Page 81 of Patiently Yours
“What’s going on?” Uriah asks, noticing our little exchange. Stacia looks between all of us, suddenly realizing the tension.
Atlas gives a heavy sigh. “There’s good news and bad news,” he starts before looking at our omega. “The good news is Derek got the restraining order. He’s no longer allowed to contact you or be around you. If he does, he’ll get arrested.”
Stacia’s mouth gapes in surprise. “Really?”
Atlas gives her a small smile, giving her a reassuring nod. Her eyes gloss over, and she’s clutching Uriah’s shirt a bit tighter than she was before. He puts his hand on top of hers, giving her support.
When she realizes there’s more, she gives a few sniffles before looking back at our prime. “And the bad news?”
I cringe, thinking about the interaction that happened. He may not be allowed around Stacia, but he’s someone I wish didn’t even go to this school. States away would be ideal.
“Sam kicked him out of Alpha Xi,” Atlas announces.
Uriah’s eyes widen. “Holy shit.”
“Apparently the restraining order violates the morality clause we all signed when we pledged.”
They both look shocked, unable to process what that means. “How is that bad news?” Stacia asks curiously.
“He was pissed,” Ciro blurts out. “Well, obviously. But it was pretty bad.”
Atlas nods in agreement. “It angered him. More than I’ve ever seen before. I’m worried he’ll escalate. He looked desperate.”
“He said some horrible things to Sam,” I said. “Like… homophobic things.”
Stacia gasps, instinctually standing up from her spot, her tiny fists clenching at her sides in anger.
“That’s fucking awful.” Uriah puts a hand around Stacia’s wrists, trying to help her ground. “My love?”
She looks at him. Her jaw tenses, fire burning in her eyes. “Please tell me someone punched him again.”
“I really fucking wanted to,” Atlas says through gritted teeth.
She sits back down before putting her head in her hands. Her usually sweet lavender and vanilla scent twinges with something salty, watery.
“Doe, what’s wrong?” Ciro asks.
She shakes her head in her hands before looking back up at us. “Did I just make Sam’s life more difficult? What if Derek keeps taking his anger out on him? What if I made a mistake?”
The sadness in her voice breaks me. I find myself walking over to sit beside her.
“Stacia, this was the right call. Not only does it protect you, but it will also make Derek think twice before doing anything to some future girl he pursues. He needs to know that his actions have consequences. He can’t get away with whatever he wants just because he’s an alpha.”
“And,” Atlas adds before crouching down in front of us, “youdidn’t do anything. This is all on Derek.Hisactions put him here, no one else’s. Sam can handle himself. He’s a strong alpha. He can see this through. And I’m sure if he were here, he’d be telling you the same thing. He doesn’t want you to worry about him.”
She gives a few tiny nods, still sniffling. “You’re right. I know you are.” She wipes her eyes and lets us comfort her, all of our hands on her in some way. “I just feel worried. Sick. I wish none of you had to deal with this at all.”
“Angel, we wishyoudidn’t have to deal with any of this. You shouldn’t be in this position. You deserve the world.” Atlas cradles her face. “You are our omega, we are going to take care of you. Sam has wanted to kick Derek out for a long time. You have a sea of people here to help you, you just have tolet us.”
She smiles, her face wet with tears. Ciro chuckles beside me.
“We’ve said his name too many times, we should probably go back to the rule of calling him Dickwad.”
Stacia laughs. “Rory told you about that?”
We all nod, laughing with her. “Yes, she did. And we’re going to abide by it.” Atlas kisses Stacia’s forehead before standing back up. “How about I make us some popcorn and we keep watching this movie you and Uriah started?”
“I’d like that.” Her eyes sparkle. Our prime excuses himself as we arrange ourselves on the couch, trying to find the most comfortable way to squeeze together.
