Chapter 74 - Spy journalist

— You knew that I spent the night at Matheus's house and that he was in heat, Jake must have warned.

— I don't want to intrude on your private life, but the fact that you have been bitten is something quite different, Guilherme.

— But you bit Jake too!

Nathaniel glanced at his eyes.

— There is a huge difference in our situations, since Jake is my alpha even before I bite him.

— Even because I was the one who woke you up as an omega and you marked me — commented Jake taking a package of cookies from the closet and sitting on the sofa.

— Did you see?!

Nathaniel kept his arms crossed for the two boys in front of him. The discussion was interrupted when they had to return to town, and the omega's silence left Guilherme and Matheus slightly concerned. Silence that was broken when they arrived in alphas' apartment. An that's the scene.

— Guilherme, the difference is that I had just marked Jake. This means that he could very well have sought another omega and our relationship would end peacefully. But what about you two? Was it made during the heat of an alpha?

— Hey, in my defense I'm a really cool alpha and you know it.

— I don't remember giving you permission to touch my brother — Nathaniel growled, making Matheus shrug.

— Brother... trust me.

— I trust, but not him. Haa... — Nathaniel massaged his forehead and sighed heavily — As much as it irritates, I can't do anything now that the milk has already been poured. But if I find out that my brother is not happy, I'll end your race.

— Yes, sir! — Matheus replied promptly.

— Okay, now that you have finished this subject, how about we talk about something more important? — Jake ate the cookies and reached out to Nathaniel, who sat next to him — What are we going to do now? Wait for my grandfather's answer?

— I will contact the journalist and leave the meeting scheduled. Then you notify your grandfather.

— This will put pressure on the old man to make a decision as soon as possible.

— That is the intention. Although his answer will be obvious if we take into account that we are ensuring the safety of his name and a good future for me.

Jake put his arm over Nathaniel's shoulder and comforted him. Despite the common inexpressiveness in his face, the alpha felt that his omega was anxious. Well, the bond between them was strong enough to give such clues.

With no other option but to wait, the four continued with their university routines. The week of tests soon came occupying the four with their studies and training for the next match that would happen on the weekend.

No time to meet — since Jake also had his job — Nathaniel went back to having his sleepless nights that culminated in his endless headaches and bad mood. It was as if the old joker had returned to college, and people wondered if the famous couple would have quarreled.

During classes, Nathaniel struggled to stay awake, which was difficult. Even in the interval he needed a monstrous strength not to lay his head on the table and sleep. He was only saved by the whispers he heard in class.

— Did you see? It seems that the Mckenzie are involved with politics.

— Ah, I saw someone commenting on twitter.

Taking his phone, Nathaniel went to check what the gossip was. Of course, if your alpha's name was involved he wanted to be aware. Both curiosity and concern.

It didn't take long for him to find the problem.

It was a magazine report.

"The Bittencourt family and Mckenzie in marital collusion?" The title was minimally flashy, despite the surprise in commenting on the rumors that circulated around the university involving Jake and Bianca's engagement. Even more surprising was to read about the fight at the June party.

"Despite the rumors, the June party brought a conclusion worthy of soap opera. Jake Mckenzie, named as the heir of his family, has vehemently denied the engagement and is even romantically involved with the pupil of the late boxing fighter Ares, Nathaniel Callegari. Despite all the problems, none of the families commented on the engagement. This leads many to believe that the rumours were spread by the Bittencourt family to increase engagement in political campaigns".

Nathaniel sighed low leaving the phone on the table. The article spoke of the course of that discussion with so much richness in details that bordered the scary. Some questions sprang up in the head of the omega, such as "could it be that some reporter was among the students at that time?".

Unfortunately in the fight, the omega did not have time to pay attention to his back.

Noticing the book on his desk, Nathaniel sighed. He needed to return it, the loan term was already over.

Getting up from his seat and going to the library, the omega kept thinking about that report. This would certainly put the Mckenzie under pressure, even if it wasn't the way Nathaniel planned.

— Haa, what a headache — whispered the omega when feeling another sting.

— Hey, Nath! Come to return the book?

