Chapter 42 - Pool party

Facing the empty and clean ice cream package, Nathaniel did not forget what had happened earlier.

Maybe he heard wrong, didn't know right. Because if what he heard was right, then Nathaniel could explode at any moment. 

Jake was a wonderful man. His words and actions comforted Nathaniel in a way so affectionate it seemed like a drug. A drug on which omega had already become dependent. If Jake really wanted to be with Nathaniel, then their relationship would no longer be temporary.

Nathaniel could hug Jake anytime.

Nathaniel could stand by him all the time.

They would act like the couples in those silly movies that his mother likes to watch, where just being in each other's company was enough. As long as they were together, everything would be worth it. What would make his heart even happier was the fact that both would be part of each other's lives, becoming an essential part of his own routine. 

Sliding his finger over the ice cream package, Nathaniel smiled behind the mask. 

That day will surely be engraved as a sweet memory. Just like Jake's kiss.

It was a shame that their little meeting was interrupted by the call of Matheus yelling at Jake to return to the gym, asking to prepare for the second match of the day. They would meet with the people who would also attend the party later, and so everyone would go together. 

And now, Nathaniel was in the car with Matheus, Guilherme and Jake, who commented on the two matches. 

— It was so cool! Seriously, I never imagined that I would have so much adrenaline, the pressure during the game.

— Look at our little boy excited to play again — Joked Jake.

— But of course! I'll even dream about today's game.

Nathaniel remained silent during the conversation. Just seeing his brother all happy and smiling was enough. Maybe he should read some book on volleyball, just to at least understand their conversation. 

Um, it was a good idea.

The house where the party would happen was chic and was already full of cars in front. Nathaniel even wondered if it was a good idea for him to come. It seemed that he was going to disagree with the people who entered the house, whose garage door was open. When two other cars pulled up with the other boys of Rapoxia, the staff gathered in front of the house being welcomed by a guy.

— Relax, Nath — Jake whispered in his ear, squeezing him by the shoulder — It's just a colleague of ours who graduated from college.

— Ah, a veteran.

— That's right. He used to play at Rapoxia, and he had some contacts with Akaguia's people. 

What kind of person would he be?

It was a tall, muscular boy who received the guests. His brown hair was arranged in a tuft, and to Nathaniel's surprise, he was shirtless wearing only shorts.

Getting close enough to smell the pheromones he emanated, it became clear that he was an alpha. For some strange reason, or convenient, the alphas that Nathaniel met that year were all very beautiful.

— What's up, Theu! You finally arrived, man.

— Come on, you decided to have a fair party when we have a game? Is that an excuse not to come see us play?

— Don't talk like that, it's hurt. I've been preparing a party all day to rid you of this hellish heat. — As soon as the boy saw Jake, he widened his eyes — Man, I didn't think you really came back!

— What's that? It was supposed to be a super-exciting welcome phrase? — Jake let out a laugh.

The man hugged the alpha warmly, still looking incredulous to see Jake in front of him. Considering the alpha didn't go to college for two years, he probably didn't see some of his friends graduate.

Jake was popular, of course he would have lots of friends. That wasn't even surprising anymore. However, what most surprised Nathaniel was the ease of that guy being shirtless. His strong body was enviable indeed. The omega felt like a gut-turning stick next to it.

— We brought our new player and also the...

— Fuck is the joker!

Leaning his head, Nathaniel did not even bother with the boy's amazement. This had not even taken off his mask, and yet was recognized. In a way, it was impressive.

— I'm sorry, I don't remember meeting you before.

— Hahaha, I imagine not. But you're well known for always being alone.

— Oh, that's because the new player is Nathaniel's brother — Matheus explained, pointing to the blond beta that hid slightly behind the joker.

— Gosh, the world is really small. Anyway, I'm Jonas, and it's a pleasure to welcome you. Come on in and have a good time, I hit a few guys who came in earlier to take care of the barbecue, so you guys got rid of the torment.

— I said that arriving later was better — Played Matheus, giving Jake a pat on the shoulder — But I really came to use your pool.

— Ah, you can leave your things inside and use your will.

Does this mean that inside the house there would be more people without shirts and undressed so the will to walk from one side to another? Instead of the farm, Nathaniel was already jealous of not being able to have the same freedom as them. Although this time he was wearing a Jake shirt, he still felt warm.

And even if he could walk around without a shirt, Nathaniel wouldn't have a nice body like Jonas's. 

What envy.

— Hm... Ahem! — Jonas clear his throat, only then Nathaniel realized that he was staring at the boy's body so brazenly — Please feel free.

With a nasal laugh, Nathaniel smiled under the mask.

— Thank you for the invitation, I will take this opportunity.

— Let's go in, guys!

Jake immediately grabbed Nathaniel's shoulders, pushing him into the house. Behind him, Nathaniel heard Matheus laughing low. What's the reason for the laugh? The omega didn't know.

The house was already full of people, both inside and outside the house. And as expected, several of these people recognized Matheus and Jake cheerfully greeting them. The concept of popularity was updated. Was there anyone in that town those two didn't know about?

— They are really popular — Guilherme commented to his brother — But they also seem to know you, brother.

— It's just a few people who don't know me. If you feel uncomfortable, just stay by my side.

