Chapter 2: Later That Night

The roar of the crowd echoed through the stadium as Nicola followed Chloe and Theo to the bleachers. The air was crisp, filled with the mingling scents of pine and damp earth, a constant reminder of the pack lands that surrounded Crescent Moon High. Nicola pulled her hoodie tighter around herself, as though the soft fabric could shield her from the noise, the people, and the weight of her own thoughts.

The field was alive with activity, a kaleidoscope of movement and sound. Cheerleaders in glittering uniforms danced energetically on the sidelines, their pom-poms shimmering under the bright stadium lights. The band perched at the edge of the stands, their instruments gleaming, occasionally bursting into short, triumphant tunes that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Students packed the bleachers, a sea of Crescent Moon High colors waving banners and shouting encouragements. The air buzzed with the collective energy of the pack, an unmistakable pulse of unity that Nicola felt disconnected from.

She trailed behind Chloe and Theo, her head low. The stadium was packed, and finding seats required them to squeeze through clusters of cheering students.

“Over here!” Chloe called, spotting an opening on the second row of the bleachers.

Nicola climbed the steps reluctantly, her sneakers scraping against the cold metal. As she settled into the narrow seat, she felt the weight of stares around her - fleeting glances that prickled her skin. Whether real or imagined, they made her heart thrum uncomfortably. She tugged her hoodie tighter, folding her arms across her chest in an attempt to disappear.

On the field, the players moved like a well-oiled machine, their teamwork seamless and their energy contagious. But Nicola’s attention wasn’t on the game - it was on the three figures commanding the field.

The Blackstone triplets.

Damien, Dylan, and Dean Blackstone were the epitome of Alpha perfection. The pack’s pride and joy, they embodied everything Nicola wasn’t: popular, admired, powerful. Their presence was magnetic, impossible to ignore.

Damien, the quarterback, stood at the center of it all. His commanding voice cut through the chaos of the game, barking orders to his teammates with a precision that demanded obedience. His piercing blue eyes scanned the field with a focus that left no room for error, his dark hair tousled in a way that looked effortless.

Dylan, the wide receiver, was pure energy. He sprinted down the field like a lightning bolt, weaving through defenders with a speed and grace that left the crowd breathless. His grin, wide and mischievous, flashed every time he glanced at the stands, soaking up the adoration like sunlight.

Dean, the linebacker, was a force of nature. Broad and solid, he delivered tackles with bone-jarring strength, his every move radiating dominance. He didn’t smile like Dylan or strategize like Damien - he was raw power, a shield for his team and a nightmare for their opponents.

The crowd adored them. Every touchdown was met with deafening cheers, the roar of approval rising like a wave that crashed against Nicola’s ears. The triplets had the world at their feet, and they knew it. Watching them felt like staring at a world Nicola could never touch.

She found her gaze lingering on Damien, who adjusted his helmet with an air of confidence that seemed innate. He turned his head, scanning the crowd for a brief moment, and Nicola’s breath hitched as their eyes seemed to meet. Her rational mind told her it was impossible - he wasn’t looking at her, not really. But for a fleeting second, the intensity in his gaze made her stomach flip.

“Earth to Nicola,” Chloe teased, nudging her with an elbow. “You’re drooling.”

“I am not,” Nicola snapped, pulling her hood lower to hide the heat rising to her cheeks.

Chloe smirked, leaning back in her seat. “Relax, you’re not the only one. Half the girls in this stadium are practically swooning over them.”

“And half the guys,” Theo added with a chuckle. “It’s hard to compete when you’re up against Alpha triplets. They’re like a walking PR campaign for perfection.”

Nicola rolled her eyes, trying to refocus on the game. She didn’t want to admit that she’d been caught staring. The triplets scored another touchdown, and the crowd erupted in cheers. Chloe and Theo joined in enthusiastically, clapping and shouting encouragements, but Nicola remained silent. Her gaze flickered back to the field against her better judgment.

What would it feel like to have even a fraction of their confidence? To walk through the world with the kind of presence that turned heads and commanded respect? To be seen - not as an Omega, but as someone worthy of admiration?

Nicola shook her head, forcing the thoughts away. It didn’t matter. Tomorrow was her birthday, and the mate bond would activate. The idea filled her with equal parts anticipation and dread. If she had a mate somewhere in the pack, they were probably no different from the rest - someone who saw her as less, someone who wouldn’t want her. Certainly not someone like Damien, Dylan, or Dean Blackstone.

The game continued, the energy in the stadium reaching a fever pitch as the final minutes ticked away. Crescent Moon High clinched the victory with a dramatic play, Damien’s pass to Dylan resulting in a last-second touchdown that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Students leapt to their feet, cheering and chanting the triplets’ names.

Nicola stayed seated, clapping politely. She was happy for the team, but the overwhelming noise and excitement made her feel like an outsider looking in. She glanced at Chloe and Theo, who were both beaming, their excitement contagious.

“That was amazing!” Chloe exclaimed, turning to Nicola. “You can’t tell me you didn’t enjoy that.”

“It was... fine,” Nicola said with a small shrug. “I’m glad we won.”

Chloe rolled her eyes but didn’t push. She knew better than to expect Nicola to match her enthusiasm.

As the crowd began to disperse, Chloe grabbed Nicola’s hand. “Come on, we’re heading to the party.”

“Party?” Nicola repeated, her stomach sinking. “You didn’t say anything about a party.”

“I knew you’d try to back out,” Chloe said, dragging her toward the stairs. “It’s at the Blackstone house. Everyone’s going.”

Nicola dug her heels in. “Chloe, I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

Theo appeared at her other side, gently nudging her forward. “It’s just a party, Nic. You’ll be with us the whole time. What’s the worst that could happen?”

Nicola wanted to argue, but the look in Chloe’s eyes silenced her. She sighed, letting her friends lead her out of the stadium and toward the parking lot. The crisp night air was a welcome relief from the chaos inside, but her nerves were already twisting into knots.

As they walked, Nicola glanced back at the field. The triplets were surrounded by their teammates and fans, basking in the glow of victory. For a moment, Damien looked in her direction, his gaze piercing even from a distance. Nicola’s breath caught, her heart pounding against her ribs.

She turned away quickly, chastising herself. Whatever that had been, it didn’t matter. Tomorrow, everything would change. For better or worse, she wasn’t sure - but tonight, she would simply survive.