Maeve watched as her mother slept, her eyes filled with dry tears. Laoise told her daughter her wishes for what she wanted after her passing. Everything that belonged to her was now Maeve's. Laoise didn't want her daughter to pay for rent anymore; she could live or rent the home that would become Maeve's.
The young woman didn't care about owning her mother's belongings. She wanted to scream that everything would be okay and never give up. However, Maeve knew that it would hurt her in the end. Closing her eyes to reality would only cause her pain.
Her mother was going to die, and that was the harsh truth. Maeve also thought about Treyton and Stephen. She wanted to explain everything but was emotionally and mentally exhausted; her body was weak.
"Maeve, I'm here."
"Patrisha." Maeve looked toward the door where Patrisha stood. The older woman entered while looking at a sleeping Laoise. "Treyton told me that she woke up."
"Yeah, she was awake, but talking can take a lot of energy from her. She fell asleep; sorry you missed her awake."
Patrisha went to Maeve, hugged her, got a chair, and sat beside her. "It's alright. Laoise needs all the energy." She noticed Maeve's tear-stricken face, and it hurt to see her friend suffering so much before Christmas. It reminded her of herself when she lost her wife, Jai'la. "I saw Treyton outside the hospital, and he told me what happened."
"I wanted to tell him that everything was a misunderstanding. I-"
"I know, Maeve. I told that knucklehead about it to. What surprised me was that Stephen went to talk to him. I think they're still talking."
Maeve wrapped her arms around herself, worried Stephen would keep his word and tell Treyton the truth. "How was Treyton? I can imagine how hurt he must have felt."
The older woman sighed. "He looked like a big old baby, but after talking to him, I saw he understood. I know that big galoot will come to his senses." Patrisha noticed Maeve chuckle, and it brought her relief to see the friend she knew and loved.
"Maeve," said a masculine voice. The women looked toward the door, and Treyton stood there sadly.
"Treyton..." Maeve stood up, looking at him.
Patrisha smiled. "You both go and talk. I will stay here with Laoise just in case she wakes up again." She motioned Maeve to go, and the young woman did so.
The couple walked out of the room and then walked into the halls, which were beautifully decorated. There was another small waiting room without one; they entered and closed the door behind them. They were silent, and Maeve had her back turned to Treyton; she slowly turned. "Treyton, what you saw there, I-"
"Please, there is no need to explain; Stephen told me everything. I jumped to conclusions and wanted to apologize for my rash behavior." Suddenly, he walked to Maeve, hugged and kissed her head. "I am so sorry. I used my fear of being left by my mate to get the better of me. I know you're not the type of person who would go back on their feelings and word. I caused you so much stress, especially with what is happening with your mother."
Maeve felt at ease with Treyton's warmth around her. His warmth alone made her feel she wasn't alone and could face anything in life. She hugged him back, and they enjoyed each other's embrace. "I-I thought I was going to lose you, too."
Her words made Treyton's heart almost tear into pieces. He hated himself for causing his mate more pain than she already was. No more; he promised himself that they would work out and face disagreements and problems together. "I'm sorry. I also thought I was going to lose you to someone else. I promise to be by your side as long as you want to be by my side."
"I promise." Maeve looked up at her mate, gently put her hands onto his face, and motioned him toward her. The Alpha knew what she wanted, so she purposefully lowered his face to hers.
They kissed passionately, holding one another in a loving embrace. The couple eventually separated. "Treyton, I am going to sleep here tonight; I want to spend every moment with my mom. Before you say anything, you can go home and rest. Please, at least let me have this."
Treyton had the urge to protest, but since Laoise didn't have much time to live, he decided to give his mate privacy. "Okay. I will come back here in the morning." The Alpha then remembered Calista's idea, and he smiled. "Besides, there is something I need to do. Get plenty of rest." Maeve nodded, and he watched her walk out of the room to return to her mother. Once he ensured his mate was nowhere to be seen, he got his phone and dialed Calista's number. The phone rang until Calista finally answered. "Calista, I'm afraid we have to bring the plan earlier than expected."
