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“You’ll have to put a stop to this, Diana, or we’ll never make it to dinner and the game afterwards,” Sasha said, an amused smile softening her bold features as she passed Diana a bottle for Ali. Her entire demeanor was different in this environment, softer and more at ease.

Diana looked over her shoulder, finding a much shorter Lilah in Lizzie’s personal space. Lizzie grinned down at her like the devil as the younger tried to be intimidating.

“You’re going down, longlegs!” Lilah warned.

“Oh, really? But I don’t see any sign of a worthy opponent,” Lizzie teased, throwing her arms wide and glancing around.

“Your competition is standing right here,” Lilah threw air punches at Lizzie, who chuckled, putting her in a headlock quick as a flash and ruffling her hair.

Diana handed Ali a glass of wine before stepping to the island, her presence quieting the group. “It’s my opinion, since this is Ali’s first family night, she should get to choose our after dinner activity.”

Family.

Everyone nodded and all eyes turned to her.

Family.

The last time she participated in a family night was… well, she couldn’t recall. Even if this wasn’t her family. Even if it would all slip through her fingers come October, she wanted to enjoy it while it lasted.

A wet nose nuzzled into her hand. Lily gazed up at her, tail swishing back and forth. She leaned to the side to scratch behind her ears. Her back leg thumped against the floor.

No, a little taste of family wouldn’t hurt.

“Yeah Ali, what’s your party game of choice?” Natasha prompted after a beat of silence.

“No pressure,” Imani taunted, laughing at the glare Charlotte sent her way.

Ali looked up at the ceiling and tapped her chin with her pointer finger.

“I have always been very partial to Werewolf. I think it could be enjoyable for me to watch you turn on each other.”

“A lover of chaos,” Sasha huffed into her glass. “How fitting.”

“Indeed, and it just so happens I brought my copy with all the expansion packs,” Ali added, hand dropping back down to scratch under Lily’s chin. “I think it’ll be enjoyable because it is after all, every person for themselves.”

“No teams?” Lilah asked, wriggling out of Lizzie’s grasp.

“Nope, no teams. Survival of the fittest.” Ali watched as her hazel eyes lit up in delight.

“I like her!” she declared turning to face the twins, pointing her finger back and forth between them. “Better watch out. I’m coming for yooooou.”

“Bring it on, short stack,” Lizzie said with a laugh.

Dinner was a lively affair. Lily sat between Ali’s legs, head in her lap, waiting for scraps. Ali found herself unable to say no, holding out another pinch of a dinner roll, cooing when she took it so gently from her hand.

Charlotte leaned over and peered into her lap.

“Ah, I see you’re also defenseless when it comes to honey-drop eyes and a happy countenance,” Charlotte mused.

“Who could resist? Look at her.”

Charlotte smirked, whispering in her ear, “Sucker,” offering Lily a scrap from her own plate.

Ali snorted, shaking her head.

“Are you saying you could resist these eyes? I mean looks at her and hers wittle nose and perfect ears and hers cute markings. And she’s eating for multiple life forms.”

“Mhm, she’s a sweet one. I’m also saying I have experience being unable to resist a beautiful girl with brown eyes.”