Chapter 46 - Response to the request
Jake wasn't being rash.
Nathaniel was his fresh start. Jake was the kind of man who believed in destiny. And when Matheus called him back to college, he had said it with all his lyrics.
"— Maybe you'll find your new start when you get back."
And the first person Jake met when he went to college was a boy who hid his face in his shirt because he lost his mask. No matter how you saw that situation, it could only be fate.
Jake might even be desperate to live again. Maybe he was throwing all his hopes of being a worthy alpha at Nathaniel. However, Jake could not ignore the feelings that arose every day.
Nathaniel wasn't a friend.
Much less his temporary omega.
— Jake, but I'm a man and an omega... you must be thinking you have feelings for me because of the brand.
— I told you, you're not the first guy I've connected with. What about the brand, does it matter? With or without it, I know I'll keep looking in your direction.
— But I... I'm not worthy.
— Huh? What do you mean?
Nathaniel lowered his head biting his lip, despite his sad expression he still did not release the hand of the alpha.
There was still hope.
— You're handsome, people like to be on your side. Do you realize how much you shine even doing nothing? It's like the world is nothing before your feet. I'm... I'm not pretty and not attractive, I can barely sleep. I am unworthy of being on your side, so I should learn to control my heat and my pheromones and set you free to find someone else...
Jake quickly covered Nathaniel's mouth.
How it hurt.
Jake couldn't take those words anymore.
— That's enough. I don't know if I'm dying of heart because you see me that way or if I'm mad that you see yourself that way. If I could, I would lend my eyes and my heart to see what I see.
Blinking stunned and with his mouth still covered, Nathaniel held the alpha's arm gently. Still, Jake did not move away.
How could Jake show him?
Holding Nathaniel's right hand, Jake looked at his long fingers and smiled. He slid his index finger across the palm of the omega without ceasing to look like a fool in love.
— When you wear gloves, you look sexy. But I also like your hand without gloves, because your skin is delicate and soft.
— They're rough, Jake.
— They aren't. As much as it's full of scars, they're surprisingly soft — Then Jake stroked his wet brown hair — Even your hair is perfect. Although I like to see you wearing a cap, when it's without it you looks beautiful. I like this reddish brown tone.
Little by little Nathaniel became reddish, however he did not stop looking at Jake. When the alpha slid his thumb carefully under his eyes, he blinked and dumbfounded without answering.
— I like your eyes, it has such a beautiful color and with golden tones. I love your voice that's deeper, making you even more adorable when you're embarrassed and trying to cover it up.
— Jake...
— Your smile brightens my day, Nathaniel — Whispered the alpha, caressing Nathaniel's scar — The few times you smiled was enough to turn me into your hostage. So tell me, Nath, are these details I see in you something I could only notice because of the brand?
Nathaniel swallowed hard and denied it with his head.
Both knew this. The brand is responsible for the psychological couple. If they feel comfortable side by side, respond to their pheromones... But what Jake had just said were details he would know by just paying attention to Nathaniel. Things that happen on a daily basis and become meaningful.
— I'm still scared.
— I know — Jake whispered embracing omega — I know it's scary, and I know you face problems without asking for anyone's help. But I want to be on your side, Nath. I want you to look for me when you're in trouble, to lean on me and depend on me.
Shyly the omega clung to Jake's shirt.
— I was going to look for you. To get rid of Caspian pheromones and to calm me down...
Was he going to look for him? If he hadn't shown up with the towel, then could Nathaniel have looked for him anyway? Just to contemplate such a scenario his chest was filled with joy. Smiling relieved, and somewhat emotional, Jake stroked Nathaniel's head in addition.
— And I was there, wasn't I?
— Thanks for covering for me, Jake. And... for not looking.
Holding Nathaniel's face with both hands, the two looked at each other overflowing their feelings. Although he did not show only a third of his true feelings, it was a good start.
Jake wouldn't have to rush things, because they could have all the time in the world to show each other how much they liked each other. In addition, it was a road that would be built together.
That is, if Nathaniel would accept.
— I will make you feel the most desired and attractive guy. I will make you smile more and, if necessary, I will give you the world. I will strive not to fail with you, because I want you more than anything. So... I ask once again, please choose me.
Jake was not afraid of being rejected, after all he would only have to keep trying to show Nathaniel how much he liked him. Jake was determined to stay by his side, he longed to see him overcome his problems and be alone shining on his own.
Jake would be careful not to depend on Nathaniel the same way he did on Theodore and the Mckenzie. He would create a future of his own and make sure it was possible for Nathaniel to be on his side, but it would not depend on him.
He had learned his mistake. That's why Jake was willing to show his changes with the omega in front of him.
— You always say cheesy things without feeling ashamed. Are you sure you won't regret choosing me?
— Only if you leave me for some other alpha, but then he would need to be alive to tell the story, haha.
Nathaniel made a face, but laughed right away.
— Idiot.
— So, what do you say? I haven't heard your answer yet.
Completely adorable, with right the tips of red ears and the blush covering his face, Nathaniel was the most beautiful sight. It seemed like the will to look at their joined hands, feeling each other's warmth. Jake wondered if Nathaniel felt the same funny feeling in his chest.
— I... I accept it.
The explosion of joy was not hidden. Jake hugged his omega tight not knowing if he kissed him, hugged him or jumped from one side to another. Of course he held back, because it was just a dating request to take the temporary label off their relationship, but now he could be closer to Nathaniel.
