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.

take a more protective

are you wearing, Jara?” He asks quietly so only

called a dress, Seth.” I can see the muscle in

reason you 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 an evening out,

woman will be the death of me. And given the atmosphere in the room,

on his hips, looking down a moment

you’re my brother, Seth.” She

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

you, and

her is just possessive enough to have me stepping away, but not so possessive that

I escort you to your table,

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

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

give me 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

“So, you got to spend the entire hour with her?” I ask as soon as I sit down. I had put

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

turn and look at my Beta. “And you put in a good word for me? That was

your Beta.” I turn back

be

was comfortable enough to ignore everyone else in our room for the

“Interesting.”

like you and Beta Hana hit

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

that. “They are both something

“Definitely worthy mates.”

me. I know he’s hoping to not have to compete against