Treyton was awake early in the morning as memories of last night flooded him. After Stephen left, he and Maeve continued shopping. When their date ended, they agreed to meet one another on the coming Friday and Saturday. He thought about dates he could take her to and how to bring up more about his kind.

He stretched, exited the bed, and walked to his closet. Treyton changed into a light blue buttoned shirt, a navy tailored suit on top, light blue jeans with a dark brown belt, and dark brown dressy shoes. He got some gel, combed his hair, slicked it back, and combed parts of his beard.

When he was done, he walked out of his room and was about to knock on his son's room door to invite him to eat breakfast. The door suddenly opened. "Woah, Pops, you surprised me there."

"Well, you know me, son. I don't like laying in bed all morning. I was hoping that you and I could go out to eat breakfast."

"I would like to, Pops. However, Persefone and I agreed to go out for coffee; I'm picking her up."

"I'm very happy for you, son. What time is your coffee date?"

"It will be at 10 a.m., but I will head out soon to pick her up. So tell me about your date last night. I was asleep before you came back." The duo walked to the living room and sat next to one another.

"The date was nice; we were able to get some Christmas gifts, but something unexpected happened. I met her ex."

Aidoneus flinched. He couldn't imagine how his father felt. "Y-You did? Don't tell me that he was following your mate."

"I hope that is not the case, but he seemed civil." The memory of Stephen came to mind, and he let out a low growl; he couldn't help but feel territorial. It was part of the werewolf's nature to feel that way regarding their mate. "Although he was the one who broke up with Maeve, I'm still going to be vigilant."

"I agree with you, Pops. By the way, have you been in contact with Garret and Trinidad?"

"No, I feel they're still hurt by my decision. I can't go back on my punishments. What example would I be giving to the pack if a leader can't keep his or her word?"

Aidoneus nodded; he felt more sorry for Garret since he took his Beta duties to heart. "I agree and understand, Pops. I'm worried about Garret's well-being since he doesn't like to disappoint. How about you give him small jobs here and there? They don't have to be Beta duties."

Treyton sat silently and thoughtfully. "Thanks for the tip, son. Are you going to head out for your little date?"

The young man looked at his phone and stood up. "Yup, that's my cue. I need to get a move on before traffic gets bad. See you later, Pops. I'll tell you how the date went when I come back." Aidoneus got his keys and wallet and got out of the house, leaving Treyton alone.

It was quiet in the house. Treyton got out his phone and contemplated whether to call Garret. Giving Garret his position back wouldn't happen since he had to show him and Trinidad a lesson.

Suddenly, the phone rang; it was Trinidad. Treyton was surprised at the suddenness, but he answered the phone. "Alpha."

"Trinidad."

" I'm calling because I'm worried about Garret. I have much to answer for, but he is not at fault. He sits at home and does nothing, which saddens him. It hurts me to see him in such a state because of me."

Treyton knew how Garret enjoyed doing his duties as Beta. It was difficult to imagine how bored and unhappy he must have felt. However, Treyton refused to change his mind. Trinidad would slowly return to her ways if everything returned to how it was; the punishment wouldn't have any effect. "Did Garret put you up to this?"

"N-No! He doesn't know that I am calling you!"

"Look, Trinidad. I know you love and worry that Garret hasn't acted like a second-in-command. You have the tendency to get into the decision-making even though it is not your responsibility. I know it hurts Garret, but this life lesson made him realize what his duties are. If there is anything I need, I will call him." Treyton hung up and sighed. There was one situation after another before the holidays, but he knew that he shouldn't stress too much.

Treyton hoped it wouldn't get worse.