Treyton felt fortunate that he had reserved a parking spot so no one could take it. The security guard checked his barcode and let him park. He and Maeve exited the car, cringing at the sight of angry drivers.

"Does it get like this every year?" asked Maeve.

"Unfortunately, yes. The town and its markets are very popular. People want to get the Christmas vibe. Anyway, are you ready to get a move on?"

Maeve nodded as Treyton motioned out his hand, which she gladly grabbed. The two walked into the small town where many European-influenced buildings were decorated with Christmas lights and ornaments. Many trees were in many parts of the sidewalks, and they were also beautifully decorated. Christmas figures such as the Grinch, reindeer, Santa Claus, snowmen, and more were put in different sections of the town. Cafes, restaurants, and stores were opened and filled by many excited customers. From afar, there were rows of beautifully decorated vendor stalls where vendors were selling food, clothing, and other objects.

"This place is so beautiful. It feels like I'm in a fairytale."

"I knew that you would like this place. The town tries to imitate the Christmas markets in Germany. They do try, but Germany will always be the best." Then, there was something that caught his eye. It was a small cafe with a few table grills where people were warming up s'mores. "Would you like to try some s'mores? I think having a simple treat before we go off to the market and explore would be nice."

Maeve gleamed with excitement as she was led to the nearby cafe, where one of the owners was selling s'mores packets and motioning them to which table to go. The duo went to the owner, paid, and were motioned to a table grill where they sat. "It's been such a long time since I've had s'mores. My parents and I used to do this whenever we went camping. However, ever since my father died..."

Treyton finished putting his marshmallow on the stick as he looked at his mate. "You did mention that your father passed away. I'm sorry..."

The young woman stuck the wooden stick on the marshmallow. "It's alright. I always believed my father would visit my mother and me, especially during the holidays. Christmas was his favorite holiday."

The two warmed their marshmallows over the grill until they were crisp. Afterward, they made their s'mores and ate them in peace. When Maeve mentioned her father, tears wanted to form, but she massaged her eyes. The sweet flavor of the s'mores brought back many childhood memories that brought her joy. When finishing, the duo decided to admire the decorations around the town.

Treyton felt Maeve's sadness when she spoke about her deceased father. He couldn't blame her since he also felt the same when his parents passed away. He learned that as long as one had friends and other close family members, one was never alone. The Alpha gently held onto her hand and gently squeezed it; Maeve did the same.

They finally arrived at the bustling Christmas markets, teeming with vendors and visitors. "Ah, this is the essence of Christmas spirit! Someday, I will take you to Germany to experience the true magic of the Christmas market!"

Maeve couldn't help but be intrigued. "Oh? How can you be sure that we will even go to Germany?" she asked teasingly.

"I know that it will happen. I also know that I will win your heart entirely." He stopped in the center of the market as he focused on Maeve; she did the same. "That's a promise."

A blush slowly came across Maeve's face. "Treyton, if I were to be honest, y-you already won my heart."

The two looked at one another, and Christmas light surrounded them. Their stare was short-lived when they heard an echo at the end of the Christmas market; it sounded like music. "W-Want to go check it out?" asked Treyton.

"Y-Yeah, why not." Treyton led Maeve to where the music came from. Many people gathered slowly, and everyone saw someone on a wooden stage and other musicians. The couple could stand in front, and the person in front began to sing. "Is that who I think it is!?" Maeve roughly whispered while being star-struck.

"Oh yeah, it's none other than Aaron Neville. He's one of my favorite artists. I didn't know he was going to perform today."

https://youtu.be/8QG5JraKZHA

Aaron Neville looked at the audience, eventually focusing on Maeve and Treyton, who looked at him with awe. The artist smiled softly at them and continued to sing "White Christmas." Treyton couldn't help but feel peaceful listening to Aaron Neville. The singer's voice was gentle and soft, and it could warm the soul. He looked down at Maeve, who listened and watched intently. The Alpha took the opportunity to put his arm around her shoulder, pulling her closer to him.

Maeve smiled as she enjoyed the warmth of his embrace.

They continued to listen until Aaron finished with his song. Once complete, he thanked everyone and informed them that he and the musicians would take a thirty-minute break. Some of the audience stayed in their spot while others went on to look at the vendors. "Hey, want to look more into the vendors? I saw someone selling some Bratwurst and-"

"Treyton?"

Treyton and Maeve cringed as they heard a feminine voice behind them. They slowly looked to where the voice came from, and before them stood a beautiful woman. A woman Treyton knew very well. "I didn't think that you would be here, Calista."

❄

Treyton felt like a deer in headlights. He couldn't believe that Calista, his ex-wife, would be at the Christmas markets. He remembered that Calista and Nicolas were staying in one of his cabins. Treyton was so preoccupied with Maeve that he didn't think of the possibility that his ex would be at the same event.

Maeve looked at Calista and couldn't help but admire her shoulder-length, wavy, light brunette hair. Her eyes were light brown, and she was shining with the Christmas lights. Her light skin looked almost flawless, but there were faint wrinkles. Her light pink lips were slightly thin, but the light pink lip gloss made them pop. She was slightly taller than Maeve even though she wore flats. Maeve couldn't help but feel slightly jealous of the woman before her, who looked like an experienced model.

