Chapter 26 - Fights between teams

— Here, drink up. 

Raising his head, Jake picked up the cold can of Coke. Smiling in thanks, the alpha opened the can and took a sip to quench his thirst.

— Thanks.

Nathaniel sat down next to him, opened his can and took a sip. Immersed in silence, they both seemed trapped in their own thoughts.

Well, it was kind of hard to know how to act after making out in the bushes on campus. It felt like living dangerously again, hiding your relationship from everyone and trying to find a corner where you could be together.

After all, was Jake back to his seventeen years?

Before his worries overwhelmed him, Jake pushed the thoughts aside, preferring to get down to business.

— So... you really went to the doctor after your trip, huh?

— I'd been before, this time to get some test results.

— Before? — Jake asked curiously.

Nathaniel glanced at him, putting down his can of Coke.

— After we went to the cafeteria.

When did they go to the cafeteria? That day when Nathaniel asked Jake to sniff his masks? Just remembering it was a bit embarrassing, he definitely felt like a sniffer dog.

Although... Jake vaguely remembered asking Nathaniel to see a doctor that day. He would have said more because he was surprised by his request to sniff the masks. He just hadn't expected Nathaniel to actually take his advice.

— And you've only just discovered that you're an omega? This kind of test is usually quick.

— Maybe I'm just an unlucky guy — Nathaniel muttered, staring at the soft drink can — Not that it matters much.

There she was. That empty expression as if there was no soul inside him. Crossing his legs and resting his face on his palm, Jake looked at Nathaniel with a certain regret.

He had noticed that there were times when Nathaniel seemed distant. Even his eyes seemed empty.

To his chagrin, the alpha recognised that look well.

One that had given up on life itself.

— It matters now, don't you think? — Jake murmured, taking in the emptiness — Even if only temporarily, I'm your alpha. So everything about my omega will matter.

— Your omega?

— You, in case you hadn't realised.

Lowering his head, Nathaniel sighed.

— Would a broken omega have any value?

Broken?

He seemed to be thinking too much.

Considering what Guilherme had told him during the journey, Nathaniel's health was probably the reason for his despondency. 

— Did your doctor say anything?

Tilting his head slightly, Nathaniel turned the can over in his mouth and then crushed it in his hand without any effort. Jake was surprised by his strength, noticing that the omega's hand was quite large.

A boxer with a hand like that, one slap and Jake would be flying at the speed of light. He had to treat that hand well or he'd be fucked by it.

— I seem to be an omega recessive. And considering the condition of my body, I can't get pregnant.

— All right, we'll use condoms and we can take some contraceptive medication.

Petrified on the spot, Nathaniel raised his head in embarrassment. The alpha held back his laughter as he saw the blush on his face along with the incredulous look he received. He was so innocent that it was a sin to talk such rubbish so naturally.

— You... Haa, frankly. Why are you talking about condoms?

— What do you mean "why"? Of course we'll need them.

— You didn't use it the other time.

— Of course, I didn't put it in you.

The poor soft drink can managed to become completely disfigured in Nathaniel's hands. Pursing his lips, Jake definitely feared the strength of those hands.

But damn, his mouth simply had a life of its own. He was probably in his teens and wanted to be rebellious by ignoring his brain's orders.

— I-I don't think that would be necessary.

— What?

Stop teasing him! Jake shouted internally. 

But it was impossible.

Nathaniel's ears were already red. And to make matters worse, he was so embarrassed that the omega hid his mouth behind his hand, even though the rest of his face was completely red.

— You know what I'm talking about, Jake.

— Hm... At the farm, I just touched you to calm you down. But when it comes to heat, things won't calm down easily until you've had sex. 

— That means... That you and I will have to do it?

Was he embarrassed just to say the word "sex"?

How cute.

— Of course. We don't know how long it will take for your hormones to stabilise, isn't that what you said?

Incredulous, Nathaniel threw his head back. 

— This isn't going to be easy — murmured the omega.

— If it's your first time, then it's normal to feel anxious — Jake smiled, holding his hand gently — Nathaniel, I'll make you feel good, so you can trust me.

—That's not really the problem... —He sighed, putting his mask back on — Whatever, let's get back to the gym. Training should be over by now.

— Argh! If the coach sees me, I'm fucked.

His complaint didn't reach Nathaniel. Even if he tried to run away, the joker would come back. Grudgingly, Jake got up and dragged himself behind the omega while praying that by the time they arrived, the coach would be gone.

