Omega empowered

Theodore was absent from training that afternoon.

He preferred so, because the proportions of the story were getting too big. Lilian had said she would take care of the matter, avoiding writing about other students so as not to throw them into that whirlpool. However, what he feared most was happening.

But in a weird way.

He imagined that Sadie's group would take him as the author of that story. After all, he was the protagonist and romantic partner of Gabriel. It would be logical to reach that conclusion. He just didn't expect Sadie's group to take the alpha as a victim of his attempt at seduction.

Now, shouldn't they look at Gabriel crooked and fill him with questions? Or else change the way they treated? Wasn't that the way it happened to him? What an unfair world... Although it's a relief that Gabriel has friends who care about him.

If Theodore went to practice that afternoon, he would imagine that the team would not be comfortable with his presence. And without Nicolas around, it was somewhat frightening to face the athletes.

He rather be in the classroom waiting for Gabriel to come back.

Gabriel...

Watching the orange sky of that Tuesday flood his thoughts, the omega remembered the feeling he had felt earlier. He had never felt that way about the alpha, which in itself had left him with one foot behind.

What was that he saw?

There wasn't a moment if he wanted Thunder to seem to lose control of his instincts. Quite the contrary, he was consciously angry at Theodore and wanted to hurt him with a punch. However, Gabriel had saved him by telling that lie so blatantly.

With that smile on top.

His skin shivered completely, having the omega caress his own arm feeling a cold rise in his spine. He talk to Gabriel about it later.

A sweet and feminine smell was captured by his sense of smell. Turning his head, Theodore came across Sadie leaning the door as he looked at him seriously.

― Can we talk for a minute?

What else would he have to see that day? Mckenzie, by any chance, had made a pact for private conversations? He had your fill before school even started.

To be honest with himself, Theodore had never talked to Sadie in private. Nicolas never left him alone, as he feared that the girl would try to lift her claws and push Theodore off a cliff. Anger and motive she'd have a lot to do it for.

― If it's about Orkut history, don't waste your time. It wasn't me.

Sadie had opened a sly smile as she walked quietly to Theodore's nearest wallet, where she leaned and folded her arms.

― I tried in every way to make my intentions clear, but it seems that nothing worked. So I decided to be more direct.

― What is it, huh?

― Stay away from Gabriel.

Theodore had exhaled slowly, already feeling his whole body warm in frustration. Why did his body always react that way when the subject was Gabriel? Leaving him nervous and restless like an ant in the middle of the anthill.

Averting his clear eyes to the window, he supported his feet in the front chair adopting a more relaxed posture. Although its intense inner volcano is erupting.

― I'm not gonna stop talking to someone I care about just because you feel uncomfortable with it.

― We both know we like him. Romantically speaking.

Sadie's sharp gaze caught Theodore off guard. Were his feelings so impressed? Swallowing hard, the omega had refused to lose its composure for that girl.

― So what?

— I'm already staying with Gabriel. ― Sadie said without looking away from Theodore, although there is some calm in her voice. ― We've been together since Fabi's party.

The party of the supposed photo, Theodore remembered.

Of course he wouldn't forget that painful photo posted on Orkut. After that day his life changed abruptly, as Gabriel had searched madly to disprove the rumours.

Or thought it was a denial.

― Are you? And what would that have to do with the story?

― These rumours won't do Gabriel any good, because the team will think he's just like you. Don't you think that's going to get in the way of practice?

Theodore arched his eyebrow, leaning his elbows over his knees.

― The volleyball team is not like you, Sadie.

― The rest of the school is not like you, Theodore. Only you are like that. Only you like what you like. Only you think that's normal.

Do not fall down!

Don't show your vulnerability!

Stay tuned!

Theodore's thoughts needed to be strong foundations for that collapse. If there was one thing he had learned from all the novels he used to read and watch, it was that the little girl needed to have concrete proof before taking any action.

