Chapter 32

/Nates POV/

The very next day Nate returned from his trip, it was raining, and he had no umbrella. He walked with his head down, hurrying to his room so that he can get ready. Nate had been making up excuses for missing practice, but Coach had decided to send him a threatening email about losing his chance at a football career. That was enough to send him in a frenzy. After all, what was he without football?

The skills he needed to practice should be learned in the field. That's why Nate agreed to attend the practice; he needed something to get his mind off the current situation. He couldn't stop thinking about the way his parents reacted to the news about Allie. Especially about her being a Pure omega. The Alpha had a hard time wrapping his mind around it as well; sure, it took him a while.

The Alpha was aware that his pack believed in traditional values and would be elated once they find out about Allies nature. But also, it would put risk to the omega. Other packs will use that as an opportunity to declare war on them.

Nate recalled about that Alpha from Crescent Pack who came purely looking about her. Just thinking about it made a shudder rack through his body. Why was he searching for her? Maybe he should talk to her about it now that they are back on campus.

Finn asked her to stop using those suppressants, which will only invites trouble for both. Once their university's Dean finds out, he will take additional measures. Not only that, but she won't be able to run or do any of the university things.

Sweat formed at his brows which he completed wiped away and focused on getting ready. The more he thought about it; the more things became clear and stressful. Nate didn't want to think about anything else, not before he had the chance to talk with Allie.

He walked onto the muddy field in shorts and a loose v neck shirt, everyone else opting for their jersey and a jacket.

As he strode closer to his team, the Alpha heard the chattering became louder until it eventually came to a halt. Nate was met with blank stares and awkward pats on his back.

"So...how are the folks, Nate?" One of the players asked.

"Good," He nodded stiffly, trying to rid his brain of the images of him and Allie announcing her pregnancy to his parents. Maybe the baby would have her button nose or those pouty lips, possibly if they're lucky, Allie's cerulean blue eyes. Their baby would be a heartbreaker if it looked anything like its mother.

With a grin, he raised his head, searching for the blue-eyed omega. Her heart sank, taking a quick peek at the bleachers where Allie would usually sit during her friend's practice. It was empty. Nothing but the patter of soft rain splashing on the metal.

"No one cares" This time, it was Ashton, his stance straight and muscles bulging in his long sleeve shirt. The Alpha was aware that Allie must have told him the news, judging from the way he's trying to intimidate him. Ashton's eyes had an angry flare behind them; jaw clenched tight.

Nate would be lying if he said he wasn't the least bit scared. The last thing he wanted was a riot in the middle of the field.

"Why did you stay longer?"

Nate looked around again for their coach this time, trying to hide away from Ashton's scowl. He's the only one who could prevent it from escalating.

"I caught a bug." He coughed into his sleeve to make it believable. When he faced his team again, he didn't expect to be met with a fist hurdling for his face. The breath was knocked out of him, and he felt the numbing sensation spread over the entire left side of his face. Nate staggered backwards, holding his cheek and blinking rapidly through his blurry vision. He wobbled slightly, seeing a few of his peers try to hold back Ashton, the latter's fist still clenched tightly at his side.

The Alpha finally stood upright again, stretching his face with various expressions.

"Can't even tell the truth? Huh?" Ashtons voice boomed as other players tried to hold him back. Sure, they were all fit, but Ashton had a figure similar to a bodybuilder; he was surprised the punch didn't knock him out. "Fucking coward."

Nate winced at that. There was no way he could tell about Allie or her pregnancy, not without outing her. Why couldn't Ashton understand? He pushed away from the helping hands of his friends and turned to walk off the field.

***

"Nate," Chris unlocked the door and stepped into his room.

The Alpha breathed out, slumping in relief. He raised his head and took in the sight of his best friend. He's dressed in jeans and a soft sweater, and he's wearing a beanie, lips pressed tight.

Seeing him just ignited relief that he's back. Someone he can share all his problems without feeling embarrassed about it. They've gone way past that and managed to get out of situations only they can talk about.

"How've you been? You haven't answered any of my texts this weekend." There's an underlying layer of concern in his tone, which Nate had been expecting. Guilt swarmed at his insides, the more he thought about it.

The Alpha faked a nonchalant smile, lips undoubtedly folded. He had been able to ignore his pain and pretend that nothing happened, but it always came back full force by returning to the dorm. "Sorry, Chris, I have been busy. How was your break?"

His friend raised an eyebrow at him. "Right. Now, are you going to tell me why you look like you this, or are we going to continue the awkward small talk where you pretend like everything's fine."

The Alpha sighed. He can never hide the truth from him for a long time. It never worked before, and it never will in the future.

"Allie is pregnant."

"What?!" Chris yelled, his eyes wide. "Is it yours?"

Nate rolled his eyes. "Why would I be telling you if it isn't mine?"

Chris was silent for a bit of bit, chewing on his lips. "Sorry"

"But that's not all."

"There's more?!"

The Alpha closed his eyes. "Shes a Pure Werewolf Omega."

Chris sucked a sharp breath. "Wow"

"When did this happen? Why didn't you tell me."

"I didn't know how," The Alpha said weakly. It's a terrible excuse, and to be honest, he didn't know why he couldn't gather the courage to break the news to his best friend.

"This is where you say 'I told you so'," Nate said jokingly. It fell flat.

"I would never",, Chris sighed.

Nates shoulders slumped, a tired sigh escaping his lips. "I don't know what to do."

"We will figure it out."

***

His door was ajar when he noticed Allie on the other side of the room. It becomes evident that she was pacing anxiously outside. The moment their eyes met, she took a deep breath, pulling her sleeves down over her hands in sweater paws, before gingerly stepping inside. She closed the door behind her.

His eyes dropped to her stomach, eyes flaring when he noticed the slight round bump. She shuffled entirely into the room.

"Hey," Nate said cautiously.

"Hi," She licked her lips before they both fell silent. The permeating tension in the room became increasingly palpable.

"Is everything alright?"

"I should be the one asking you that" Allie leaned toward, her eyes squinting on his face. "What happened to your face?"

"Don't worry about it. Minor accident"

"O-Okay", She added hesitantly.

"I got your message" Nate started. "What did you want to talk about?"

She ducked her head, a slight blush forming on her cheeks. "Um... well, pretty soon I'm going to be nesting soo..."

"You need some of my clothes?" He supplied.

The omega grimaced, nodding. "You're the father, so our pup will be more comforted by your scent."

The Alpha nodded, standing up and walking to his dresser. He dug out many things: a grey sweatshirt, a black college one, a few random shirts, and then most interestingly: his jersey. It had his surname on the back, along with his number.

"I wear this one a lot, so it'll work well," Nate explained when he noticed her raised eyebrow. He handed the pile to Allie, seeing how she had to take a deep breath through her nostrils to avoid sniffing at his scent. "If you need more or want me to re-scent them, I will," he added. "Just let me know, okay?"

Allie nodded slowly, fingers curled into the mess of fabric. He glanced down at them again, feeling a peculiar weight in his chest. There's a deep yearning inside him to instead wrap his arms around her.

"Thank you," She croaked sincerely.

Nate smiled at her softly. "No problem."

"Is there anything else we need to discuss?" He added.

"Yes."

***