The group entered the dining room and sat around the table. The table was filled with homemade foods that reminded Lynexia of her Grandmother. There was Southern Sweet tea, fried green tomatoes, Soft Buttermilk Dinner Rolls, sweet corn, fried chicken, and homemade country gravy with mashed potatoes. It all smelled delicious. Far better than the cereal she had back at her apartment.  

  Alrik tried to sit next to Lynexia but his family attempted to keep him from his goal. They didn’t want to alert Lynexia to the situation. But she already knew. “It’s fine. Alrik can sit next to me, if it will make him feel better.” Lynexia sighed. The group was surprised. Lynexia very rarely spoke and hasn’t without being spoken to. They were also surprised that she would let Alrik sit next to her. “Are you sure?” Ginger questioned. “If we keep telling him to stay away he will keep trying and probably get aggressive. Just let him sit next to me.” she replied. “Behave yourself.” Xander warned as his son sat in his chair. Alrik nodded with a smile.

 Dishes of food started to make their way around the table. They filled their plates with no words except for the requests for the foods they wanted. When everyone was distracted Lynexia leaned over to Alrik. “I know what you are thinking I am to you. I don’t know where you got that idea but wolfless humans do not get mates. I want you to back off. I can’t be what you want.” she warned. “ You are my mate. The Moon Goddess has told me so. But if you want me to back away for  a while, I will try. I know that you are in a terrible place and I just want to help and make sure you are going to be alright.” he whispered. “Just be here as a friend and nothing else. Deal?” she conceded. “Fine.” he hung his head. Lynexia returned to her plate and picked at her food. 

 “So, Lynexia, what do you think of your new home?” Xander questioned. “Its nice.” she responded not looking up. “How did you sleep?” Ginger questioned. “Fine, I guess.” the young girl shrugged. “How did you spend your day?” the older woman asked. “I looked around the apartment, took a nap, and read a couple of books.” Lynexia explained. “Oh, what books did you read?” Ginger perked up. “Well, I actually found a set of books that said they were published right here. The author was listed as Selinas Astrea.” Lynexia responded. “A very good writer. They tell great stories that keep the legends of wolves through the generations.” Xander states. “I would like to meet them one of these days.” Lynexia admitted. Xander and Ginger look at each other and smile. Ginger looks back at Lynexia, “I am sure one day you will.” she responded. 

 “What other businesses do you run here?” Lynexia inquired. “We have the publishing company, there is a bakery, and one of the Omega females runs a boutique. The entire town is basically a working ranch. As the cubs grow up they learn to help with the animals and how to grow crops. Pretty much anything you can imagine for a small town. We are self-sufficient and sell goods through online stores.” Xander replied. “Oh, we had something similar in Wyoming. We had not really expanded to the online market.” Lynexia recalled. 

 It was good to see Lynexia interacting more. Maybe this was a ray of light for the young she wolf. The group finished their dinner and Ginger cleared the table with the help of her daughter-in-law. The pair returned to the dining room with dessert. Banana Pudding was placed on the table. It was a vanilla custard, wafer and banana layered dessert topped with homemade whipped cream that had been slightly burnt on the top. Xander got up from the table and headed for the kitchen. He returned a few moments later with a tray with a coffee pot, cream, sugar and cups for everyone.

 Ginger served the banana pudding, and Melania passed out the plates. Alrik and Xander served the coffee. Lynexia just watched as the family worked together. What she found fascinating was that they all seemed to know what each other wanted or were thinking. Ginger did not say that the coffee was ready or that she wanted Xander to fetch it. He just did it. This was new to the young she wolf. Her pack never acted like his. If you wanted or needed something you had to use your words. 

 When dessert was finished Lynexia felt she needed to help in some way. She tried to help clear the table but she was stopped. Ginger told her that she was a guest and did not need to help with anything. Alrik and Rydell took Lynexia to the living room. Melania helped clear the table but soon joined the small group in the living room. “Xander and Ginger will be out soon.” she announced. The four sat in silence while they waited for the Alpha and the Luna. To Melania and Rydell’s surprise, Alrik sat across the room from Lynexia and didn’t bother the young woman. 

 A few moments later, the Alpha and Luna emerged holding hands. “Have you made the plans for the Golden Moon Festival?” Rydell questioned. “We haven’t finalized anything yet. We know we will hold it in the clearing at the top of the mountain. The wildflowers are in bloom and they seem to be more concentrated than usual.” Ginger responded. “When is the festival?” Lynexia asked. “On the 10th of next month.” Melania answered. “Oh, my birthday falls on the Golden Moon this year.” Lynexia stated. “Your birthday is the 10th?” Xander questioned. Lynexia nodded. The Alpha sat in silent contemplation. 

 “Well, we should get back to the house. I am sure Lynexia is tired.” Melania said looking at the young she wolf. Lynexia nodded in confirmation. “Alright, well thank you for coming. Get some rest. Lynexia, I hope that you start to like it here. The rest of the pack are very excited about meeting you but are waiting for you to settle in.” Ginger responded. “Thank you. The food was delicious.” Lynexia responded. They all said their goodbyes. Alrik walked his brother, sister-in-law, and Lynexia back to their house.