The night slowly turned into the morning; Treyton snored up a storm until the clock alarm beeped at 8:55 a.m., waking him. He immediately turned off the alarm as he sighed. When fully awake, memories of last night flooded him. After Stephen left, he and Maeve continued shopping, which was enjoyable. While walking around the small village, Stephen was nowhere in sight, making Treyton wonder if he left or lied about being on a date. It made the Alpha uneasy that out of all places, Maeve's ex would be in the same place they were. However, Maeve didn't look deterred and enjoyed her time with him, which was enough.
When their date ended, they agreed to meet one another on the coming Friday and Saturday. He thought about dates he could take her to. Not only that, Treyton thought about how to bring up more about his kind. The more he delayed telling Maeve the truth, the more the procrastination would get worse.
The Alpha stretched and slowly got off the bed, walked to his closet, and changed into a light blue buttoned shirt with a navy tailored suit on top, light blue jeans with a dark brown belt, and dark brown dressy shoes. Treyton got some gel, combed his hair, slicked back, and tried parts of his beard.
When he was done, he walked out of his room and was about to knock on his son's room door to invite him to eat at Norm's. The door suddenly opened, and the father and son were face to face. "Woah, Pops, you surprised me there. I'm surprised you still woke up early after your date."
"Well, you know me, son. I don't like laying in bed all morning. I was hoping that you and I could go out to Norms for a nice breakfast."
"I would like to, Pops. However, Persefone and I agreed to go out for coffee; I'm picking her up."
Treyton was surprised but happy for his son. "I'm very happy for you, son. What time is your coffee date?"
"It will be at 10 a.m., but I will head out earlier to pick her up. So tell me about your date last night. I was asleep before you came back." The duo walked to the living room and sat next to one another.
"The date was nice; we were able to get some Christmas gifts, but something unexpected happened. I met her ex."
Aidoneus flinched. "Y-You did? Don't tell me that he was following your mate."
"I hope that is not the case, but he said he was on a date who supposedly was in the restroom when he arrived to us." The memory of Stephen came to mind, and he let out a low growl; he couldn't help but feel territorial. It was part of the werewolf's nature to feel that way regarding their mate. "Although he was the one who broke up with Maeve, I'm still going to be vigilant. When one breaks up, it can be difficult to adjust to new changes, and it can make one want to go back."
"I agree with you, Pops. By the way, have you been in contact with Garret and Trinidad?"
"No, I feel they're still hurt by my decision. I can't go back on my punishments. What example would I be giving to the pack if a leader can't keep his or her word?"
Aidoneus nodded; he felt more sorry for Garret since he took his Beta duties to heart. "I agree and understand, Pops. I'm worried about Garret's well-being since he doesn't like to disappoint. How about you give him small jobs here and there? They don't have to be Beta duties. Maybe you can ask him to find out more information about your mate's ex."
"Son..."
"I know, Pops. I shouldn't meddle in your personal life but I just find it too much of a coincidence that the ex showed at the place you and your mate were." Aidoneus felt his father's anger, and the young man couldn't blame him, but he was worried that if the ex showed up, his father would act irresponsibly. "I would just do it to be safe than sorry."
Treyton sat silently and thoughtfully. "Thanks for the tip, son. Are you going to head out for your little date?"
The young man looked at his phone and stood up. "Yup, that's my cue. I need to get a move on before traffic gets bad. See you later, Pops. I'll tell you how the date went when I come back." Aidoneus got his keys and wallet and got out of the house, leaving Treyton alone.
It was quiet in the house. Treyton got out his phone as he contemplated whether or not to call Garrett. Giving Garrett his position back wouldn't happen since he had to show him and Trinidad a lesson. Suddenly, the phone rang; it was Trinidad. Treyton was surprised at the suddenness, but he answered the phone. It was silent on both sides; Treyton refused to answer since Trinidad was the one who called him first. "Alpha."
"Trinidad." Trinidad was very stubborn and prideful, which was common in the werewolf community, but Treyton refused to show any regret or weakness since Trinidad could use it to her advantage. It was silent again, and it annoyed the Alpha. He knew that Trinidad was trying to see if he had any regrets or if he would change his mind. It was a game he wouldn't play, so he hung up the phone. Treyton knew that Trinidad would call again and waited for the phone to ring.
It happened again ten seconds later, and Treyton answered but didn't speak. "A-Alpha, please don't hang up again. I'm sorry for not answering sooner. It's just that I didn't know how you would react!"
"Trinidad. This is not a game. You know how I am, and it upsets me that you don't know by now."
"I-I know, and I'm sorry about that. I'm calling because I'm worried about Garret. I have much to answer for, but Garret is not at fault. He sits at home and does nothing, which saddens him. It hurts me to see him in such a state because of me."
Treyton knew how Garret enjoyed doing his duties as Beta since he enjoyed doing work. The Alpha could imagine how bored and unhappy he must have felt. However, Treyton refused to change his mind. Trinidad would slowly return to her ways if everything returned to how it was; the punishment wouldn't have any effect. "Did Garret put you up to this?"
"N-No! He doesn't know that I am calling you!"
"Look, Trinidad. I know you love and worry that Garret hasn't acted like a second-in-command. I have noticed that you would try to get into the decision-making even though it is not your responsibility. It should have been Garret, not you, who should have made this phone call. Also, Garret seems to take his orders to heart. I know it hurts him, but this life lesson made him realize what changed in himself. If there is anything I need, I will call him." Treyton hung up and sighed. There was one situation after another before the holidays, but he knew that he shouldn't stress too much.
Treyton hoped it wouldn't get worse.
ns 15.158.61.23da2
