The Claiming By Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper (Jara & Mason)

Chapter 10

Mason

After spending an hour with Beta Hana, I’m tempted to rethink my desire to enter her claiming. That is until we nearly walk into Elijah and Jara. He is escorting her to dinner, just as I am escorting Ilana, although I doubt the reason he was chosen was the same.

Hana had come right out and asked if there was anyone in the room who did not intend to be in her claiming. I was the only one to raise my hand and therefore, I was the only one that she spent any time with during her social hour.

Title of the document

If I thought that Hana’s outfit tonight was meant to cause the males to drool with lust, Jara’s is downright riot-inducing. I can’t help it as my eyes drift down her practically see-through dress. The nude color underneath barely covers her and since it’s the same color as her skin, it’s nearly impossible to see where her layer of material ends, and her actual skins begins. If these two don’t cause a rut, it’ll be a f*uc*king miracle.

And as I see the smug look on Jara’s face, the same one I saw on Hana’s when she walked into her social gathering tonight, I know that’s exactly what they are hoping. They want us to kill each other off, so they don’t have to go through their claiming. I make a mental note to never underestimate either of these women.

“Alpha Jara. You look…. breath-taking. And since you seem to be dressed for dancing, may I put in my request now for a dance?”

She takes a moment to look me over. “Alpha Mason, my brother spoke highly of you.” She turns to look at Elijah. “Both of you.”

That surprises me, and I can see Elijah’s shock as it quickly crosses his face before being replaced with his usual calm demeanor. I didn’t know Seth would speak highly of anyone wanting to claim his sister. I’m hopeful that will give me an in with her.

“Your Beta also spoke highly of you during our conversation. So, I’ll save you a dance. Don’t disappoint me. Alpha.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it…. Alpha.” I say, making her lips twitch.

She gestures for us to precede her into the room. The minute Hana and I walk in, the entire room goes deathly quiet. I catch Seth’s eye and nod my head as

Elijah and Jara step up beside us. When they do, the animosity in the room ratchets up significantly. Not only were we given special attention during their social gathering, but the two most eligible women in this year’s claiming are on our arms. Add to that, they are dressed to cause pandemonium and chaos and it looks like their plan is working.

guards take a more protective

f*uc*k are you wearing, Jara?” He asks quietly so only

called a dress, Seth.” I can see the muscle in his face ticking as

chose this particular dress for

brother. I want these pompous, arrogant, haughty males to see what they are going to be missing out on when they are unable to claim me. If they are incapable of maintaining a level of decorum in a room with five females dressed for

given the atmosphere in the room,

down a moment before

my brother, Seth.” She says, leaning in to

introduce you to Beta Hana.” Jara expertly steps away from Elijah, linking her arm with her brother before turning

speaks highly of you, and I can see that

kissing it. The look he gives her is just possessive enough to have me stepping

I

for the conversation. Beta Elijah.” He nods, heading toward our a*s*signed table. Since we were in the pool for the social gatherings, we were not eligible for the pool of individuals that get to have dinner with one of the contestants this

forward to our dance later, Alpha Mason.” I pull her seat out and wait while she sits, her guards coming to sit on

before I head to my table. I’m not sure if she’s intentionally putting a target on my back, or if she really is interested in spending more time with me. Either way, I’m getting more

I sit down. I had put us on the side of

She recognized that I was the one that started purring for Layan, and she came to thank me. Afterward, we talked, and the hour went by very

“And you put in a good word for me?

I turn back and look

must be because of

was comfortable enough to

“Interesting.”

like you and Beta Hana hit

the room who wasn’t intending to claim her. I was the only one that raised my hand. So, she spent the entire

laughing at that. “They are both

“Definitely worthy mates.”

claiming Beta Hana?” He asks me. I know he’s hoping to not have to