Treyton noticed his mate's confusion and slight jealousy. He didn't want any misunderstandings to occur. "Maeve, I would like to introduce to you, my...ex-wife, Calista. Calista, this is Maeve..." The Alpha looked around to ensure no one could hear what he was about to say, "...my mate."

Calista slowly smiled as she approached Maeve, but she stopped after a couple of steps and motioned out her arm and hand. "Hello, Maeve. It's lovely to meet you. Treyton told me wonderful things about you."

Maeve got out of her daze and noticed Calista's hand; she gently held onto it. The women shook hands. "Hello...Calista. It's also nice to meet you. You can say that Treyton told me many things about you." A blush came across her face. "S-Sorry, I don't know if that came out wrong. I didn't mean it in a bad way!"

They separated while Calista giggled. "Don't worry. I imagine that this is an awkward situation. I know neither of us expected to see each other in this manner."

"Hey, Calista, there you are. I got us some hot chocolate." A man who was as tall as Treyton appeared behind Calista. "Treyton, what a small world!" The man was very handsome, with dark brown hair and eyes. He was well-built even for his age. He looked slightly older than Treyton, but his appearance was being taken care of. There were a few wrinkles on his face and hands and some silver strands on his hair.

"Maeve, this is Nicolas, Calista's mate." Treyton and Nicolas shook hands and let each other go. "I didn't expect that you two would be here."

"We were bored and found out about this event, so we decided to give it a try!" Nicolas looked at Maeve and then at Treyton as if asking for permission. Once approved, he motioned out his hand to her. "It's a Pleasure to meet you, Maeve."

Maeve and Nicolas shook hands and then let each other go. "Same here. were you both here long?"

Calista nodded. "Yeah, we explored everywhere in the area and decided to look into the markets for the second time to buy what we wanted before heading off. So, Maeve, do you know about...?" The young woman nodded, making Calista relieved. "I'm glad you finally learned the truth. Sometimes, many humans aren't always open or find it believable about our kind."

"I was shocked at first. I had to find out the hard way since we were approached by a bear."

"What!? Are you both okay?"

Treyton nodded as he held onto Maeve. The Alpha couldn't forget that event, as he worried she could have gotten hurt or worse. "We're both okay, just shaken up. I had to use my true form, but I eventually explained everything to her. Maeve eventually understood."

"I'm glad. I was worried that maybe something could go wrong. How is Aidoneus doing?"

"He's doing well. Our son has gone out with his mate and-"

"He what!?" Calista made everyone flinch; onlookers eyed her with curiosity. Nicolas gently patted her. "S-Sorry. That rascal didn't tell me he had a mate. I can't believe he didn't tell me."

Nicolas chuckled as he gave his mate her hot chocolate. "Well, Aidoneus was probably busy and was focused on her. He would have eventually told you."

Maeve smiled. "Believe it or not, his mate is a good friend of mine; she and I work together."

Calista gasped, almost dropping her hot drink. "Ooohh, what a small world we live in! I am happy to think that we all have our mates for the holidays! Sorry about that, I get too giddy." She then looked at Treyton and his smile. It was something Calista always liked about Treyton. His smiles always brought reassurance and warmth to anyone. "So, Maeve, now that you know about our identities, are you going to be a part of the pack's Christmas party?"

"Huh?"

"Oh, I haven't told you about that yet, Maeve. I know I mentioned the pack I lead, but I forgot to mention that my pack and I hold our annual Christmas Party early since many of my pack members visit other families or go on vacation. I was going to invite you to go so you could meet the pack." He noticed Maeve looked uncertain, and Calista intervened when he was about to speak.

"It would be a fantastic opportunity for you, Maeve. You will get to know more about our kind, and the pack will be able to meet you. It does sound daunting, but I know they will love you."

Maeve bit her lower lip. "It does sound nice, but I'm human. Are you guys sure that I will accepted?"

Treyton smiled. "I told them about you and that you're a human. They were surprised, but they were also happy that you and I are mates. Trust us, it will be fun!"

Everyone looked at Maeve with anticipation. The young woman was hesitant because she was human and would attend an event with werewolves. She also feared that the pack wouldn't accept her.

Suddenly, Calista walked closer to Maeve, motioned her face closer to Maeve's left ear, and whispered, "Just go, Maeve. Never fear the unknown. Also, thank you for making Treyton happy again." The older woman smiled and returned to Nicolas, who gently wrapped an arm around her waist. "Anywho, Nicolas and I will also attend. Well, we have to go. You two enjoy the rest of your night." Calista winked at Maeve and walked off with Nicolas.

Maeve and Treyton watched as the couple walked away in the distance. "Well, that was unexpected. This year's holidays are filled with surprises. I'm sorry you had to meet Calista so soon."

"It's alright. I was going meet her eventually; she was nice."

"She is. However, I want to give you time to consider whether you would like to come to the pack's party."

"Well, it does sound like fun. I will go under one condition." Treyton nodded and waited for her to continue. "You and I will have dinner with my mom and Patrisha. They are very close to me, and I want them to get to know you."

The Alpha raised an eyebrow. He didn't expect such a condition. Yet, he thought it was fair since she was not only going to meet his son but also the pack. Treyton still couldn't help but feel nervous; Maeve's mother looked cautious. Still, wanting Laoise's approval was something Treyton wanted. "Alright, that sounds fair. Now come on, let's go enjoy the Christmas markets."