A Mate for Christmas

Punishments

It was 8:30 a.m., and Treyton never felt so refreshed. Being with Maeve gave him so much joy and motivation to wake up and go through the day. He researched the Christmas Market in Huntington Beach, and there were going to be many things on sale. It was something he looked forward to. However, he had other important things to attend to; he called Garret and said he wanted him and his wife to meet him in his study by 9 a.m. Treyton also informed his son that he also wanted to meet him once he was done dressing. While waiting, Treyton began to research agencies that did party decorations. He wanted to use the same agency he picked out last year, but they had moved to Northern California.

Then, there was a knock on the door. "Enter." When the door was opened, Aidoneus was seen. "Hey Pops, you wanted to see me?"

"I did. Sit." The young man did as he was instructed. "You wanted to speak more about what happened yesterday?"

"I know you learned your lesson, but I want you to be part of the meeting I will have with Garret and Trinidad. I know I have the blame for letting Trinidad get her way, but she is getting out of hand. However, you still need to be punished, son. Garret and Trinidad won't be off the hook either."

Aidoneus decided not to argue; he knew his Father was still disappointed and upset. However, the young man couldn't help but wonder what his punishment would be. Father and son sat quietly until a minute before 9 a.m., there was a knock on the door, and Treyton permitted whoever it was to enter.

Garret and Trinidad finally arrived. Aidoneus noticed Garret looked concerned, while Trinidad looked like it wasn't a big deal. "She's in for a big surprise," Aidoneus thought. When the couple entered, Treyton eyed them with no emotion. Everyone could feel his Alpha aura, and that was when everyone knew that he meant business.

Trinidad looked as if she was about to speak, but Garret held her hand and squeezed it as if telling her not to mutter a word. "Aidoneus, please stand." The young man did what he was told and prepared himself for punishment. Treyton looked at the trio and sighed. "I think you all know why you are here in my presence. I understand that you all were curious and worried, but I still can't ignore that my privacy has been invaded." He then looked at Garret. "I'm highly disappointed in you Garret. I understand that you love your wife but you can't forget that you're the Beta of my pack and you also hold authority."

Garret nodded. "I understand, Alpha. Forgive me for disappointing you. I should have been stricter with my wife."

Trinidad knew she was a blabbermouth and felt she had to get what she wanted, but sometimes, she forgot her limitations. However, she was concerned for Treyton since he had gone through his divorce and a short-term depression. "Treyton..." When he glared at her, she cleared her throat. "Alpha. Please don't blame my husband and Aidoneus. You know how stubborn I can be. I was the one who insisted they follow me, so if anyone needs to be punished, it is me."

It was silent momentarily until Treyton continued. "I appreciate you taking responsibility, Trinidad, but they are also adults. They knew they could've refused, but they didn't. With that in mind, I have thought of your punishments." He looked at his son first. "Aidoneus, you will not participate in any pack meetings until Christmas. You are to think of what you have done. Do you understand?"

Aidoneus didn't express anything but was upset about his father's decision. Since he was to be the future Alpha, he wanted to participate in the meetings with his father. However, Aidoneus knew that his father wouldn't change his mind. "I accept my punishment, sir."

"Garret, since you're my Beta, you will take responsibility for your wife's actions and decisions. With that, you are stripped of your responsibilities and rank until Christmas."

Trinidad gasped. "T-Treyton! That's just too cruel! Garret has been your Beta ever since you became Alpha! Please, my husband is innocent!"

"Silence!" This made everyone flinch; Treyton's glowed in a golden color. "Garret knew better than to follow your word. If he can't say no to you, how can I trust him in such a position? A Beta cannot let anyone of a lower rank control him and his decision-making." Deep down, it hurt Treyon to speak as he did toward Garret; they had been best friends for years. However, he was still Alpha and had to show his pack that no one could sway him. It was a cruel reality with a high position. "Garret, I am not entirely stripping you of your rank; it's only temporary. Think of it as a break and for you to show me if you still have what it takes to be Beta still. Do you understand?"

Garret didn't look at Treyton; he felt embarrassed. He knew Treyton didn't want to make a harsh decision, but his word was law. Yet, Garret couldn't help but feel hurt. "Yes, Alpha. I understand and swear I will not disappoint you again."

Then, Treyton and Trinidad looked at one another. Trinidad didn't care what her punishment was. All she wanted was for Garret not to suffer for her choices. "As for you. I hope you finally understand when your opinions are needed. Again, I appreciate that you care about my well-being, and I will not deny that it has comforted me. However, I cannot have you involved too much in my personal life. As for your punishment, you will not participate in planning and preparing for this year's Christmas Party."

Trinidad bit her lower lip but decided not to say anything; she didn't want to make it worse for her husband. "I understand, Alpha."

"Both of you may leave. Aidoneus, you stay."

Husband and wife walked out of the building while Aidoneus stayed behind. Father and son ensured that they were entirely alone. When they heard the echo of the door closing, the young man looked at his father, who massaged his forehead. "Pops, I know that an Alpha must do everything in their power to show authority and protect the pack. Still, that was extreme."

"I know, son. I hate myself for taking drastic measures. However, Trinidad is stubborn and hard-headed to the core. My orders will not get to her since she thinks everything is a game. She finally realized that I wasn't playing since Garret was affected. It will make her finally think of her actions." Treyton's look softened as he looked at his son; he stood from his seat and went to his son. The Alpha patted his son on the head. "As for you, think of your punishment as an opportunity to get to know your mate. You and I are in a similar situation since our mates are human. We eventually have to tell them about our true identities."

Aidoneus's eyes widened. "S-So, you planned this so you could allow me to be more with my mate?"

Treyton smiled while nodding. "Not only that, it will give you space away from Trinidad. I don't want her to interfere in your private life. If you still need her advice you may ask it but let her know that you have limitations. Understand?"

"Yes, Pops."

"Good, now go along. We'll go out to eat and you can tell me more of your mate."

The young man nodded as he left his father's study. Treyton sat back on his chair and opened his laptop to continue working. Then, his phone vibrated. He got a hold of it and looked at the Caller ID; he stilled. Treyton didn't know if he should answer it or not. However, he knew that the time would eventually happen. The Alpha answered. "Hello, Calista."

It was silent on the other end, but there was a response. "Hello, Treyton."