Trinidad returned from the grocery store and entered her home with some bags. Garret walked out of his small office to help. "Thank you, honey."

Garret smiled as he took the bags off his wife's hands and carried them to the kitchen. "Are there other bags in the car?" he asked.

"Yes, my love. I would appreciate your help." She watched as her husband walked outside toward the car. "I have caused him so much pain. I need to find a way to fix this by Christmas." Her thoughts were interrupted when her phone vibrated; she held and answered it. "Hello?"

The other end was silent, but a sigh was heard. "H-Hey Trinidad, it's me."

The older woman gasped, then went to her room and closed the door. "Aidoneus, is that you?"

"Yeah, it's me. S-Sorry for calling out of the blue. Is this a good time? Can I still call you?"

"Of course you can. Don't feel that you're at fault for your father's decisions. I was the one who made the mistake, and I dragged you and Garret in my insistence. So what's up, Aidoneus? It's not like you to call your nosey auntie!" Trinidad was surprised that Aidoneus called her; she was glad he did.

"I-I didn't tell you this because I knew how you would react but I found my mate."

Trinidad slowly grasped the information she was told. When her mind finally accepted the news, she immediately walked out to the balcony, closed the door, and happily screamed. "Y-You found your mate! When!?"

"Pl-Please calm yourself! It was when we went to spy on Pops and his mate. My mate was there at the ice rink. Anyway, how is Garret? I couldn't stop thinking about him."

"Bored; being Beta gave him drive. I called your father to see if he could give Garret his position back; I don't care if I don't participate in planning the Christmas Party. I want Garret to be happy."

Aidoneus felt terrible for Garret, but his father's orders were law. "Anyway, I wanted to tell you I took my mate out on a date today."

"Oh? How did it go? What's her name?"

"Her name is Persefone, and the date went well. We went to a unique coffee shop I had not heard of. We had so much fun."

The older woman could tell that something bothered the young werewolf. He wouldn't call her out of the blue unless something were wrong. "Your mate has a unique name, but I can't help but feel that something else happened."

"W-Well, when Persfeone went to the restroom, she accidentally left her phone and she received a text message that said that Persefone is missed and to call back or something. I'm conflicted."

Trinidad paced back and forth, unable to believe Aidoneus and Treyton were in similar situations regarding mates. "So, you are wondering whether or not your mate received a text from another guy, right?"

"I-I don't want to think of the worst-case scenario, but I can't help but feel overwhelmed with anger and worry. The text has to be from a guy. Who would send an 'I miss you' text?' She said it was from a former friend; I feel she is hiding something."

"You are in a serious pickle. I don't know what is happening with your mate's personal life, but if she texts another man, it is unfair to you. You must be upfront with your feelings and ask her about the text. Mates have to be honest with each other to make the relationship work. The next time you see her, be honest about what you saw and how it made you feel. Understand?"

Aidoneus was afraid to be upfront with Persefone. The text could have been a misunderstanding, but the endless possibilities plagued his thoughts. Getting the ugly truth would be better than living a beautiful lie. "You're right, Trinidad. I will ask her when we go out again. Thank you for hearing me out."

The older woman smiled. "No problem, and please don't be a stranger. Although we're punished, it doesn't mean we can't see one another. Take care, and tell me how it goes." The two hung up, and Trinidad reentered the room. However, Garret stood by the door, his arms crossed. "Hello, darling. I imagine you heard some of the conversation."

"Some of it. It would seem that Aidoneus found his mate."

"That he did. I'm surprised that he called me instead of telling his father."

Garret shrugged. "He probably needed a woman's advice since you would understand her way of thinking. We can't pry and get involved in his personal life; he must make his own decisions."

Trinidad walked to her mate and hugged him tightly. "I know, my love. I learned the hard way." The couple looked at one another and then kissed. "I never got to say this, but I'm sorry, Garret. I'm sorry I got you in trouble, and I promise I will never put you in that situation again."

"Trinidad, you don't need to apologize. It hurts me to see you like this." Husband and wife looked at one another and hugged, enjoying each other's embrace.