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“Can I have everyone’s attention please?” He says.

The mumble of conversation dies down as the last of the people turn to face the stage.

“Welcome, everyone, to our annual Summer Solstice. Although it’s been a few years since we had as large of a celebration, I’m glad to see all your wonderful faces as we prepare for the longest days of the year! As you saw we chose Legends of the Land as our theme for this year. In honor of new traditions, new alphas, and new beginnings,” he places his arm around Nova’s shoulders, “we thought this would be the perfect time to celebrate our past. After you fill your bellieswith all of this amazing food, please take the time to explore all the different activities we have set up. Many of our members of the community have taken the time to set up each station with fun things you can do to honor the sun, traditions, and new beginnings. Without further rambling from me, LET THE FEAST BEGIN,” he shouts into the mic as everyone cheers.

He might be new to this whole Alpha thing, but he is doing a great job at it. Everyone shuffles around the tables as they fill their plates. Dad signals for us to follow him as he walks us over to the table shadowed by the building behind him.

We all stuff our faces as we casually chat. It didn't take us long to finish our plates, Dad finally revealed his hidden honey cake plate to Mom, who only laughed about how she knew about it the whole time.

“Alright ladies,” Dad says as he picks up our empty plates to take to the trash. “It’s time to join the activities. Selene, do you want us to walk around with you as you decide or are you going at it alone?”

“I’m fine to go alone. I don’t want to hold you guys back from your activities. I want to sort of walk the area before I pick something. You guys go on ahead.”

“If you say so, Moondrop.”

They both smile and blow kisses to me before walking away.

Mom heads straight to the bouquet station that's covered in various bright flowers and greenery to fill around them. The crystal vases are stunning, refracting light and causing rainbows to pop along any flat surface around them. Bloom, the rabbit shifter, scrunches her little nose when someone says something funny. It’s the most rabbit-like reaction I’ve seen and I can’t help but smile at it.

The flower crown station is next with several girls from my school already around the booth halfway through their crown’s already. They’re already chatting about who they think will askthem to dance tonight and the latest trending thing on Howlr. I snap a photo of two of the girls who just placed their crowns on their heads and looked at each other with pure excitement over it.

Each station I pass has something I can’t miss the opportunity to capture. From the elders bickering over which herb means what to the pups running between people’s legs with lemon popsicles dangling dangerously in their hands. It’s times like this that I’m in love with this town and can’t imagine a single reason why I’d ever leave.

Gail wolf-whistles to me as I finish capturing one pup sticking his tongue out and the girl pup who ignored him. It was too stinkin cute to miss.

Turning around I find her waving me over to her herbal infusion class and of course, Granny Fern is there with her. As I get closer, she pats the empty chair right by her. Rolling my eyes, I pull the strap of my camera off and place it down on the table before taking the seat.

“I hear that you weren’t sure which activity you wanted to do today and were hoping fate would step in?” I can’t help but shake my head at her while a soft chuckle leaves me. Of course she heard, no idea how but you know, here we are.

“You would be correct as always.”

Gail nudges Fern. “You hear that! At least she knows I’m always right.” She leans over cupping her mouth with her hand. “Maybe next time say it a little louder so her old ass can hear it.” She lifts back up quickly as I cover my mouth to keep from bursting out laughing.

“I heard that! The only old ass that’s here is you, you old bag.” Fern’s eyes cut to Gail in a very non-aggressive glare.

I can’t stop myself this time, the laughter is pouring out of me as these two standoff with their hands on their hips. Honestly,it’s like looking in a mirror and that pushes me into a full belly laugh. They both turn in slow motion towards me.

“Ope.” I try to stifle the laugh but it wins as I slap my hand on the table before leaning back. The tears are welling in the corner of my eyes.

They both continue to stare at me as I try and fail to get the laughter under control. Sucking in a breath, I hold my hand up between us. “Alright, alright. I’m sorry, but you two are nearly twins and I just can’t when you start picking at each other.”

Fern shifts in front of Gail. “We weren’t picking at each other. Don’t listen to this bag of bones, we aren’t even friends.”

Gail shoves Fern’s shoulder playfully. “Now, surely you aren’t lying on one of our biggest, longest days. One that you are sure to spend the entire time with me.”

Fern fans her hand in front of Gail. “Yeah, yeah. Whatever.” She rolls her eyes as she moves on to helping the lady who’s been patiently waiting on the other side of the booth.

Gail lays her hand down on the table in front of me as she leans all her weight onto it. “Here’s the deal, pup. I know exactly what you should do today over all the other activities. I’m not being biased, although it would look that way, but this would be the perfect activity for you.” She slides an empty jar across the table to me, with a brass lid screwed on top.

My eyes flick between her and the jar.

“It’s called an intentions jar. For Summer Solstice you are making one with the intention of gaining success. What that success is for you to decide.” She slides a piece of paper towards me with a pen. “You write down the things you would like to be successful with in the coming season. That doesn’t mean just money, but can be successful in your business pursuits or maybe successful in finding your mate. The intention is for you, and you alone. Once you are done, fold the piece of paper and place it inside the jar. You’ll then fill your jar with the remaining items.

“Citrine for confidence, balance, and wealth.” She places the orange and white crystal shard down beside my jar.

She holds up a deep red incense in front of me. “Dragon’s blood protects against negative energy.” She places it down next to the crystal.

A smooth reddish orange and yellow gem is next. “Carnelian is for passion, creativity, and motivation.” It joins the others down by my jar.