Over the next thirty minutes, Brett, Garret, Mason, and Jackson meticulously worked on Inuyasha's feet, claws, and hair. Once done, the group regrouped at the salon's front, where Scott and Inuyasha noticed the absence of Koga, Shippou, and the twins.

"Where have the others gone off to?" Scott inquired.

Deaton explained, "Shippou mentioned being hungry, so I recommended a nearby buffet for them to try."

"I'll settle the bill for our sessions, and then we'll head there," Scott remarked, approaching the counter. But the clerk interjected, "No need to pay today, just cover our dinner. We're just finishing our shift."

"That's kind of you. It's a deal," Scott agreed.

As Scott, Inuyasha, Kira, and Hayden exited, Scott curiously asked about the buffet. "Is it nearby? How good is it?"

Kira enthused, "It's close and absolutely fantastic! They offer dishes from all over the world and it's open 24/7. Lydia, our friend and the owner, practically lives there, so we visit often."

Moments later, they reached the buffet. As they walked in, a young boy, Adrian, tackled Inuyasha in excitement, much to the amusement of the ladies.

Kira, smiling, asked, "And who's this?"

"My godson, Adrian," Inuyasha responded, looking around. "Where's your dad, Adrian?"

Adrian pointed towards a table where four boys were animatedly chatting. With Adrian in tow, Inuyasha approached the table, with Scott, Kira, and Hayden close behind. Setting Adrian back in a highchair, Inuyasha commented, "I thought you guys would've started without us."

Koga replied, "We were waiting. The salon's staff mentioned you'd be here soon."

As the topic shifted to food, a collective stomach rumble echoed, causing the ladies to chuckle sheepishly.

"We've been swamped since morning at the salon, didn't get a break to eat," they admitted.

Scott reassured, "No worries, dinner's on us tonight. Order anything you like."

Shortly after, a waiter introduced himself, "Hi there, I'm Corey, your server for the evening. Oh, and ladies, should I let Lydia know you're here?"

They nodded in response.

Corey, pulling out his notepad, asked, "What can I get you all to drink?"

Koga glanced up and ordered, "I'll have a coke."

Ginta and Hakakku chimed in unison, "Hot tea for us."

Shippou requested, "Raspberry tea for me."

Kira and Hayden simultaneously said, "Hot tea for me, and decaf coffee."

Scott decided, "I'll go with a Mountain Dew."

Inuyasha pondered for a moment, "Milk and orange juice for me."

Adrian added, echoing Inuyasha, "I'd like milk and orange juice too."

Corey jotted down the orders, "Excellent choices! I'll return shortly with your drinks." He disappeared, only to return five minutes later with a tray full of beverages. "Lydia is currently in a meeting, ladies. She mentioned she'll join you afterward."

The girls gave appreciative nods.

Scott suggested, "Let's fetch our food in pairs, shall we?"

The couples took turns visiting the buffet. Scott and Inuyasha were the first, with Inuyasha returning with a stack of plates, likely due to his pregnancy. Koga was next, bringing back plates for himself and little Adrian.

Shippou, Ginta, and Hakkaku followed, each returning with a trio of plates. Lastly, Kira and Hayden returned, balancing four plates each.

As they settled into their seats, Corey appeared for a quick check-in, "How's everything tasting?"

The table resounded with an enthusiastic, "DELICIOUS!"

Corey grinned, "Glad to hear that. By the way, Lydia has wrapped up her meeting. She'll be joining you shortly, just after she grabs a bite." The girls nodded in acknowledgment.

Shortly after Corey's departure, Lydia approached the table balancing an impressive five plates. She settled into her seat and looked around, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "How was the day, ladies? And who might these handsome gentlemen be?"

Kira introduced, "It was a busy day. These are our latest clients from the salon. They're treating us tonight since Hayden and I took care of their salon services."

Lydia raised an eyebrow, impressed, "How generous! I think I'll need to treat you two to something special later, especially since mom's covering my shift tonight and through breakfast."

Hayden added, a hint of sadness in her voice, "It's kind of her, considering you hardly get any breaks. Even when you're home, you're usually exhausted."

Lydia's gaze landed on Adrian, her eyes softening, "And who might this little one be?"

"That's my alpha son," Koga proudly declared.

Lydia looked intrigued, "An alpha? How can you be so sure?"

Koga pointed out, "His eyes have the same red-orange hue as mine. Additionally, my bloodline boasts a long lineage of alphas, so there was never any doubt about his status."

Lydia nodded in understanding, "It's been ages since I've encountered a pure alpha lineage. You must be incredibly proud."

Koga's eyes gleamed with pride, "More than you can imagine. With every pure alpha birth in our bloodline, we grow stronger. It not only fortifies our line but also ensures longevity, paving the way for more heirs." He paused, glancing at the clock, "Speaking of which, we should head home for Christmas preparations." The other boys nodded in agreement.

As Scott rose to settle the bill, Lydia gestured for him to sit. "The meal's on the house tonight."

"But I promised your friends that I'd cover their meals," Scott interjected.

Lydia waved him off, "That's all right. We'll handle their bills, but for you and your companions, consider it our treat."

Scott expressed his gratitude, "Thank you, Lydia!"

She beamed, "Anytime! Wishing all of you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year."

The boys responded in unison, "Same to you, ladies! Have a wonderful evening."

Exiting the restaurant, the group made their way to the central water fountain where Ethan was waiting for them.

Ethan greeted them with a curious grin, "How was your day, guys?"

"Absolutely amazing," they replied in unison. "We couldn't have wished for more."