It was painful to hear those words. He had already observed that the two together looked good, looked like a handsome couple worthy of a romance book. The most expected was Gabriel choosing Sadie over him. Theodore not dared to put himself to compete with the other omega.

Not because he consider himself less beautiful or something. But yes, for imagining that the result would be obvious. No one would hope for Gabriel to stay with him. Such ideas were painful knives that plunged their blades into every precious feeling they cared for.

Falling in love with someone was a two-way street. Give and take. And at that moment, Theodore received pain. Yet, unreal pain. It was Sadie's word against Gabriel's. One said they were staying, another said they weren't. The only truth Theodore could trust was that he was staying with Gabriel. The rest was unknown.

Just needed to know a little more. More information.

― Let's suppose your nonsense has any meaning... What would that have to do with you?

— Gabriel and I are staying a long time and we thought about taking a step. If the team knows we're dating, then they won't be affected by the rumours. Whether the story was written by you or not.

There was logic, Theodore understood, in Sadie's words. Somewhat interesting to imagine that the girl fanatic for the rebellious Mexican soap opera, would have thought of something useful. Not that fans of such a novel were considered dumb. Theodore only thought that of Sadie.

Until then.

Unfortunately he was fighting a direct battle with the girl. No one to assist. Would this be the only chance to try to fend for yourself, and prove to yourself that you were capable? Should he let Sadie tell him all this crap about Gabriel?

How would your best friend act in moments like those?

A calm smile appeared on Theodore's face as he leaned his chin against his palm.

― Then do it.

For the first time since that hateful conversation began, Sadie Mckenzie widened her eyes covered in surprise. Even his arms uncrossed and disengaged from the wallet completely incredulous of the words he had just heard.

― Wait... what did you say?

― If that's true, then date soon.

― And it is true.

― Then do it.

Watching her suspicious eyes, Sadie again crossed her arms and raised her chin petulantly to Theodore. She had been exactly three steps from the boy, who had not undone his relaxed posture or smile.

― Are you up to something? Or do you think you'll still win him over?

— I've never seen you as close as you say you are. You don't hold hands, he doesn't kiss you. He treats you like a friend. If there is something between you, then show it. Then I withdraw from the battle.

― What makes you think every couple needs to stay that way?

— I know you need it, because it's always been like that. You're popular Sadie, everyone watches you. Everyone knows you make a point of showing off when you're with someone. There's no reason to be discreet with Gabriel.

The way she had stepped back a few steps had made sure Theodore had hit her. He had hit her hard.

She was just bluffing.

Playing a challenge like that on Sadie's lap also put him at risk, as there was some chance that Gabriel would actually date her. Should it happen, Theodore's world would collapse dramatically and his heart would be shattered. He would probably lose confidence in loving again, because he would think that love was not for him to feel but to appreciate in others.

However, there was a chance that none of that would happen. And ultimately, Gabriel would continue with him proving that Sadie was lying.

Even though Theodore felt in his heart that Sadie Mckenzie would do anything to win. Especially beat him.

All without her knowing about the Theodore-Gabriel thing.

― Gabi asked that of course, because he knows you like him. Look how kind he is, Gabi is afraid of losing his friendship.

― Oh... I should thank you for that later, in that case.

— Do it. In any case, we will make our relationship official before the school. I hope you have enough handkerchiefs to wipe your tears, little Theo.

When Sadie had left the classroom, and the echo of her shoes finally disappeared, Theodore relaxed in his wallet feeling his whole body tremble. They were as if his legs and arms had melt, unable to sustain him. The heart beat a thousand, filling the empty room with its smell.

Theodore had been as bold as ever in all his life. For the first time he had survived a direct attack by the Mckenzie without the help of Nicolas to protect him. And yet he was audacious in challenging Sadie, having Gabriel as the ball of the turn of that game.

Messing up the blonde hair, the boy sighed heavily enjoying the intense energy of an empowered omega.