It was 5:42 a.m. on a chilly Saturday morning; Maeve was wide awake since it was difficult for her to be asleep. She couldn't stop thinking about so many things, especially Persefone. Maeve had met Persefone's ex a few times but noticed some red flags, but she didn't want to involve herself in her pupil's personal life. However, the two teachers were relieved when Persefone informed her and Patrisha about breaking up. The relief was short-lived when the ex slowly tried to put himself back into Persefone's life. "Persefone won't let that poor-of-an-excuse man get in her life."
As Maeve sat on the house's front porch, she thought about Treyton and their date today. Going to Big Bear was unexpected since it was far and up to the mountains. Yet, something was exciting about going close to the mountains since Big Bear was known for its beauty. Her thoughts were interrupted when she saw a familiar car driving to her street and slowly down when getting close to her home.
Treyton had arrived.
Maeve stood up from the porch and got her small backpack. Treyton parked his car, turned off his car, and got off. "Good morning, Maeve. Sorry if I had to make you wake up early in the morning."
The young woman walked close to Treyton and kissed him on the cheek, making him blush. He was surprised by her sudden action but couldn't help but like it. Maeve blushed but tried to show her confidence. "Good morning to you too, Treyton. I don't mind since I'm an early bird. Anyway, I was too excited to sleep anyway since we're going to Big Bear."
"I admit that I couldn't sleep either; there are many things on my mind. So, are you ready to go?"
"Yup. I hope you don't mind, but I'm bringing my small backpack with some things for our little hike!"
Treyton smiled and nodded as he motioned Maeve to enter his car. When they were both inside and ready, Treyton drove off to the road and the freeway, leading them toward their destination. "So, um, about what happened a couple of days ago. I wouldn't have imagined that I would meet your mother too soon. I should have called."
"It's alright. You're a man full of surprises, so I shouldn't have been too surprised."
The Alpha laughed nervously as his hands slowly became sweaty. It was almost too ironic that Maeve would say such a thing since he was filled with secrets. Secrets that he finally let out. "Y-Yeah. Again, I hope it didn't cause too much problems. I could tell that your mother looked curious but also cautious due to our age gap."
Maeve sighed as she looked out the window. "Yeah, but my mother accepts this is my life and decisions. Besides, one shouldn't judge a book by its cover."
Her words echoed in the Alpha's mind. Maeve was a nonjudgmental person who tried to see someone for who they were. "I hope see accepts me when I tell her of what I am." As Treyton kept driving and realized they were getting closer to their destination, his mind raced. Although traffic was getting more impacted, it wouldn't change what was to happen during the day.
"I guess many people have the same idea to head to Big Bear even early in the morning. I assume that we're almost there."
"Yeah, we're twenty minutes away, but luckily, I know Big Bear very well since my maiinn home is here."
Maeve widened her eyes and then looked at Treyton, who chuckled as he tried to move to the furthest right lane. "You're kidding. I thought you lived at Palos Verdes."
"The house I'm in is one of the few homes I own, but Big Bear is my main residence. Sorry for not telling you; it slipped my mind." Treyton eventually reached the farthest lane, exiting the freeway and driving toward the streets. Treyton made many turns until they eventually led to Big Bear. Maeve gasped when she saw the many mountains that were covered in bits of snow. The roads were wet since it snowed last night. The city was decorated in Christmas decor, as were the many businesses and houses driven by. "It's nice to be back home; I'm glad the city has already been decorated. What do you think?"
"What do I think? This place is so beautiful! It looks like we're going into a fairytale!"
Treyton smiled; he couldn't believe Maeve would rave over the simple things. He was grateful to the Moon Goddess that his mate had a good view of life. "The Christmas Village won't be open for a couple of hours. Would you like to get a cup of coffee and then begin our little hike?" Maeve agreed, and Treyton's nerves intensified. Negative thoughts slowly made their way to his mind, the possibility that she would fear and reject him. However, his mind was made up, and it was too late to turn back. Christmas was also coming, and he hoped to celebrate it with Maeve so she could meet the pack and Aidoneus.