The day progressed until night arrived. Maeve asked Patrisha if she could be alone with her mother throughout the night; Patrisha agreed. The young woman told the nurses, and they gave her a blanket and pillow so she could sleep. Maeve eventually slept on the sofa in the room. The rest of the night went peacefully until morning eventually arrived.
Maeve was quietly snoring until someone gently shook her. "Miss?"
"Huh!? Wha!?"
"Sorry to wake you up but your mother is awake," said the nurse.
Maeve immediately woke up and saw her mother awake and two nurses tending to her. "What is it!? Is she okay?"
"We are giving the usual medicine but we were asked to prepare her for an event."
"Event?" Confusion was imminent, and Maeve went to her mother, who still looked exhausted. "What event? My mother is too weak to go to an event."
The nurses smiled but kept their eyes on Laoise. The nurse beside Maeve smiled and motioned her close to the door, which the window was covered by Christmas wallpaper. "Don't worry, the event is behind this door. Laoise's bed was moved in front of the door where she could see; Maeve stood beside her. The door was opened, and to both women's surprise, a large group of people was on the other side. The office was beautifully decorated with Christmas decorations; there were tables of food and drinks.
Maeve was surprised to see Treyton, Calista, Nicolas, Aidoneus, Persefone, Garret, and Trinidad wearing Santa Claus hats, standing together in front of a group of people she never met. Treyton walked forward with red and white roses.
"Wh-What...?"
"This was Calista's idea, and we all followed it. We wanted to surprise you and your mother." Treyton then motioned the roses beside Laoise and put them beside her. He noticed a hint of surprise in her weak eyes. "We wanted to give you a special Christmas present, and I Hope you and Maeve like it." Treyton then went to Maeve, hugged her, and whispered, "These people are part of my pack. They were informed of the situation, and they practiced all night. They're fast learners." He separated from her as he stood beside his son before his pack.
Everyone, including the hospital staff, stood silently; everyone eyed them.
Calista motioned out her hand. "Ladies, we're first. 1, 2, and 3..."
The women in the pack hummed and slowly began to sing...
Maeve and Laoise watched and listened intently. They were still surprised that everyone was singing to them in Irish Gaelic. The women's voices went well together and were soft and gentle. Maeve and Laoise had tears dripping from their eyes.
When the women were done, it was the men's turn to sing.
Although feeling weak, Laoise was reminded by her husband. He used to sing her Irish Gaelic songs, especially during Christmas. She watched as Treyton participated; he truly cared for her daughter.
Laoise finally accepted that her daughter would be okay; Maeve had many friends and people who would be by her side.
Eventually, the men of the pack finished their song and became silent.
Suddenly, Maeve clapped her hands, and the staff and visitors did the same. Many people had tears in their eyes and were heard or watched; they were moved and filled with hope.
Maeve went to Treyton and the others, hugging and thanking them. She also thanked the pack, which looked happy and emotional. The pack members looked happy to meet their Alpha's mate, their future Luna. "Thank you all. You made this day special by bringing part of our culture to life!"
Calista and the other women went and hugged her. "This is to remind you and to show your mother that we are here together and will live through this world together, no matter how different we are. Now, we brought breakfast and will have an early Christmas." Calista and the others took turns introducing themselves to Laoise.
Treyton served Maeve a plate of food, and she slowly began to eat. However, she returned with her mother, who weakly smiled at everyone who greeted her and wished her a 'Merry Christmas.'
"Mom, are you happy?" The older woman nodded as she watched the festivities, feeling whole. "Do you want something to eat? You haven't eaten in a while."
Laoise shook her head, smiled, and said, "Go enjoy yourself. I'm happy being here."
Maeve didn't want to leave her mother alone, but seeing her watching everyone with a smile, she relented. The young woman went to Treyton, Aidoneus, Persefone, Patrisha, Trinidad, Garret, Calista, and Nicolas, who had plates on hand. However, the group stood close by the door to keep an eye on Laoise.
Meanwhile, Laoise watched on as everyone enjoyed themselves. There were the occasional people who introduced themselves and asked if there was anything she needed. The older woman felt that she had everything she ever wanted. Laoise felt complete, knowing that her daughter would be in good hands. "Nollaig Shona Dhuit (Merry Christmas)." She slowly closed her eyes and entered into a deep and peaceful sleep.
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