Everyone stilled when they saw Calista; Treyton was shocked. He didn't expect her to arrive at Maeve's house. Aidoneus went to his Father. "Sorry, Pops, Ma called, and I told her about the situation. She insisted on wanting to come here, so I gave her the address."
Treyton nodded as he immediately went to his ex-wife. He quickly glanced at Trinidad, who looked displeased at seeing her. Trinidad and the other pack members were still angry that Calista had requested a divorce. "Calista, Aidoneus told me what happened." He looked at Persefone and Patrisha and then at his ex. "Careful, what you say, one of the women over there don't know about our kind yet."
Calista nodded as she was motioned to enter. "I spoke with Aidoneus's mate over the phone but I will try to be careful on what I say in front of her friend."
Treyton nodded. "Where's Nicolas?"
"He didn't want to come along since there was a possibility he thought Trinidad and Garret of being here. Nicolas didn't want to cause a stir in a delicate situation," Calista whispered.
Trinidad and Garret kept their distance and let out a low growl so that Patrisha wouldn't hear their displeasure. Patrisha noticed the tension and couldn't help but be curious about who Calista was. Persefone noticed and immediately went to Patrisha before she could ask. "Patrisha, that woman is Calista, Aidoneus's Mother."
Patrisha's eyebrows widened. "Wait, does that mean she's Treyton's ex-wife!?" Everyone else heard her, but Patrisha didn't care. Persefone tried to calm her down, but the older woman wouldn't budge. "What are you doing here? I hope you're not here to cause trouble, or you have me to deal with."
Everyone noticed how Patrisha looked, ready to fight. Although they were werewolves, Patrisha looked like they would give them a challenge for their life. "Patrisha, she-"
Treyton was interrupted when Calista spoke. "Patrisha. Was it? I am Calista, and I'm sure you figured out that I am Treyton's ex-wife. I understand your concern, but please be at ease that I'm not here to cause trouble. I met Maeve when my...husband and I went to the same Christmas market that they went to. We had the pleasure of meeting. What happened between me and Treyton is in the past. We accepted what happened, and we're moving on forward."
Patrisha was impressed by Calista's speech but still defensive of Maeve. "So why are you here?"
"I wanted to talk to Maeve. Believe it or not, I know what she is going through."
Patrisha was about to reject it, but Persefone interjected. "Trish, please. Let's not cause a scene. Maeve needs support; trust her."
Calista and Patrisha eyed one another, neither backing down, but Patrisha sighed. "Alright, but if you do something then you won't be seeing Christmas this year."
"You have my word. Thank you, Patrisha. Where is her room?"
Calista was shown where it was; she went to the door and knocked on it. "Maeve?" There was no answer, but Calista sensed that Maeve was still awake. "It's me, Calista. I'm going to come in." Calista slowly opened the door, and a single lamp dimly lighted the room. Soft whimpers were heard, and it hurt the former Luna to hear such sounds. Once inside and the door closed, the older woman saw Maeve lying on her bed. Maeve's back faced Calista, but the older woman decided not to get too close to her personal space.
"Maeve, I know you may not have the strength to speak; you may not want to after hearing such news about your Mother. When Aidoneus told me what had happened, I was worried about you, even though we barely met. Believe it or not, I know how you feel." Maeve's whimpers slowly quieted down; Calista knew that the young woman was listening; she continued. "When I was ten, it was on Christmas Eve; my pack celebrated the holiday. I remember the songs, the happiness, and all the friends and family that were together. I also remember how happy my parents were whenever they celebrated the holidays together. However, on that particular Christmas, everything changed."
Maeve slowly turned around, facing Calista, who stood by the door with her hands together. However, Maeve still lay on the bed, weak from the sadness. "What happened?" asked in a whisper-tone voice.
"There was a rogue attack on the pack I used to be in before marrying Treyton. Rogues are werewolf criminals who refuse to follow pack laws or commit unthinkable crimes. They tried to steal the pack's belongings which was not much, mind you. My Father and the other male werewolves of the pack tried the fight them off while the females took the children to hiding places." Calista closed her eyes as the memory was evident in her mind. She tried to forget it, but it was impossible; the experience was always a part of her. "My Mother held onto me as she tried to take me to one of the underground shelters, but a rogue caught up to us. My Mother had a necklace my Father gave her for their anniversary, and it held value."
"Calista..."
"My Mother pushed me away, and the Rogue killed her instantly; I couldn't do anything."
"Oh my god...that is awful."
The older woman felt tears forming in her eyes but wiped them away. Eventually, the rogues were cast away or killed. I remember when my Father found my Mother; it broke his heart. Christmas for us wasn't the same, and my Father refused to celebrate the holiday. I saw him dissipate throughout the years, and he was no longer the Father I knew who loved Christmas; he died a heartbroken man. Christmas was a holiday that I thought was a curse. However, when I met Treyton and had my son, I slowly began to enjoy the holiday again. I knew that was what my Mother would have wanted."
Maeve slowly sat up as Calista walked toward her and sat on the edge of the bed. "You went through so much, Calista, and on Christmas day."
Calista nodded. "Yes, it's hard to see losing someone you love on Christmas. I know your Mother is fighting, and I don't want to lie to you about whether or not she will get through the cancer. I have to be honest and realistic with you. Also, I am telling you this because no matter what, you will always have friends who are part of your family. You have Treyton, who will do everything possible to make you happy. I know you need your alone time, but never forget that you have all of us now. Understand?"
"Yes...I understand." Maeve suddenly hugged Calista. Surprised by the sudden action, she hugged her back.
Eventually, they separated, and Calista left the room and closed the door, leaving Maeve alone. Once out, everyone looked at her. "So, how is she?" asked Treyton, worried.
Calista walked into the living room. "She's saddened but okay. Maeve needs time alone and will come out whenever she is ready. However, we all must be ready for the worst-case scenario, which is why I thought of an idea but will need more information."
"What do you have planned, Ma?" asked Aidoneus.
Calista smiled as she sat on one of the sofas and explained her idea. Everyone looked uncertain at first, but Patrisha agreed to the idea. "It's worth the try. Maybe we can use the Irish garlic language; I know the two will appreciate it."
"Wonderful idea, Patrisha." Calista looked at Garrett and Trinidad. I know you two are still angry about what happened between me and Treyton. Please believe me; it was difficult for me to do what I did. However, Treyton has Maeve now, and she will be a part of the pa-I mean family now. Please allow me to win your trust and respect. I will do so no matter how long it takes. Just this once, help me convince the others to help."
Garret and Trinidad looked at one another and then at Calista. "We're still angry at you, but for Maeve's sake, we'll do it," answered Trinidad.
"Thank you."
Patrisha listened intently and felt they were hiding something, but she kept silent. She knew that the truth would eventually come out.29Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYf1yacHHiI
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