Scent
When Maeve woke up at 5:45 a.m. on a Sunday, memories of last night came to her mind. After meeting Calista and Nicolas, she and Treyton had shopped at the Christmas markets. After all their shopping, Maeve was surprised to learn that she and Treyton were to sleep in his home. She was reassured that he wouldn't do anything that would make her uncomfortable and that they would return home early in the morning since the streets were more dangerous at night due to the mountainous, wet roads.
It made sense to Maeve since it was too late to return home. When returning to Treyton's house, he apologized profusely about meeting his ex-wife so soon. He was reassured that everything was fine and that his ex was very nice to her.
Maeve also remembered sitting with Treyton in front of the fireplace, drinking hot cocoa that Treyton had made for them both. The moment felt like a Hallmark movie moment, making Maeve feel giddy. Sitting up from bed and peeking out the curtains, the sun was slowly coming out. "Might as well get ready." Once finished, Maeve turned on her phone to read her messages. There were a couple of messages from Patrisha and her mother. "Oh boy, here we go." Patrisha and Laoise asked why she wasn't answering her phone and where she was.
Maeve chuckled and put them both in a text.
Maeve: "Mom and Patrisha. Sorry for not answering, but Treyton and I are still in Big Bear and will drive back soon."
The young woman thought they would answer later, but her phone buzzed immediately.
Mom: "You're in Big Bear and didn't tell me!?"
Patrisha: "Wow, you stayed with the guy in Big Bear!? Any details we should know? XD"
Maeve: "Please calm down! Nothing happened between us! Treyton wanted to show me his hometown and the Christmas markets! Also, the streets were wet and snowed last night, so parts of the road got slippery! Don't worry—nothing happened between us!"
Patrisha: :C
Maeve rolled her eyes at Patrisha's antics, and that was when she remembered the previous night.
Maeve: "By the way, I asked Treyton if he wanted to meet you both. He agreed since he wanted me to meet his son. So why do you say?"
Patrisha: "I'm down. I want to get to know more of your man!"
Mom: "Okay, if he's sure about this, there would be no issue. What time will you both arrive?"
Maeve: "Not sure. Probably within three hours due to traffic."
Relief set in; Maeve was happy that her mother and Patrisha would meet Treyton. Suddenly, Treyton walked out of his room with his belongings. "Oh, Maeve, you got up early."
"Morning, Treyton. Yeah, I have this tendency since I'm a teacher. I just wanted you to take your time and rest before our drive back." Maeve approached him, pecking his lips.
"Well you could have woken me up. I would have cooked us a nice breakfast."
"That would have been nice, but I thought it would be best if we tried to return home since traffic could get bad. People may want to go home, and the roads could be dangerous.
Treyton nodded. "I'm so used to driving on these roads, but you're right. It would be best if we got a move on. We can make a stop to a diner."
"Oh, by the way, I messaged my Mom and Patrisha and told them about meeting you; they were up for it." She noticed Treyton's uncertainty. "You will be okay. I will be by your side."
"You bring me so much comfort, Maeve. I will do everything I can to get their approval. Well, let's make sure that we have everything and be on our merry way."
Once they ensured they had everything, the couple exited the house, got inside Treyton's car, and drove off on the road. While driving, Maeve couldn't help but be grateful that Treyton came into her life, even though he was a werewolf.
Both were on the freeway, and traffic slowly picked up because many people were out and about as Christmas approached. Treyton was frustrated by the traffic and mentioned stopping at a diner to get breakfast; Maeve agreed.
When arriving, they ate and conversed about the Pack's Christmas Party. Maeve asked more about the pack and Aidoneus. Treyton answered as much as he couldn't but didn't tell her everything since she would meet everyone.
Two hours later, the couple finished their food, paid, and returned to the road, which was better than before, and eventually arrived at Maeve's home. "Finally here!" said Maeve.
Treyton stretched his arms, trying to regain sensation in his hands. "Thank goodness! I thought we would never make it."
"Want another cup of coffee before you leave? Looks like you need more energy before you head home."
Treyton nodded, liking the idea of coffee. "I was going to make an excuse not to leave, but she beat me to it."
The couple exited the car, and Maeve walked ahead and unlocked the door. The door opened, and suddenly, the lights were turned on. "Morning, Maeve! Welcome back!"
Maeve and Treyton stopped in their tracks as they saw Patrisha before them. "P-Patrisha!"
"The one and only! Your ma' and I wanted to surprise you both!"
"B-But I didn't say when we were all going to meet!?"
"Girl, this was your ma's idea!"
Behind Patrisha, Laoise was in the living room preparing some plates. The older woman watched as her daughter and Treyton entered the house, closing the door behind them. Maidin mhaith, a iníon (Good morning, daughter)." Laoise then looked at a nervous Treyton and nodded. "Morning to you, Treyton, if I recall."
