Stay away from Alphas
To Dawn's and Zina's pleasure, Talia avoided taking dishes into the dining room.
Talia didn't want to meet that intimidating man (aka Alpha Maddox), or other people that were there.
Besides scary guests, there was also the unpredictable Alpha Damon.
Talia was not sure how she would react if Damon tells her to eat with them at the table. Talia didn't feel like she belongs there and sitting at that table with Alphas and their high-ranking members will definitely be uncomfortable. On the other hand, if Damon doesn't invite her, she will feel neglected.
Talia was aware that Alpha Damon and his circle are way out of her league, and that it shouldn't come as a surprise that he ignores her when others are present, but part of her was not willing to be treated differently depending on the audience.