Maeve was in her room, applying the last remnants of her makeup. It was 5:30 p.m., the day of their date, and Treyton would arrive soon. When she finished her makeup, Maeve couldn't stop thinking about what had happened earlier in the day. She called Patrisha because she wasn't happy that her friend had spied on her.

At 11:25 a.m., Maeve got her phone and dialed Patrisha's number. There were a couple of rings; Maeve believed Patrisha might ignore her phone calls. As Maeve was about to hang up, Patrisha finally picked up. Both women were silent on each end until Maeve was tired of waiting. "Patrisha."

"Hey, Maeve. Sorry that I didn't answer. It's just that the more I had time to think, the more I realized what Persefone and I had done was wrong."

Maeve raised an eyebrow. "Wait, Persefone went with you?"

Patrisha became silent again. She didn't want Persefone to be blamed for her insistence, but the truth would be revealed. "She did, but please believe me when I tell you that I was the one who pressured her to come with me. Persefone wasn't comfortable, but I forced her. Please don't be mad at her. I'm to blame."

"Patrisha, Persefone is an adult who can make decisions for herself. I'm hurt and upset at you both for invading my privacy and trust."

"I know, Maeve, and I'm sorry for that. I was just worried for you and afraid this guy may be acting to get to your good graces." Patrisha knew that Maeve didn't like others to worry about her, but she felt like an older sister figure to Maeve. She knew she had to let Maeve decide for herself.

The young woman sighed as she massaged her forehead. "Well, I'm going to return to work on Monday, and I will talk with Persefone. However, I will tell you this: May this be the first and final time you and Persefone ever invade my privacy. If I need your advice or assistance, then I will ask. Will you at least respect that?"

"Perfectly. So, um, you have another date with the Treyton guy?"

Maeve smiled. "I will see you on Monday, Trish."

Maeve shook her head at the memory and then looked at her reflection and phone. She had gotten a text that Treyton was five minutes away from her home. It was time to go out; Maeve got her little black bag containing her Driver's License, Visa Card, and cash, just in case she found anything interesting to buy. Maeve exited the house and locked everything as she stood on the sidewalk, waiting for Treyton.

He arrived on time. Maeve was happy to see him and entered his car when he stopped before her. Treyton drove on toward the 605 freeway.

Calista's words echoed in his mind: "Be upfront with her. Tell her the truth." It was easier said than done, but he promised himself that he would bring up the topic so she would begin to question why the topic of werewolves was so important to him. "I hope you are doing well, Maeve. Excited to go back to work?"

"Yes and no. I enjoy having time for myself but also miss my kiddos!" Maeve sighed as she looked out the window. "I also spoke with Patrisha and learned that she pressured our friend, our aide in our class."

"I see. I guess your friend and mine are very similar. I hope you two didn't get into a fight."

"No, I just told her to respect my boundaries and space. I view Patrisha not just as a friend but as a sister. However, every person has their limits."

Treyton made another turn onto the 405 Freeway, which led them to the exit that would lead them toward their destination. "I agree, and I also spoke with my friends. We had an interesting talk, but they've learned their lesson." The Alpha made a right to the exit, leading them to a long, curvy road where many business buildings were seen. On their right was a large black gate and a large sign that said, 'Old World Village.'

Luckily, a few parking spaces were left since more people would arrive later at night to experience the Christmas vibe. Treyton parked close to the entrance and turned off his car. "Well, we're finally here. Do you want to get something to eat or look around first?"

"We can explore first to see what the vendors are selling. I want to get started on my Christmas shopping."

Treyton nodded, and they both got out of the car and walked toward the small village. The Carpenters' Christmas songs were being played.

There were many small stores decorated with Christmas lights and other ornaments. Some Christmas trees in different corners of the village were nicely decorated, and there were also many stalls where people were selling trinkets and other things. The duo got in line to pay for the entrance, which Treyton volunteered to pay; they entered.

"Wow, I can't believe I've never been here before. I was missing out so much in life."

Treyton chuckled. "Well, it's never too late to explore on what life has to offer. So I assume that you like it?"

"Of course! It feels like you're in Europe! So, what do you want to shop for?"

"Well, I want to see if I can find anything for my son. He loves photography and mythology, especially werewolves." Treyton thought it was an excellent start to mention his kind.

Maeve smiled. "Wow, he has good taste. I am into werewolves and mythology too!"

Relief hit the older man. "Then, there is hope," he thought. "Well, let's venture on to see what we can find." Treyton led Maeve into the small village; they held hands as they walked by the many small paths that led to many stalls. The village had stores and other businesses, such as dentistry, piano, and language classes. When seeing the stalls, German food and desserts were being sold. There were also handmade jewelry, clothes, paintings, and other objects.

Then, the duo found a stall where a professional photographer and artist was selling his work. Treyton bought a handmade painting of a pack of wolves and a photo of mountains. Then, they went to a stall where handmade jewelry was sold; Maeve bought three necklaces for her mother and two friends.

Treyton led Maeve to the village's main building, a decorated Christmas supermarket. The store sold German wines, sweets, and other produce, and miniature Christmas trees were placed throughout.

Maeve's stomach grumbled. "Hey, Treyton, do you want to get a bite to eat?"

"Sure, there's a small garden this way where there are stalls that sell traditional German food and drinks. Would that be okay?"

"Yup, I never tried German food." A door in the store led to the garden, where the scent of food hit their noses. The garden had rows of tables and benches where people ate contentedly. They looked at the different foods and desserts. Maeve bought a Schnitzel with macaroni pasta and sauerkraut. Treyton got Currywurst with a chicken leg and potato salad, and they also got their drinks.

