Just like the previous weekend, the gym was busy. Buses parked with the volleyball teams from other universities filled the parking lot. The amount of people going from one side to another was similar to an anthill.
Still, it was not a bad atmosphere.
Rapoxia still came down the bus waiting for the return of the coach who was to announce the coming of the whole team. Nathaniel had just said goodbye to his brother when the woody smell announced the approach of a certain alpha.
— I'll probably be on the bench again, but the coach didn't let me stay in the bleachers.
— Even if you are in reserve, you are still a player, of course you must stay with your team, Jake.
The alpha pouted by laying his head on Nathaniel's shoulder. Even in front of everyone, he was affectionate. It was a little embarrassing, however, the omega would not change since he liked those small gestures.
— Still if I could get on the court, at least I could show off a little.
— Just don't miss the matches and soon will come your turn. Anyway I'll be rooting for you — Chuckled Nathaniel patting the alpha's shoulder.
Quickly Jake raised his head opening a shameless smile. Nathaniel was already preparing for the words that would leave him speechless and ashamed. It was by little that he did not say what he was thinking, because two women approached the couple waving to the alpha.
— Hey there, Jake!
— Ah you arrived — Jake greeted the two with a kiss on the face and then turned to Nathaniel — Here is Nathaniel, Nath these are Fernanda and Carolina, my friends.
One of them was tall and had dark voluminous hair. A beautiful woman, by the way, had an aura of a lioness. Was it with her that Jake talked the other day asking for information from Bianca? There was zero chance of the omega feeling threatened, now he could feel the alpha pheromones coming from it.
The other was short and seemed quieter. By elimination, Nathaniel assumed that she was Carolina.
— Hey, joker!
— Nice to meet you.
— I say the same — Nathaniel greeted from afar — Also came to see the match?
— The women's volleyball team has already qualified for the regional, now we come to see if these soft asses can also.
— Ah, you play too!
— The women's team is smaller, but we are stronger — Carolina smiled.
— Wow, is already showing the claws, Lina — Joked Jake, standing next to Nathaniel — They play well, of course, but their goal in being here is not to criticize the kids on the court.
— No? — asked the confused omega.
Fernanda approached Nathaniel, and her brazen smile caught the boy unprepared. She had a charming look that looked like coals that warmed the soul and an intimidating presence. If you were not interested in Jake, surely Fernanda would be someone who would capture your attention by not being like the other delicate girls.
— Stop any asshole from coming near you, and make sure I fill the faces of those Akaguia kids with punches in case they breathe the same air as you. Isn't that right, boss?
Jake opened a proud smile as he crossed his arms.
— That's my disciple!
What nonsense was that?
Nathaniel wanted to laugh although it seemed surreal that they were preparing so much for a simple game.
— This seems exaggerated to me.
— We know that you can turn well, after all you have fought with them that time again, a beautiful punch by the way — Carolina smiled innocently, receiving a nod of omega in gratitude — Even so, we must be on your side to prevent you from annoying persons.
Had he become some kind of celebrity and did not know? As far as he knew, his reputation was never the best to the point that strangers protected him.
Was it because of what happened last weekend? Well, Nathaniel didn't have much to do that time. Nor would the presence of more people prevent journalists from trying to extract some information.
Journalists knew how to wait for the ideal, but not always convenient, moment to appear and ensure that they could capture their prey successfully. They would wait for the moment when Nathaniel was not accompanied.
— Ah, what about what I asked you, Nandinha?
Fernanda crossed her arms, and in seconds the joke was left aside.
— I found out that this week she left the city alone. It seems she didn't say anything to her friends.
— What a hell…
— That girl's friends just say she seems interested in Jake, but there are strange rumors circulating in the management course.
A shiver led the irritation to spoil his good mood. Nathaniel did not like, not a bit, to hear that Bianca would be interested in Jake.
— Rumors? What rumors?
— About you and the joker being together.
It wasn't a lie, and Jake said in front of everyone that Nathaniel was his omega. The news certainly spread. It would be just one among many that already had about him. However, Nathaniel still felt bothered by imagining that it might bother Jake.
Peeking through the corner of his eyes, the omega could not be so sure. Jake didn't seem surprised to hear about, and his expression showed no discomfort.
— This is good, on the one hand, but people can be more aggressive to that idea. Like, trying to attack Nath because of me.
— Do you really think someone would attack the joker? — Fernanda arched her eyebrow, as if the answer was obvious.
The three turned to Nathaniel, who also crossed his arms and tilted his head. As much as he was wearing a mask and cap, he was still in a thin shirt and no gloves, which left the show of his scars on his arms and hands.
His appearance was still intimidating enough to drive people away. Only the naughty ones would try to annoy him. Still, the omega knew how to defend itself enough not to let anyone shake it.
— You're right, they wouldn't have the courage to attack Nath — commented Jake — but they will definitely try to seduce him.
— What the fuck are you talking about, Jake?
— Look at him! Hot as fuck.
Carolina approached Nathaniel, standing on tiptoe to reach the omega ear.
— Is he always like that?
— It's gotten worse lately.
— Hey! — Complained the offended alpha — Anyway, I don't want to know any male near him, can kick the sack of anyone approaching.
— Yay! That's with me! — Celebrated Fernanda — Ah, I forgot to get the snacks in the car, let's get Lina!
— We'll be right back, Jake.
Alone again, Nathaniel couldn't stop thinking about the conversation he had just heard. Did Bianca like Jake? Yes, when she confronted him it was obvious, it was Nathaniel who didn't realized. In fact, the idea never even crossed his mind.
