Page 133 of The Omega Exchange: Omnibus (The Exchange)

Chapter Forty-Two

Melody

“Hey Mel,” Ben says, shoving up his shirt sleeve as he quietly comes into my hospital room.

My heart races, and I have the undeniable urge to whine. I don’t want him near me or Mallory.

Yes, fine. I picked a name weeks ago, but I needed to be sure it fit once she was born. Still the urge to beg Carver or Miller to kick him out is strong.

“She’s feeding the baby,” Nik growls, stepping in front of his path. “Turn around.”

“Do you want me to burp her?” Oliver offers.

“Yeah.” I groan, gently pulling her small mouth off my super sore boob.

God, I really hope they stop the dramatics.

Both breasts feel swollen and extremely tender.

My nipples have barely gotten a workout, but they’re miserable too.

I’m only like four hours into nursing. I’ve heard it gets easier over time, and I’m hopeful because right now?

I kind of feel like crying as my arm bumps my breast when I hand Mallory to Oliver.

“Hey, grunty girl,” Oliver says, beaming at her. “Oh yes, I know. Mom took the good stuff away.”

I yank up my hospital gown and glance at Ben. He’s got his back to us. Miller hops up and grabs a burp cloth from the baby cart, handing it to Oliver.

“Why don’t you and I check the cafeteria and see if we can find anything worth bringing back?” Carver asks Nik.

“What?” he growls.

“Thank you,” I say, nodding at Carver.

“I’m not going to take a swing at him again. Well, not unless he says something—” Nik cuts off when Carver grabs his shoulders and literally guides him to the door.

“She doesn’t need us adding our stress to the mix right now,” Carver says, waving over his shoulder as they head out.

“Can I turn around?” Ben asks.

“Yeah,” I agree.

“If I come closer, is the big guy going to try to murder me?” Ben chuckles.

“Not unless you do or say something very stupid,” Miller says, taking the seat he vacated.

“I had to ask.” Ben shrugs. “Not that I can really blame you.”

“Why are you here?” I ask as he comes closer.

“I deserve that,” Ben says, nodding. He’s got a serious look on his face that I haven’t seen in years. Maybe not since his grandfather died.

I’m on edge to the point I don’t know what to do with myself. Apparently my system thinks now would be a great time to burst into tears. My eyes ache and fat tears appear out of nowhere.

“No,” Ben says, tossing his hands up in front of him. “Please don’t cry. I’ll go if you want me to.”

Mallory picks this exact moment to let out the most monumental burp I’ve heard from her yet.

“Dang,” Oliver says, chuckling. He gives her a goofy look and my heart races.

“You’ve ignored every attempt I’ve made to get in touch with you. Why are you here now?” I choke out.

Miller climbs out of his chair and carefully puts himself on the hospital bed next to me. He wraps an arm around my shoulder and starts to purr.

“I should’ve reached out before now.” Ben sighs, shaking his head with his gaze on his boots. “My family is mighty fucking pissed at me. Your mom talked to my mom and let’s just say it was ugly.”

I sigh, shaking my head. My mom definitely knows how to stir the pot.

“I went to North Carolina for a couple weeks. Did you know Everly is pregnant?” he asks.

Everly is Ben’s brother’s omega. Luke is a beta, but he still ended up in a pack. It takes me several seconds to realize Everly’s baby and Mallory are cousins.

Ben chuckles. “She’s due in a week. Luke took another swing at me. Yeah, big surprise, I know. They both want you to know they hope you and the baby are doing well. That’s actually how I got here so fast.” He sighs. “God, this is awkward, isn’t it?”

“I’d like to name her Mallory if you’re okay with that,” I say, rolling my jaw from side to side.

“Can I hold her?” he asks, meandering closer.

Miller sighs, squeezing me tighter.

“Yeah, if you wash your hands,” I say even though I really don’t want to.

He heads over to scrub his hands, and my heart feels like it might pound out of my chest. I’ve still got tears dripping, but I’m going to blame it on the hormones.

Oliver carefully stands and nods to the chair. Ben takes a seat and Oliver carefully hands over the baby.

“Shit, she’s small,” Ben says. “Yeah, I think Mallory is a good name. Not that I really get much say.”

I don’t say anything because his entire demeanor is different from the last time I saw him.

“I think we both know you and I weren’t good together,” Ben says, without looking up from Mallory’s face. “I don’t want to make excuses about that. I didn’t treat you right.”

“No, you didn’t,” I agree.

“I don’t want to lose out on the chance of ever being in her life, but I’ve also got a lot of shit to figure out in mine,” Ben says, cutting his eyes up to look at me. “I didn’t drink at all for the time I was visiting Luke.”

“Okay,” I say, frowning. “Can you just talk plainly? Please?”

I snuggle deeper into Miller’s purring chest.

“Luke and Everly made it very clear that I’m to let you know she’ll have a cousin coming soon.

They said if you need anything to give them a call.

My mom also wants to be able to come and visit her from time to time.

I’d like that option too.” Ben shakes his head.

“I know I’m in no position to make demands.

That’s me asking if that would be all right. ”

“So, what you’re saying is, you won’t sign the papers relinquishing your rights, but you also won’t file for joint custody,” Miller says, like he’s trying to surmise what the hell Ben means.

“Yeah, that,” Ben says, rocking Mallory against his chest. “Is that something you’d be open to?”

My eyes fly to Miller’s. He nods. This is basically the second best-case scenario. Maybe it’s actually the ideal compromise and I’m just selfish. I wanted him to sign his rights away because that would’ve made my life easier, but it’s not only about me anymore.

Mallory has an entire side of the family that will want to get to know her. Ben’s mom is a little pushy sometimes, but nothing compared to my mom. Not to mention she’s a very good grandma to her other grandkids.

“I think that sounds good,” I agree.

“Good,” Ben says, smiling tightly. “So you’ll let me sign her birth certificate?”

“She’s biologically yours,” Oliver says, chiming in for the first time. “That’s how it’s supposed to go. But I do hope you realize all the hell you’ve put Mel through these last few months.”

“Shit, I am sorry,” Ben says, staring straight at me. “But I promise that I’m going to do better from here on out.”

“That’s all you need to do,” I reply, moving to try to get comfortable. My entire lower body throbs. “God, I hurt so bad. I think it’s time for my pain medicine.”

Ben grimaces. “I’ll get out of your hair. I’d like to come back and see her tomorrow though.”

“Yeah, of course.” I give him a tight smile.

Honestly, only time will tell if he’s truly going to be a fixture in Mallory’s life, but either way, she’ll be fine.