He drove to a nearby Starbucks, where they both got off, got their orders, and waited. "So, Treyton, why did you decide for us to go here? Usually, people take a couple of days to stay by the mountains."
"I have my reasons, but I have always been close with nature. My family has always enjoyed the countryside since we can be ourselves. Although my mother taught me more of its importance, she was a Wiccan."
"Wow, I didn't know that. I heard that Wiccans are fully entued with nature. Are your parents...?"
The Alpha sadly smiled. "They passed away. My mother died first, and then my father; her death affected him deeply, so he joined her not too long ago."
The employees called out their order, which Treyton picked up. The two sipped and ate their breakfast, and they continued to speak about the Wiccan tradition and the events that would occur in Big Bear. Once they were done with their breakfast, Treyton believed it best for them to continue their journey. They got into Treyton's vehicle, and he drove off to a road leading upward to Pineknot trail with beautiful views. He parked his vehicle.
Treyton was relieved that there weren't many people yet but knew the trail would be packed with people in a couple more hours. He knew that he needed to act fast. "W-We're here. The trail is easy to walk on, and there aren't many people around so that we can enjoy more time alone together."
"Sounds romantic! I look forward to it. I brought extra water bottles just in case we get thirsty."
"Don't worry; I brought some things, too." The two got out of the vehicle with their belongings, and Treyton motioned out his hand; Maeve grabbed it. They felt each other's warmth and went on their way. Trees and bits of snow were everywhere, giving the trail a fantastic and beautiful glow. Maeve was amazed and would point to different parts of the trail as they walked.
Treyton knew the trail very well since he and many of his pack members would go there to take runs after the humans went away. The calm environment chilled his nerves, but the feeling wouldn't go away. The more he withheld his secret, the more anxious he became. Every word that Maeve spoke sounded distant. "I have to tell her."
Maeve looked at Treyton. "Huh, what was that?" As did Maeve, he stopped in his tracks; she could tell that something was bothering him. "What's wrong, Treyton? Are you feeling cold?"
The Alpha slowly released her hand and walked close to the trail's edge. "M-Maeve, remember when I told you I brought you here to tell you something?"
"Y-Yeah." Maeve noticed how anxious Treyton became, and it made her feel nervous. "What's going on?" She slowly backed away as the worst-case scenario came to mind. "It's like those serial killer movies! Treyton would never do that, would he?"
"Maeve, you don't need to be scared of me. You know that I would never hurt you. I would never forgive myself if that happened. The thing is...I have a secret to tell you."
"What secret? Don't tell me that you're still married!"
Treyton's eyes widened. "What? No, that's not it! I-"
*HUFF* *HUFF* *HUFF* *RRRRGGGHH*
The two stilled when they heard a sound to their left. When they looked at what was making the sound, they saw that it was a black bear. It stood close to them both, and it looked at them both. Maeve's eyes and lips widened as her saliva became dry. "Oh...my...god..." she said in a whisper-like tone.
The bear heard her as it looked at the young woman and slowly made its way to her. Maeve couldn't move due to the shock, but Treyton saw the bear getting closer to his mate and immediately got in between them. The black bear stopped as it gave a low growl toward him, warning him. Treyton's werewolf side got protective as his eyes slowly turned a golden color; he growled back. He heard Maeve gasp and knew it was his moment to show her the truth. The Alpha turned to look at her; Maeve saw his golden eyes. "This is my truth."
Treyton slowly took off his coat and then his shirt, exposing his muscular body. His body cracked as he became more extensive, and his fur grew; his handsome features changed into a wolf appearance. His arms and legs got longer as his fur grew. Maeve trembled when she saw Treyton fully transform into a huge wolf. That was when Maeve finally realized what Treyton was.
He was a werewolf.
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