It wouldn't be nice if Santiago found out that Jake had killed the training session. He would certainly have to train three times as hard for the rest of the week, regardless of whether it was exam week or work presentation week.

Which would also be another hell in Jake's life. Having to study.

On the way, the two of them chatted about volleyball practice. Jake showed his excitement that the interuniversity qualifiers were approaching, even though he wouldn't be stepping onto the court any time soon.

It was nice to talk to Nathaniel. He was a good listener, seemed interested in the subject and also took the opportunity to ask questions about Jake himself. I mean, who wouldn't be happy to know that someone was interested in getting to know you?

The conversation was so good that the whole journey to the gym seemed short. 

— What's that?

They both stopped walking as soon as they saw the commotion near the entrance to the gym. Looking at each other, they approached, having to squeeze through the crowd of people gathered there. 

As soon as they reached the centre of the problem, Jake wasn't surprised.

He recognised that uniform from afar.

— Akaguia.

As expected, that team couldn't sit still. It wasn't the whole team, on either side. 

— What?

— It seems they had the nerve to come all this way.

From where they were, they couldn't quite hear what they were arguing about, but Jake held Nathaniel's wrist and kept him close. That red-haired guy, Caspian, was there. 

Nathaniel shouldn't go near him at all. If what happened at the carnival happened again in front of all those people, it wouldn't be good. Jake knew very well what people thought of omega men.

Unconsciously, the alpha released his pheromones to cover Nathaniel. Although they kept their distance, Jake analysed the situation. He should keep his omega safe, the alpha thought. His scent would be enough to stop other alphas from daring to release pheromones near Nathaniel.

The discussion became increasingly heated when they started gesticulating and raising their voices. Jake was surprised to see Guilherme in the middle of the confusion, and was even more surprised when the redhead grabbed his shirt.

Ah, things were getting out of hand.

— Natha...

When Jake looked round, Nathaniel was no longer at his side. 

Wait, when did he let go of his wrist?

Now that he realised it, his fingers hurt a little.

Blinking dazedly, Jake looked over at the bickering group, catching a glimpse of Nathaniel intruding on the confusion. Raising his fist high, the omega punched Caspian, forcing him to let go of Guilherme.

Wow, that's quite a punch.

Stuffing his hands into the pockets of his shorts, Jake also joined in the melee without taking his eyes off Nathaniel.

— What a good time you had — Matheus laughed nonchalantly — You managed to sort yourselves out?

Smiling proudly, Jake nodded in agreement.

— Sure, as if I was as pathetic as you. 

— Hey, what's up? — One of the Akaguia players shouted — You're the ones who provoked us and now you're attacking us?

Nathaniel glared furiously at the troublemakers, taking off his mask to show his weak smile. Jake whistled proudly while the others stared in horror at the scar.

It was interesting to see those kids shaking with fear at the sight of Nathaniel with his face closed. Although Jake was also trembling at the base, but that was a mere detail.

— Don't touch Guilherme with your dirty hands.

— Ha! Come to protect your man, have you? — Caspian teased, pushing his team-mates who were holding him back — A bitch in heat is always going to bark to make sure she gets fucked, isn't she?

Argh, that kind of speech was so ridiculous. The guy wanted to offend and chose that kind of thing? Jake thought he was better than that.

Still, for Nathaniel it seemed to have some effect, as he soon returned to the fray.

It was the first time Jake had seen Nathaniel come out swinging at someone. And now he understood why people had wanted to sponsor Omega in the past. His movements were clean, he could read his opponent's movements well and he dodged easily. 

To his relief, Caspian didn't try to use his pheromones this time. It was a sign that Jake had done the right thing and covered Nathaniel.

Nathaniel deliberately avoided hitting Caspian's face again. His punches concentrated on his stomach, causing him to take a step back. Crossing his arms, Jake watched the fight with genuine interest.

Because his hood had fallen off, Nathaniel was wearing only a dark cap. Thanks to his movements, the alpha saw the fight with glittering sparkles.

— I-It's not good! — Guilherme approached Rapoxia's two alphas with desperation — You have to stop him.

— What for? He's winning — Matheus questioned nonchalantly.

Nathaniel's expression was fury in person. Considering the way he looked because of his scars, a person in their right mind and sane conscience would have been scared shitless thinking that a serial killer was standing in front of them.