To his surprise, Nathaniel hugged him back and kissed him warmly. Unlike himself who looked like a flea jumping from side to side, the omega was calm and shy, although it was possible to feel his heart beating fast against Jake's chest.
Yes, he was very fond of Nathaniel.
And now it was time to demonstrate to him the brilliant world that Nathaniel presented him.
Holding the omega's face with both hands, Jake returned the kiss without haste. The movement of the lips was so smooth that it made clear how much they wanted to enjoy the moment together. And when they separated, they looked at each other with a silly smile.
After such excitement, Jake dragged Nathaniel to the living room where he gave him the package of Trakinas and the cup of milk, now warm. And as expected, omega really liked sweet snacks, because it ended up on the cookies to the point that its face was crumbled.
— Are you sure you don't want one? — Nathaniel offered.
— You can eat, I'm glad to see you eating so well.
Nathaniel reacted to silly things like that, he was so cute. Jake wanted to hold him like a stuffed animal. It wouldn't be such a bad thing.
— Jake... if you bit me, would I still react to pheromones from other alphas?
— As far as I know, no.
— I get it...
He looked worried. Probably Nathaniel was tired of this pheromone story. This time there were no major problems, as Nathaniel himself covered himself with his pheromones to defend himself, but this did not change the fact that it was the second time that Caspian used pheromones to fight with omega.
As expected, Jake should deal with that problem on his own.
— What did you mean, make him your target? — Asked the omega when leaving the empty package on the table — The way Matheus reacted made it look like something so... heavy.
— Oh that? I basically picked a fight with that redhead.
— Did you pick a fight?
How could Jake explain it to him? He never commented on Rapoxia with Nathaniel, but now that they were dating it would be good to open the game. After all, it would also use its small group to protect the omega from the journalists who are trying to get close.
— You probably don't know, since I was usually alone in college, but we have a small group that works under the hood of college.
Curious, Nathaniel hugged his legs like a child listening to a fascinating story of superheroes.
— A group? Like... a secret society like the tv drama "Rebelde"?
Rebelde? Jake had not watched to know how to respond promptly to comparison.
— It's more of an organization among students. It's about helping and protecting people. Like what they say happened last year with the reporter breaking into the college.
— What about? As far as I'm concerned, the security team found the guy and put him outside the gates.
— Let's say that if Rapoxia had intervened, we could even end the reporter's career.
The wonder that took all of Nathaniel's expression made the alpha feel like a villain. Maybe he said it the wrong way? Jake couldn't quite explain what Rapoxia was.
— That... sounds dangerous.
— Students have connections with powerful people, so we make use of those connections to keep track of the college and make sure no one messes with us.
— So it's like a mafia?
— ... Theoretically... — Admitted the alpha with some shame.
— And the college used that group in the incident last year?
— Matheus said it was not necessary, but if a journalist is approaching you, it is likely that something like this will happen again — Extending his hand to touch the side of Nathaniel's face, Jake smiles — So I will use Rapoxia to protect you.
Nathaniel turned his face away from Jake's touch. He must be scared to know that, right? The idea of gang and mafia seems scary, especially for someone like Nathaniel who hides to get no attention.
Hugging his shoulder, Jake comforted the omega so he wouldn't be afraid. Jake didn't want him to suspect him now that they started dating.
— If you don't feel comfortable, just say so and I won't do anything. I don't want to make you uncomfortable with me, Nath.
— I trust you, Jake. But I don't want you to do anything dangerous because of me, I know better than anyone the weight of being a burden.
— You're not a burden, Nath!
— I know that's not how you see me — Sighed the omega — But to be protected again... I won't forgive myself if something happens to you because of me.
Ah, Jake couldn't go against those eyes that seemed empty because of memories. Probably that fighter did the same to him, tried to protect him for some reason. Unknowingly, Jake was following in the same footsteps as Ares.
That's not exactly what he wanted.
— I won't do anything dangerous, we'll be fine together, right, baby?
The blush that took Nathaniel's cheeks cast away the shadow of worry in her countenance.
— Why do you call me that? It's so...
Finding a loophole, Jake approached his face to Nathaniel's to look him straight in the eye.
— So?
— So...
Laughing muffled, Jake kissed Nathaniel's face as he winked.
— If you keep reacting like that, I'll want to tease you even more. Besides, couples have cute nicknames, don't you think? Last time I called you "darling" in bed and you...
— AAAAAH! — Nathaniel covered the alpha's mouth quickly — Seriously, don't say embarrassing things.
Laughing muffled, Jake kissed Nathaniel's hand and gently held it away from his face.
— That's why I don't buy any of these rumors about you being Ares' lover. I feel like a pervert when you react like that, even though it's not so bad.
— You don't believe it?
— Of course not, I never believed — Jake shrugged his shoulders — I'm sure I'm your first man, and I'd rather stay that way for a while.
Nathaniel laid his head on Jake's shoulder and held his hand, carrying it to his chest. Feeling his heart beating, the alpha was glad they were in sync. His heart was also racing just to be close to Nathaniel, to be able to hold him in his arms and talk to him. Happiness increased in remembering that they were now officially together.
— Jake, I want to do it.
— Hm? Do what?
Nathaniel raised his head with a determined look despite the blush on his face.
— I want to sleep with you again now.