Seeing Júlio waving, the omega narrowed his eyes. Approaching the counter, he returned the book.

— Yes, I already did the summary of the chapter that needed to study.

— Wow, you are really dedicated.

While Júlio typed on the computer about the return, Nathaniel leaned in the bench staring at him. It did not take long for Júlio's colleague to leave him alone in the service because he could not stand the intimidating omega's presence.

Alone for a brief moment, Nathaniel then whispered.

— You type fast.

— Hm? Ah, doing this all day and every day, of course I end up getting fast haha.

— I can imagine, and still have deadlines to meet really helps press to type faster.

— Don't even tell me.

— Even, I liked the story about Jake's engagement. You write well.

— Thank you, haha, I made my honey.... Wait, what?

Nathaniel smiled from under the mask to see Julio' surprise. The alpha blinked stunned.

— How...? There was a lot of people at the time, could be anyone else.

— I just suspected and threw green — Nathaniel shrugged.

For some time he had suspected Julio, but the opportunity arose at the end of the June party. Júlio had no reason to help Caspian after the fight, and yet he did so willingly.

Just as he was always aware of the rumors that circulated within the college, and commented on it with Nathaniel.

— Although you know how to disguise well, it is not the first time that I have a journalist in my shadow. It is natural that I suspect people who ask too many questions.

— Haaa... I really thought that I had done well. Although my intention is not to harm you.

— Journalists just want to know to publish what attracts more readers and yield more — The omega tilted his head — So, last year was you who let that journalist enter college?

— Well... We were just talking and it turned out that he wanted to take the reins of the situation. I may be a poor intern, but I'm not too shy to screw up plans.

He was admitting so easily that Nathaniel didn't even want to ask anymore. Júlio was smart enough to lie with that innocent little face. And also, it didn't matter much for the omega.

Or rather, Nathaniel was not in the mood for trouble.

Looking around, the omega pointed to the study booths inside the library.

— Can we talk there? I need to sit down.

— Hm? Are you all right? I realize now that you're a little pale...

— I need to sit down — Repeat the omega.

Without waiting for an answer, Nathaniel went to the cabins. The nights without sleep right charged a high price and it irritated him even more. It was easier when he wore a blouse of Jake, being able to feel his pheromones during the night so that he slept well. Unfortunately, they did not have time for that.

Nathaniel hoped that at least Jake was taking care of himself.

Inside the cabin, the omega sat down and sighed loudly feeling his head weigh. A bottle of water was placed in front of him, and Júlio smiled slightly at Nathaniel when he looked at him. Accepting the offer, he drank the water feeling less worse.

— Are you sure you want to talk in this condition?

— I want to know what contacts you have.

— Haa... I think that was a yes, huh — Júlio sat down in front of Nathaniel and crossed his arms on the table — My supervisor has a good network of contacts, and because of the story about McKenzie's supposed engagement, let's say I got into a comfortable position. Why?

Nathaniel pondered a little. Júlio said he was just an intern at the magazine, yet his story has already made him look good in the eyes of his supervisor. Depending on her contacts, Nathaniel could choose well his next steps.

— Can you get in touch with a journalist from Globo? More precisely someone called Marcelo?

— Hm... I don't doubt that my supervisor can get in touch with him. But why do you want to talk to him?

It was Nathaniel's turn to cross his arms in front of Júlio

— I will accept his invitation for an interview about Ares for the tribute story.

— Wait, wait! You want me to give the gold to the competition?

— If you are smart enough, you can make an agreement with this Marcelo about the coverage. I can guarantee that I will give information that will be enough for the whole week.

Júlio's eyes were shining with the proposal. Nathaniel was pulling in the dark by playing on the journalists' greed. And he was lucky to get something.

— Very well, I can talk to both and give you an answer.

Sighing in relief, Nathaniel leaned against the chair and opened the water bottle again.

— If you accept and you make a deal, send me a message that I will give you an address. Then, luck will be shining for you.

While drinking water, Nathaniel could see Júlio's animation, who clenched his fingers and chewed his lips without even hiding.

Although he spoke confidently, Nathaniel hoped that everything would work out, and so finally find peace in that hell that was living in Ares' shadow.