Ah, those idiots probably already knew about the rumours about Nathaniel.

Still, the reality was the complete opposite of the adorable Nathaniel who was embarrassed just to hear the word sex.

How could he go from zero to a hundred so quickly? If he was angry and Jake tried to seduce him, would Nathaniel return to his adorable state? 

That omega's movements were so enchanting that Jake felt like hugging him around the waist. Why did he have to look so cool in front of all those people?

— Does it matter? You need to stop Nath!

Peering into his eyes, Jake was seriousness itself. Even though Matheus gave him a shoulder, he didn't move.

— Hey, why are you standing there? You're stronger, separate them.

— Ah... I think I'm getting aroused — Jake muttered.

— What the fuck? Get this shit over with — Matheus shouted, kicking Jake.

Jake pursed his lips as he massaged his sore arse.

— You really are spoilt rotten.

Unconcerned, Jake approached the fray, grabbing the collar of the red-haired alpha's shirt. Using his strength, he pushed him away from Nathaniel and stood between the two teams.

— What's a fucking waiter doing...

— I don't really like people invading my territory, you know? 

— Ha! Your territory? You're pretty abusive for a reserve.

Peering into his eyes, Jake felt he knew the skinny guy who had taken the lead in his group. Angry eyes, alpha pheromones charged with rage, and a mouth like a pinscher's that wanted to get in his face. 

— Do I know you?

— You son of a bitch!

— He took the test to get into Rapoxia, the one who acted as captain of the team you joined — Matheus remembered.

Were you referring to the test at the beginning of school? A guy who acted as captain... 

Ah! Jake remembered him.

The stuck-up alpha who didn't even know how to be a captain properly. 

— Hm... So you ran away with your tail between your legs and went to Akaguia? 

— You little shit...

The little chap was about to pick a fight with Jake, but another blond-haired alpha suddenly appeared and stopped him by grabbing his wrist. 

— Ha ha, frankly... If only I'd taken a little longer.

— C-Captain!

The blond alpha pushed the quarrelsome man away, glaring sternly at the others.

— I finally found you. I was so happy to hear that my players have free time to pick unnecessary fights — The blond alpha turned round and smiled amiably — Sorry, Jake. I only just found out what happened...

— Is that what you learnt from that little guy, Milles?

— Don't even compare me to that devil! I'm a good captain. Too good...

The look Milles threw at his players made them all flinch.

His cousin had changed over the years, the alpha realised.

— Rapoxia will officially consider this an invasion — Jake explained.

— Do as you like, as long as it doesn't affect me. 

He withdrew the compliment. His cousin was still sloppy, and to think that their relationship might have knocked some sense into his head. Jake was wrong, it seemed. Although it was for the best, as he could show those newcomers some of the unspoken rules of the university world.

— Right, right, circus over! Circling your flocks of onlookers — Matheus shouted, scaring off the students watching the fight — Thanks for turning up, Milles.

— Thank you for letting me know. And again, I apologise for my staff.

— If you want to withdraw from the championship, that would be a nice apology.

— Haha, fuck you, that'll never happen, Matheuzinho.

Ignoring them both, Jake walked over to Nathaniel, who still looked like he was about to jump on someone's neck. Even though his brother was by his side, the omega didn't seem to calm down.

To his irritation, Nathaniel and Caspian were engaged in a fierce battle of eyes. How could he pay attention to another alpha when Jake was right in front of him? 

At least he didn't have any problems apart from the fight. If Nathaniel ended up reacting to pheromones in the heat of the moment, Jake would have quite a problem to deal with. 

— Nath... — Guilherme murmured, trying to calm his brother down.

Approaching Nathaniel's ear, Jake whispered.

— Unless your intention is to get me hard in front of all these people, you'd better calm down.

Nathaniel's body petrified, and his desperate - if not ashamed - gaze quickly went straight to the alpha.

— Are you some kind of pervert? You've been talking rubbish lately...

Shrugging, Jake was innocence itself.

— Do you want to find out?

Swallowing dryly, Nathaniel took a deep breath and put his mask back on.

— Let's go, Guilherme.

— Huh? A-Ah, right... 

Jake laughed in amusement as he saw his temporary omega flee in shame. But before following him, he glanced over his shoulder, completely despising that red-haired alpha.

Caspian... He'd certainly remember that loser.