"You made the right call. I wouldn't want him to put himself or your unborn baby at risk."

"The early stages of a pregnancy can be precarious." Valentino chews on his bottom lip, looking muddled. "Do you know yet if Alessio is with child?"

"No." I hadn't thought about that at all. My only concern had been for Alessio. "If he was with child, he'll probably lose the baby."

Valentino winces. "Possibly."

I groan, leaning forward, and resting my head in my hands. "I should have been more alert. I was distracted. I wasn't paying attention. Why didn't I pay more attention?" I look at him imploringly. "I knew Carlo would come after Alessio. Why wasn't I more careful?"

"It's okay, Dario."

"No, it's not," I say gruffly. In the background a perky female voice makes announcements over the hospital intercom. I still can't believe I'm sitting here waiting to see if Alessio lives or dies. "Do you know what we were doing right before the accident?" I murmur.

"No."

I meet his curious gaze. "We were ordering a cake for the wedding."

He tenses. "Oh."

"Now that wedding might never happen because I'm so stupid I let my omega get killed."

"Dario―" He squeezes my arm. "Don't do this to yourself."

"Why not? It's the truth. I was distracted. I wasn't a good alpha. It's my job to protect my omega." I turn to Valentino. "Carlo needs to pay tenfold for this. Why is it taking so long to find him?"

"He's more slippery than expected. But we will find him." Valentino's voice is hard. "The men are combing the area for him as we speak. Someone will talk. Someone will turn on him. He won't escape this time. He was a fool to come out of hiding. His arrogance and need for revenge will cost him his life."

I grit my teeth. "Promise me that when you do find him, you'll make him suffer horribly."

Valentino's smile is cold, and there's a malicious twinkle in his eye. "Oh, he'll suffer, Dario. He'll wish he was never born."