— Why, do you think they'll avoid you? — Nathaniel arched his brow for his brother in a silent response, leaving the beta gaping — Don't say that, Nath! They're the ones who lose because they don't know how cool you are!

Stroking Guilherme's head, the omega felt happy that his little brother was so silly. 

— Enjoy the party too Gui. 

— But you can also enjoy, Nath.

— I'll be fine.

Before the beta complained, Matheus dragged him to be introduced as the new teammate and brag about his triumphant debut. Crossing his arms, Nathaniel stood back just watching. He didn't have to fit in with everyone and pretend to tolerate silly pranks just to keep the atmosphere pleasant. 

In fact, people realized he was there and looked at him and blatantly whispered. Because of Matheus, everyone would know that the joker had a younger brother, and that he was a Rapoxia's player. This did not bother Nathaniel, just hoped that no one was cheeky enough to bother the blonde beta.

— I'm hurt, Nath.

Watching Jake blow, the joker arched his eyebrow.

— Why?

— You stared at Jonas. 

— So what?

The alpha took his hand to his chest as if in pain, standing in front of Nathaniel preventing him from looking at the garden where more people in bathing suits would be.

— Is he hotter than me? Did you find him so attractive that you couldn't take your eyes off him?

— Seriously, sometimes I really question whether you use some kind of drug or not — Answer the omega with a grimace.

— You dried him up in front of me!

Was he just jealous?

Well, now, that's interesting.

Although he thought Jake was cute, Nathaniel was not so willing to unnecessarily increase the problem. The alpha's anxiety was so clear that he would certainly be offended if the omega decided to arouse his jealousy.

However, saying that to Jake was shameful. Embarrassed, Nathaniel turned his face to cover him with his hand.

— You're more attractive than he is.

Jake held the omega's hand, leaning in front of him enough to reciprocate his gaze without running away. 

— What did you say?

The arrogant smile of the alpha already denounced that it was just a provocation, however, Nathaniel would fall into that shameless trap. He'd fake innocence and repeat it even if it was embarrassing to admit it out loud.

— That you're more attractive than he is.

The alpha blinked a few times and then covered his face with Nathaniel's hand to muffle the laughter. Facing Jake without knowing what to do if they were seen like that by someone, Nathaniel tried to pull his hand unsuccessfully.

His effort to avoid embarrassing scenes was certainly dismissed when Jake looked at him with rosy cheeks.

— Damn, you know how to mess with me even if it's not your intention.

— I did nothing, just told the truth... What are you doing?!

Jake, who kissed his bare palm, lowered his lips by his wrist peeking his clear eyes at the omega.

— Being content just with your hand.

— Be... content with it?

Peeking further, Jake was completely seducing the omega. With they fingers entwined, Nathaniel felt Jake's warm hand contrast with his slightly icy skin, though his hand seemed to catch fire where he received the kiss from the alpha. 

— I want to kiss you now, Nathaniel. I want to touch you and...

Quickly the omega covered the alpha's mouth, staring at him surprised and embarrassed. Smoke could come out of his ears, like the sudden heat he felt just with those words.

— Who's teasing who now? 

Giving a slight touch to the omega's hand, in a sign for him to release it, Jake smiled cheerfully just like a child who just got a Christmas present.

— Are you feeling provoked? If you want, we can solve this all by going in a room...

— There you are Jake! Come see some people here quickly — called Matheus.

The look of thanks that Nathaniel gave to Matheus was certainly noticed by Jake, who frowned. And when the dark alpha dragged Jake by the collar out of the house, he would certainly hear complaints later.

I'm sorry, Jake, but Nathaniel still couldn't resist your charm on his own. If he continued in that game of provocation, the two would eventually lose control, and that was inappropriate. They weren't at the alpha's apartment to do anything like that.

Walking around the house in order to find a corner where he could stay away from that strange people, but close enough to the pool, Nathaniel moved like a ghost. Loud music and conversation mask their presence among the party-goers.

It was in a corner near the garden that Nathaniel settled. A chair and a free table were the perfect place for him to enjoy that party. And it was not long before it reached its peak when the meat was ready and the beer was distributed. Soon Guilherme managed to escape from Matheus' friends to be with his brother, smiling all cheerful.

— Nath! The captain introduced a staff from another college team and even scored some friendlies, do you believe?!

— If you want to keep playing while in college, it would be good for you to make friends.

— I do not reach the feet of Matheus, he knows many people — The beta laughs, swinging his legs while looking towards the alpha in question — And you know me, I do not get along with crowds...

— Lately you've been getting along with people.

— Do you really think so, Nath?

Nodding his head, he heard his brother give a low laugh. He was having fun at that party. Soon after, when Jake and Matheus, as well as other boys from Rapoxia, settled on the table chosen by the omega, finally could feel comfortable.

Being surrounded by those messy people wasn't so bad. 

Crossing his arms and leaning back on the plastic chair, Nathaniel just enjoyed the party quietly. Although his attention was almost always stolen to a certain alpha who enjoyed throwing his friends into the pool.

Jake was, um... amazing.

In fact, incredible wasn't even a worthy word to explain what Jake actually was. The way he laughed, played with his friends, as everyone around him seemed to approach to also have their attention... 

It was like a phenomenon.

— Wipe the drool, you perverted omega.