When finding a seat, they sat and began to eat in peace. "So, what do you think about this so far?"

"This place is like a fairytale that I don't want to leave. I'm glad that we found some things we needed. Are you going to get something for your friends?"

"Maybe, but I don't know what yet. Believe it or not, they also like the legends of werewolves."

Maeve swallowed a piece of her salad. "Wow, I didn't know that. Why werewolves, though?"

"Well, we grew up and read a lot about myths and legends. We also grew up watching paranormal and supernatural movies. Werewolves were our favorite. What about you? Is there a creature that you like?"

"Hmm, it's hard for me to choose, but I do like mermaids, vampires, and werewolves. I was a Twilight fan when I was young, and Edward was my favorite." Maeve sighed as a blush formed, remembering her teenage years. She didn't notice Treyton's jealousy.

"Maeve?"

Maeve and Treyton stilled; a man stood close behind Maeve. He stood, feeling protective. "Who are you?"

The young woman stood and slowly turned around to see the man. She then got off her seat and walked straight to Treyton. "Treyton, this is Stephen, my ex."

Treyton and Stephen eyed one another. "So this brute is her ex." The Alpha eyed the human male from head to toe, and he had to admit that Stephen was good-looking and young. Treyton cleared his throat and regained his composure; he motioned out his right hand. "Hello, the name is Treyton Bledig. I wouldn't have expected to meet you."

Stephen raised an eyebrow; he didn't expect Treyton to be so civil. The young man slowly motioned out his hand and firmly grabbed Treyton's; they shook hands. "Well, greetings to you too. The name Stephen." Their grips were firm, and their eyes never left the others. It was as if they challenged one another to see who would come out on top.

Maeve felt the tension from them both; she didn't want trouble and decided to intervene. She cleared her throat, making the men end the handshake. "S-Stephen, I never would've imagined that you would come here."

The young scratched the back of his neck. "Yeah, same here. I came here to check the place out and to buy some Christmas presents; I noticed you, and well..."

"You thought you would say hello. Quite thoughtful of you." Treyton smiled, but deep down, he wasn't happy with the situation. There was a chance that Stephen would regret the breakup and try to get Maeve back. It was something that Treyton would not allow. "Maeve and I are dating, and we came here for Christmas shopping."

Stephen's expression was unreadable, and Maeve found it annoying. He never liked expressing himself well to others, including her. "I can't believe I didn't see the red flags." Maeve then hugged Treyton's arm. "Stephen, I hope you enjoy the rest of your time here and that you find everything you need."

"Same here, enjoy your food."

The couple watched as Stephen walked away and disappeared among the people. Maeve sighed in relief. "Thank goodness! I'm so sorry about this! I never thought that he would show up here."

Maeve returned to her spot, where she and Treyton sat down to finish their meals. "It's not your fault. Life can be a fickle creature." Treyton put his hand over her left hand. "What I'm worried about is how you are feeling."

"I-I am still shocked and angry. He called me a while back, but I reminded him that he was the one who broke up with me, and there is no reason for him to call me."

"I agree. So after we're done eating, do you still want to go home, or do you want to explore more of the village?"

"I thought about going home, but I can't let Stephen's presence bother me. I want to see what else I can find."

Treyton smiled. "I look forward to it."

                                                                                            ❄

Aidoneus was in Starbucks looking into his laptop for textbooks for the next semester's classes he would take. His mind wandered, and he thought about Persefone. He had the urge to call her but thought it was too soon. The young man didn't want her to think that he was desperate; he was. He looked at his phone and contemplated whether or not to call Persefone. "I should call her to see how she's doing." Aidoneus got his phone and dialed Persefone's number. The rings were heard on the other end; the young man heard his heart beating anxiously. When there was still no answer, Aidoneus was about to hang up until...

"Hello?"

Aidoneus squeezed his phone. "Oh, uh, hey, Persefone. It's me." He wanted to facepalm himself. "Real smooth, you dunce!"

Persefone giggled. "Oh, I wouldn't have guessed. How are you doing?"

"I-I'm doing good. How about you?"

"Same here. I'm mentally preparing for Monday but looking forward to Christmas break."

"Well, you're lucky to work in a school since you get a lot of vacations. I'm still at university, looking for my textbooks, and we're already on winter break." It was silent between them, and Aidoneus felt disappointed in himself. "I need to say something else!" He cleared his voice. "So, uh, I was calling to see if you would be interested in hanging out?"

Persefone remained silent, which made Aidoneus nervous. "Yeah, I would love to. Did you have something in mind?"

"Well, since we're still getting to know one another, would you be okay with a coffee date?" Aidoneus felt that a coffee date was too simple, but many male classmates complained that women always wanted dinner dates. Aidoneus wanted to make a good impression, but he wanted to see how Persefone was as a person.

"Yeah, that sounds good! I know this cool Victorian-goth-style coffee shop in Garden Grove. I have been there once, but the drinks are so delicious! Would you be okay with that?"

Aidoneus felt relieved. "Sure, that sounds good. I have never been to a Victorian-style coffee place. Would you be open to going tomorrow before going to work?"

"Yeah, Sundays aren't that busy, but we should go a bit early since it's popular. How about 10 a.m.?"

"That sounds perfect. If you like, I can pick you up somewhere you might be comfortable."

"I usually take the bus, but I would appreciate it if you could pick me up in front of a Subway near my home. I will send you the directions."

The two said their goodbyes and hung up. Three minutes later, Aidoneus received a text message with the address of the subway and coffee place. The werewolf wanted to howl joyfully.