Aidoneus couldn't help but feel relieved that he was able to get the answers he wanted. He believed Persefone that she was no longer interested in her ex, but when she mentioned her ex visiting her, it made him concerned. There were times when exes didn't take breakups lightly, which could lead to deranged behavior. What Persefone told him, Aidoneus feared that she was in danger. However, the werewolf didn't want to ruin his mate's mood. After they ate their lunch, he suggested looking at the vendors again since they had a clearer view of what was being sold.
Persefone bought handmade blankets for herself and her mother and work boots for her father. Aidoneus noticed that she looked at a Nightmare Before Christmas collection of figurines, but when she looked at the price, it was more than she could afford. He wanted to buy it for her but then thought of an idea. When Persefone went on to another vendor, Aidoneus went to the particular vendor's stall and spoke with the person in charge. They exchanged information; Aidoneus then went back to his mate. "Hey, Dio, are you going to get anything?"
"Well, I was thinking of getting my mom a baking set since she loves to bake, but they don't have that here, so I'll order it online. My Pops is tricky since he many things a man wouldn't want."
"I get it. When you have an influential dad, it can be difficult to get them certain things." Persefone noticed pens with different designs as she looked at the current stall. Excuse me, sir. Are these handcrafted?"
The vendor was an older man who looked to be in his early to mid-sixties. He looked up from cutting a small piece of wood. He smiled while he stood up. "Why yes, they are, young lady! I buy the pens from the 98-cent store and put wood over them while making designs on them! This has been my hobby since I was twelve years old."
Persefone smiled and pointed at the pens. "You should get your dad a pen! These are so beautiful to pass up!"
Aidoneus looked down at the handcrafted wooden pens and couldn't deny their beauty. "Pops always uses pens. Maybe I should change it up a notch." The werewolf looked at all the pens until he got to the upper last row, where he saw boxes that contained three beautifully carved bronze, gold, and silver pens. "Did you also craft these?" he asked, pointing at the boxes.
The older man's smile widened with pride. "Sure did, but carving into such metals can take two to three hours. These are a bit more expensive, but the wooden ones are cheaper if you'd like."
Aidoneus noticed that the carved wooden pens were ten dollars while the boxes with the carved metal pens were fifty; he couldn't blame the older gentleman for asking much. "I will take one box of the three pens and one wooden pen."
Persefone and the older men were surprised. "A-Are you sure? It is a bit much and-!"
"I'm sure, sir. Your craft was beautifully done, and I can't help but admire your hard work and passion. Eitherway, my Pops would love them, and I want one for myself." Aidoneus took out a hundred-dollar bill and gave it to the older man. "Keep the change. Call it an early Christmas gift from a stranger."
"Y-Young man, I can't except it! I need to give you change back! I-!"
Aidoneus motioned out his hand. "You can try, but I will not take it back. Do whatever you like with the rest of it. You can by yourself lunch or donate it to someone who needs it. The holidays are coming so please take it. I will not take it back no matter what you do or say."
Persefone's eyes widened; her heart skipped a beat, and her body felt warm. The older man felt his eyes water but refrained them from falling. "You are very kind, young man. You make the holiday spirit very special. At least let me wrap the box for you as thanks."
Aidoneus agreed and watched as his father's gift was wrapped. Once finished and given, the duo said farewell to the vendor, who waved back at them. "That was very nice of you. Not many people would do what you did," said Persefone.
"Well, he worked hard in his craft and he deserves some appreciation. Anyway want to go to the Q&A with Chris and Ken?"
Before Persefone could answer, she noticed someone at the corner of her eye. "E-Edgar!?" Before the duo stood Edgar, who wore black clothes and shoes and held a scream mask. He looked expressionless. His skin was dark olive, and he had acne on his face and neck. His black hair was shaved on the sides of his head while the top was curled. There was a thin black mustache that made him childlike since his face was slightly chubby.
"Hey Perse, nice seeing you here." Edgar then eyed Aidoneus. "I thought I told you that we ain't over."
Aidoneus felt Persefone walk behind him and gently held onto his arm; her hand quivered. She was frightened, and that was when the werewolf knew that it was Persefone's ex. "So you must be the ex-boyfriend. Sorry that you're not man enough to accept that Persefone broke up with you. However, you make her uncomfortable, so it would be best to leave."
Edgar glared at Aidoneus, but the werewolf refused to be intimidated. His werewolf side was slowly getting to him. Aidoneus felt that Edgar tried to threaten his mate and he was asking for death in the werewolf world. "You think you can have my woman, dog? I told her it's over when I say it is. She-"
"She is with me, you mushroom-top headed imbecile. You ruined your chance when you decided to sniff elsewhere."
"H-How did you even know I was here?" asked Persefone. When Edgar answered, her eyes widened. "D-Don't tell me you put something in my phone!" The trio was slowly getting the attention of other people.
Aidoneus slowly got angry and tried hard not to attack Edgar. He slowly walked toward his rival until they were a few inches before him. "If you want, we can take it out of here. I will show you how dangerous I can be." The werewolf was taller than Edgar but refused to underestimate him; his father always taught him that. However, Aidoneus knew Edgar was the type of man who didn't like confrontation from those who could match his size and strength.
Edgar slowly backed away as he gave out a cocky look. "Nah man. You ain't worth it." He then glared at Persefone, "This ain't over." He walked away from the festivities, leaving the duo alone.
Aidoneus then looked at Persefone, who was trembling. He went to her and slowly hugged her. She did the same; Persefone was frightened, which angered the werewolf. No one, not even Edgar, had the right to threaten his mate, and he knew that something had to be done. Aidoneus decided to tell Persefone his true identity and complete his next course of action.
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ47YOL0yKl4
23Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AIzYwe1QC
