Midnight River Shorts

Stacy's Apology

*~ Shortly after Stacy finds Julie during THATM and WYLEI *~

I pace the living room nervously. I hate apologies. I hate apologizing. Not because I think I'm never wrong. But because I hate the vulnerability of saying 'I was wrong.'

"Stace." Julie's sweet voice calls, and I look over at her. She's sitting on the couch, watching me with an amused smile. "It's going to be fine."

"But I hate apologies." I groan, plopping next to her.

"I can tell." She giggles. "But, a good Alpha knows when she's wrong, and apologizes." She wraps her arms around me. "And you know you want to be closer to your brother."

"Ugh." I groan, leaning on her even more. "Why are you so perfect?" I mumble, nuzzling my nose into her neck.

"Mm." She hums softly. "Because the Goddess made me for you." She rubs my arm gently.

There's a knock at the door, interrupting me from kissing her. I groan loudly, throwing my head against the back of the couch.

"Come on." She giggles, standing and pulling me with her. We walk through the house and she opens the door with a wide smile. "Hey guys!" She grins. "Come on in." She opens the door widely for our guests.

My older brother Shay and his Mates, Ethan and Taylor, walk inside. Taylor and Ethan look around in awe.

"This place is gorgeous!" Taylor murmurs softly.

"Thanks!" Julie grins widely.

"Go take a seat in the living room, Shay." I say softly to my big brother.

"Sure, Stace." He smiles, and corrals his Mates down the hall.

Dennis and Parker enter in the same fashion.

I take a deep breath and follow after them with Julie at my side. They're all sitting on the couches, chattering together.

I clear my throat. "So..." I falter, my nerves getting to me.

"I bet you're all wondering why I've gathered you all here today." Taylor interrupts, standing with their hands folded.

"Taylor..." I chuckle, though I'm silently relieved.

"You were too tense, Stacy." They laugh, sitting back down. "Relax."

"I just..." I take a breath. "I hate apologizing." I groan. "But... I realize that I was... Less than supportive when you found your Mates." I say softly, looking at Dennis and Shay.

"You were more hostile than anything." Shay says, crossing his arms. Even if he's not an Alpha, he's a big guy. And my older brother.

"I know." I sigh, dropping my head. "And... I..." I groan, hating the taste of apologies hanging on my tongue. "I'm sorry." I grit.

"For?" Shay raises his eyebrow.

"Shit, you're gonna be a tough dad." I groan, throwing my head back. "I'm sorry for being hostile and caustic when you brought Ethan and Parker back here. It was wrong of me and it shouldn't have taken me finding Julie to realize that."

"And how are you going to behave moving forward?" Shay asks, still looking at me with his crossed arms and raised brow.

"Okay, your child is still in there." I point at Ethan's stomach. "Stop being a dad for a minute."

"Can't." He shrugs.

"It's true." Taylor snickers.

"And annoying." Ethan huffs, crossing his own arms.