"Ah, yes, good morning."
Everyone was silent, but Laoise broke the silence. "As Patrisha mentioned, it was my idea to come here. I couldn't wait any longer to learn more about Treyton. Patrisha and I made coffee and some snacks. Please sit."
Maeve huffed. "Hey, that should be my line since we're in my home."
Patrisha laughed as she motioned Treyton to go to the living room. Treyton followed but then almost flinched when a particular scent hit him, coming from Laoise. He and Maeve sat next to each other, while Patrisha and Laoise sat close to one another in front of the couple. Treyton couldn't take his eyes off Laoise. "I can't help but feel something is off."
❄
Treyton had never felt so awkward in his life. He couldn't believe he would be fully introduced to his mate's mother and best friend. He met Patrisha at the ice rink; she seemed friendly and humorous. Laoise was a different story. Being Alpha, Treyton never let anyone intimidate him, but Laoise was the first.
Maeve felt awkward with the silence. "So, how long were you two waiting?"
"About an hour! Gave us time to prepare for everything!" Patrisha smiled while looking at Treyton. "Now that I can see ya fully, ya really are a handsome dog!"
Maeve giggled, and Treyton chuckled. "I can never forget you, Ms. Patrisha. It was a surprise when you were at the ice rink, but it was wonderful to see that Maeve had great friends to rely on."
"Well, aren't you a doll. You can call me by my name or Trish. The word 'Ms.' makes me feel old."
Laoise crossed her arms as her sight never left Treyton. Let's begin. What interested you about my daughter?"
"Mam, le do thoil ná déan rudaí deacair (Mom, please don't make things difficult)."
"Níl mé anseo chun cluichí a imirt, a iníon. Má tá an bheirt agaibh chun éirí dáiríre, ba cheart go mbeadh a fhios aige conas mar a sheasaim (I'm not here to play games, daughter. If you two are going to become serious, then he should know where I stand)."
It was challenging to understand the mother and daughter since they spoke a language he didn't understand. "What language are you both speaking? It sounds very beautiful." Treyton wanted to break the ice.
"It is Irish. I wasn't good at it until I married my fluent husband; he taught me and then taught Maeve," answered Laoise.
"Oh, right. Maeve did mentioned that she wanted to visit Ireland."
Laoise knew Treyton was trying to change the subject but was determined to get all the information she needed. Maeve was her only child, and she wanted her daughter to be happy and to ensure that Treyton was serious about her. "Yes, we were from Ireland, but Maeve was born here because of more opportunities in America. After my husband passed, we were never able to go back—too many memories."
Patrisha felt the tension, and she knew that Laoise meant business. "Well, Maeve said many nice things about you."
Laoise cleared her throat, and everyone stopped laughing. "Back to the topic. I can't help but be curious about what caught your eye about my daughter. Was it her youth? Her beauty?"
"Mother!?"
Laoise continued, "I know that I'm being blunt, but older men sometimes try to get younger wives for their youth or to care for them as they grow older. I want to let you know that I will never accept a man who wants to use my daughter."
"L-Laoise! That's a bit excessive. I worry about Maeve too, but they're adults and still taking the time to know one another." Patrisha was astonished and noticed that her best friend was feeling embarrassed. "Maeve is intelligent enough to know what she wants. Treyton here agreed to meet us. It shows that he cares."
Laoise huffed. "Maeve may be an adult, but look at what happened with Stephen. He showed her the signs that their relationship was dying. I worry that Maeve will do the same if they become serious."
Treyton noticed that Maeve looked hurt by her mother's words. He wanted to gain Laoise's approval, but there were certain things that he would not tolerate. It hurt him to see his mate feeling hurt. "Ms. Laoise." Everyone's focus was on him. "I understand that you love and worry for your daughter. It upsets me to see you doubt her. You haven't had the time to know me as a person. How could I be judged if you don't know the true nature of my character?"
Patrisha couldn't help but admire Treyton, giving him and Maeve a thumbs up.
Maeve looked at Treyton with longing. "H-He defended me." She held onto Treyton's hand. "Mom, I'm not asking you to accept Treyton immediately, but allow him to give you a chance to make you see what I see in him."
Laoise slowly stood up, and Patrisha looked at her. "They're right, Laoise. It would be best if you weren't too quick to judge. They-" Patrisha noticed that Laoise was swaying. "Hey, Laoise, are you okay?"
Maeve and Treyton also noticed that a strong scent hit Treyton's nose. He sniffed the scent, and his eyes widened. He immediately stood. "She's not okay. We need to take her to the hospital." Laoise lost her balance and fell forward, but Treyton caught her before she landed on the small table. Maeve was in shock but immediately stood and went to her unconscious mother. "M-Mom! Mom!?"
"We need to take her to the hospital! She is ill!"
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