That calm water began to move. If you kept worrying, the tsunami would come back. However, Jake suspected Bianca, so the chances of him being seduced by her were low, right?
Biting the nail, the omega was lost in thoughts to the point of not even noticing the attentive look of the lover.
— Nath, don't think shit.
Blinking stunned, the omega sighed heavily.
— I'm not thinking of anything too much.
— Yes, you was, and you're even biting your nails — Jake held the hand of Nathaniel away from his mouth.
He was playing the fool in front of Jake. What a shame. Nathaniel shouldn't let his insecurities get to him.
Suddenly, Jake held the omega's hand firmly and pulled it back from the Rapoxia bus. With the bushes beside and no one around, the alpha cornered Nathaniel against the car and held his face firmly to take possession of his lips in a simple kiss.
Despite the urgency of his kiss, Nathaniel was about to melt in his arms. Jake's strong hands went down his waist, searching for his body. When the omega wrapped its arms around Jake's neck and reciprocated the kiss with the same intensity, he felt it relax to his touch.
The hands slowly slide over Jake's shoulders, feeling his skin warm as they pass under the strap of the uniform regatta.
— Why did you do this, Jake? — Nathaniel whispered with rosy cheeks and subtly accelerated breathing.
— As the alpha you chose, I feel something bothers you. So I'll do whatever it takes to make you feel good.
— That's teasing me, asshole.
Jake laughed and kissed Nathaniel's forehead.
— I will accept my punishment for provoking you.
A noise coming from the bushes scared the two boys, who quickly turned and found Bianca staring at them with wide eyes.
Shit.
Should Nathaniel say it was a mistake and that it wasn't what she thought? How much bullshit, Nathaniel, was exactly what she could be thinking.
But was it not natural that they would hide the relationship?
Jake held Nathaniel's hands and entwined his fingers as a silent plea not to do anything.
Maybe Jake wanted to protect him? But he was already doing a lot for himself, wouldn't it be the omega's turn to do something for him? Be protected again... Did not leave a good taste in your mouth.
— Ah... I... I'm sorry, I think...
— You though what? — Nathaniel asked curtly.
Blinking a few times, the girl came out of the bushes and approached the couple shyly.
— I didn't know you guys were like that.
— And why should you know about something like that? It's not your business.
— It's just that... it's surprising, you know? — smiled the girl, still afraid — Two guys together.
Jake would answer, but Nathaniel pulled him by the head forcing him to lay it on his shoulder hiding from Bianca.
Wouldn't let your alpha get angry or in trouble before the start.
— You should know by now that I have no problem with being with other guys.
Nathaniel knew that Bianca would understand what he meant. And her hesitation was the necessary confirmation.
— Jake! We're going to the locker room! — shouted some player from Rapoxia.
Releasing the alpha, Nathaniel leaned on the bus seeing the sad face of his boyfriend.
— You can go.
— But Nath...
— Trust me, I will soon.
The omega squeeze Jake's hand in a silent request to do what was asked. Even if your alpha has struggled to keep you safe, they have already come across a small problem.
However, Nathaniel could handle it.
He had not yet forgotten what he heard in the conversation with the girls.
Hesitating, Jake went out to join his colleagues, looking back every three steps. Only after he was gone, did Nathaniel turn to Bianca.
— So?
— Do you intend to ask me to keep a secret?
— As I said before, my preference is no secret.
— Jake didn't...
— Don't get involved, girl — He intimated Nathaniel by dropping the mask — I hope you're not the kind of person who gets into other people's relationships. This is quite annoying.
She swallowed dry facing the omega. Bianca seemed a little more determined in Nathaniel's eyes, although her hand still trembled.
— The Mckenzie family will not approve of you.
— And I need their permission?
— They are Jake's parents! Of course getting their permission is necessary if you want to stay with him. Also, what do you intend to do if everyone knows about you two? Sure his friends will walk away. You'll destroy Jake's life.
How daring, imagined Nathaniel. Even trembling, she spoke with such conviction that it was surprising. However, the omega remained unexpressive even knowing that she was right.
Yes, a lot of people could turn their backs on Jake when they find out he's dating another man. His parents will certainly be unhappy with the news.
However... it was not Jake's first relationship. The omega remembered well the conversation they had in the abandoned building, where Jake told about his last relationship with another omega. And as everything indicated, his closest friends already knew of his preference.
Opening a cheeky smile, Nathaniel was satisfied with the confidence he had in his alpha.
— And you want to save him from me? Again? The other time you masked your threat well with the kindness of advising me to be careful.
— If you had listened to me the other time, Jake could... Anyway, I'll pretend I didn't see anything.
— I don't remember asking for a favor. Do we seem to be hiding? — They were, after Jake dragged him behind the bus, but he would not give that taste to Bianca.
— I'm doing this for Jake. I like him, and I know he's an alpha who likes to take care of others.
The subliminal message was clear. Jake would get tired of Nathaniel when the omega no longer needed his help. It was curious that she thought the two were in a mutual help. Maybe it was the case at first, but now...
They were dating.
Jake liked Nathaniel.
And Nathaniel loves Jake.
Damn, Nathaniel's head was hurting again.
— Haaa... I really hate people like you — Nathaniel approached Bianca until he reached for her ear and reached out his hand getting a few inches from her neck — If I see you surrounding my alpha, I will make your life hell. Do not test me.
Sounding menacing, Nathaniel was pleased to see his eyes glazed and his hands tremble more. And leaving her behind with her own fear, Nathaniel came out of the small hiding covering his face with the mask.
Perhaps he would accept his role as villain.