“So, tell us about yourself,” Oli says as Alex sits down, she freezes mid-motion before relaxing into her seat.

“Well, I'm a Beta. What else is there to know?” Alex asks, clutching her hands in her lap.

“There’s lots more. Your favorite color, your favorite food, your favorite everything, your allergies if you have any. You know the essentials.” Oli smiles. 

Alex nods absently, “I don't have a favorite color or food or any favorite anything. And I don't have any allergies that I know of.” Alex shrugs.

“Not picky?” Oli asks, shoveling food onto his plate.

“Never had the option.”

Oli stops mid-shovel, “Option?”

Alex nods confused, did she say something wrong? “Did your pack not have much?” Daniel asks hesitantly.

“No, my pack was one of the well-off ones. Like yours.” Alex said blankly.

Oli nods trying his best not to look too sympathetic to not offend their new member. Not that Alex would have noticed, she was too busy keeping her head down. If she put it any further her head would be on her plate. “Are you hungry?” Alex’s head shot up at the deep voice, “Take what you want,” Ness said motioning to the food spread out on the table. Alex nodded, grabbing a portion of everything not quite sure what everything was but not wanting to miss out. For the rest of the dinner, they made small talk. Their likes and dislikes. Hobbies. Regarding the plans they had for the pack, Alex stayed quiet for most of the conversation save for the discussion about the plans for the pack. By the time dessert was served the alpha and two betas had agreed on the plans for the pack. One of the many plans was to start a garden, it would help with the cost and quantity of food and keep the kids out of trouble. Alex looked forward to that the most, she's been missing fresh fruits and vegetables. “Well, I'm full. What about you?” Oli asks, turning to his mate.

Daniel nodded as he covered his mouth with a yawn, Oli smiled as he stood helping his mate. “Good night,”

“Night,” Ness smiles, watching as the two men tiredly stumble their way toward the staircase.

“Good night, Alpha.” Alex rushed standing and pushing her chair back in.

“Wait.” Alex froze. “I would like to talk to you,” Ness says gently, standing. Alex turns to face the slightly taller woman. “How old are you?”

“28, alpha.”

Ness restrains a frustrated groan at the title, “So, you felt it too?”

“Yes, alpha.” Alex tries her best to appear smaller than she is.

Ness nods mostly to herself, “I would like to begin courting you, is that okay?” Ness asks, taking a small step forward.

“Yes, alpha-”

“Don’t say yes if you're not comfortable,” Ness says as gently as she can.

Alex peeked her head up taking in the alpha. She didn't seem to be anything like her old alpha, plus you only get one mate…., “I would like to begin courtship…but slow, please?”

Ness nods vigorously, “Yes, of course.”

“Can I still have my room till I'm comfortable?” 

Ness gave a confused look, why would Alex move into her room before she was comfortable? “Of course.”

“Thank you, Alpha. May I leave?” Alex asks slightly bowing.

“Yes, of course,” Ness says, taking a step back.

“Thank you, Alpha,” Alex gives a quick polite bow before walking as fast as she can toward the stairs without looking like she was running.

Ness sighed, she was going to have to get her mate to stop calling her alpha. She hated the look that crossed Alex’s face when she said that word. She looked like a middle schooler who accidentally said Beetlejuice three times and believed he’d appear.