Chapter 45

The omega was supposed to be dancing. It was her haven, something she did to take her mind off things. Due to her pregnancy and lack of suppressants, Allie chose to do online classes. She had enough drama in her life already.

By the end of her dance class, they switched to a different routine which Allie was well aware of. Still, she couldn't perform it. That's why the instructor called her up immediately after class to reprimand the omega more blatantly for not paying enough attention.

"Allie", The dance instructor cleared her throat, taking a step forward. "I heard that you're expecting"

At the mention of the baby, Allie blushed, her hand automatically coming up to cradle her mini bump. It's not fully visible under her practice leotard, but there was a noticeable curve where there hadn't been one before.

Rachel couldn't stop cooing about it, talking to her belly as if the baby could hear her. It's adorable. Her best friend wanted the unborn baby to know she's her favourite aunt.

"I understand that things are going to be difficult for you, but if you want to continue classes, you must keep up," Her dance instructor continued. "I don't mean overwork, but you've been distracted lately. Is everything alright?"

No.

Allie put on a fake smile, nodding her head. "Yes, madam. Everything is fine."

"Good. Now, remember, if you can't handle it now, you're always free to take an extended absence from the studio; we'll understand. And we'll welcome you back easily whenever you return" She patted Allie's hand with a warm smile on her face.

A sigh slipped out of her lips at that. She didn't want to stop her classes. Not so soon. And not when they were helping her distract herself. "I don't want to stop until I physically have to," The omega licked her lips.

Allie was aware that she would physically have to stop sooner than she'd like—her feet were already beginning to swell.

The instructor hummed. "I know you don't, and I don't want you to either. Allie, you're an incredible dancer, and we'll miss you. I also don't want one of my best dancers to be emotionally scarred from dancing while knocked up that she doesn't come back altogether. Your health comes first."

"I know, you're right," The omega folded her lips. "I'll pay more attention next time, I promise."

She was already disappointed about not being able to perform for an annual gathering. It's supposed to be the most prominent university fest, and Allie always dreamed of being in front.

"Good," The dance instructor patted her shoulder. "Take care, darling, okay?"

"I will."

As soon as she was gone, Allie spotted her best friend Rachel standing near the stage. Rachel came to drop her back at the apartment. Ever since that day in the frat house, her friends were worried sick about her. They didn't want to leave her alone. Who could blame them?

"Ready to go?"

Allie hummed. "Yeah"

***

They settle in a comfortable silence as Allie zoned out, staring out of the window. Her best friend was the one to break it. "Has he gotten back to you yet?"

Allie had to tell Rachel everything. She's skilful that way, getting information out of Allie. Surprisingly her friend was understanding, lending her shoulder to cry, allowing Allie to confide in after the way Nate left things between them. Her heart clenched painfully, thinking about it.

"Nope," The omega answered, still not meeting her eyes. "I can't blame him. If I were in his place, I'd be having a hard time dealing with it too. We killed his best friend, Rachel."

She ducked her head shamefully.

"You did not! Allie, you had no idea that Jake was his best friend. Will you stop blaming yourself for that?"

The omega grimaced. "Wish it was that easy"

"What are you going to do?"

"I don't know. I haven't seen him in a week. He keeps avoiding my calls, hasn't replied to any of my messages." Allie twisted her lips, not bothering to hide her irritation. "I don't think he cares about me or our baby anymore..."

"Allie..."

"I'm okay," The Omega said quickly. From the corner of her eyes, Rachel still appeared worried. She couldn't have that. It's not her friend's fault. Allie kept all those secrets from him until it got too much, and she had no choice. That's on her.

She feigned nonchalance. "It's... whatever. I have other stuff to worry about now anyway."

"Sam?"

"Yeah", Allie breathed, tilting her head in the direction of her best friend. "I haven't seen him since we got back from Harold's packhouse. That's two weeks now. Sam never acts this way. I am worried about him."

"But I thought you were checking up on his hotel?"

"I did. They said he checked out two weeks ago. I don't know where he is, so what's he up to"

Rachel went quiet for a minute before gripping her friend's hand. "I'm sorry you have to deal with all of this."

The omega sighed.

***

As soon as they stepped into their apartment, Allie laid in her nest, bundled up in Nates clothes. The nest, for the most part, had been scaring away any nightmares or late night inner turmoil crises, but tonight was an apparent exception. She felt like she's on the verge of falling apart, and there's nothing that can be done to stop it except hoping that the Alphas scent will calm her.

She sighed, nuzzling into the jersey she's laying on, which Nate wore in several of his games. It was still almost entirely immersed in his scent. Allie breathed it in unabashedly, letting the smell seep into her insides and ease the tension in her limbs. Despite her physical relaxation, flashes of the Alpha, his face, his smell, his smile whirled around her brain.

Staying apart from him made her realise just how much she missed him. In the short period, Nate had created a significant impact on her. Allie couldn't help but realise that she's in love with him. How ironic! She vowed to hate the Hellhounds forever, and she's in love with one.

Twisting away from her nest, the omega grabbed her phone. Ever since she realised her love for him, a few days ago, by the way, Allie constantly texted him.

Please let me explain myself

I made a mistake. I'm sorry

Are you free? Can we talk?

Nate. Can we talk? Please.

Hear me out. Then you don't have to see me.

Please forgive me.

Six days of texts stared back at her. Shaking her head, she scrolled down and typed another one.

Talk to me, Alpha.

Okay, Her phone pinged with a response. She gasped, staring at the text. Finally! He responded to her.

Really?

Allie was giddy with excitement that she almost threw her phone. The subsequent text came within few seconds. Her hands were clammy, but she managed to scroll down the reply and type her response.

Yes. Meet me tomorrow afternoon at the frat house.

I'll see you tomorrow!

***

The next afternoon, the omega knocked on the door, wiping her sweaty hands on her jeans. Allie managed to dress in light-wash skinny jeans and an oversized jumper to hide her tiny bump. No one would notice that she's expecting when it's still so early, but she didn't want to advertise it.

A random beta opened the door for her—another frat brother who didn't recognise her. He didn't even bat an eye before moving aside for Allie to enter.

The omega roamed her eyes around and noticed that the frat house was relatively deserted—save for some Betas. Where was everyone? Then it clicked to her that it's the weekday which meant they were at the practice.

She climbed the stairs silently, trying to tamp down the burst of nerves. Nausea bubbled in her throat with each step, hands fisting the hem of her jumper a little too tightly. Allie didn't want to puke; she did that already early in the morning.

Her morning sickness already left her feeling woozy and sickly.

She noticed that Nates door was ajar. With a

quick peek into the room, it became evident that the Alpha was pacing anxiously. Her stomach twisted at that. Nate must be nervous to talk with her as well after the way they left off things.

Taking a deep breath, she gingerly stepped inside, waiting at the doorstep. Nate felt her presence, and his walk came to an abrupt halt, eyes zoning on her. They shifted down to her baby bump before looking back up.

"Hi" She avoided his eyes.

"Hey," The Alpha said before they both fell silent, avoiding each other's stare.

The tension in the room became increasingly palpable.

Nate motioned for the omega to take a seat, and she followed. Her hands folded in the lap, waiting for him to start. She was too nervous about talking and say the wrong thing.

The Alpha exhaled loudly. "What is it you want to talk about? There's nothing left for you to say and for me to hear."

Her insides twisted at that, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and hurt. Nate still resented her. What was she going to do?

***