The Claiming By Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper (Jara & Mason)

Chapter 26

Over the next couple of days, we periodically hear the claimants for Mignon howling in the claiming territory. Sometimes, it’s the howl of the hunt, sometimes it’s a howl of frustration, and occasionally, we’ll hear the yelp of pain.

Hana and I have made a point to be at the main house every day. I’ve requested that my social gatherings be outside, so I can keep track of Mignon’s claim.

It’s the third day after the claimants went into the territory when I hear an excited yip followed by the howl of the hunt. This time, it’s different. This person hasn’t just picked up her scent, they’ve found her. As one, we all stop to listen to the sounds inside the claiming territory.

Title of the document

Instinctively, Hana and 1 move closer to each other. I see Layan and Annabel also move closer together. It’s quiet for nearly 20 minutes, then we hear it. The howl of victory. Mignon has been caught.

I look at Lay an and see that she has gone pale. She’s up next. If everything has gone well with Mignon, Layan will enter the claiming territory tomorrow.

I hear him before I see him. He’s snarling at the other claimants, threatening them if they get too close to his mate. As soon as he breaks from the forest line, I have to smile. Beta Asher caught her.

He’s carrying her in his arms. She’s unconscious, her hair falling nearly to the ground. He’s nipping and snarling at the other males that have followed him out. I jog up to him, ready to check on Mignon. He stops, snarling at me.

“Stand down, Beta. I’m going to check her.”

“I would never hurt her.” He tells me.

“But she’s been in the claiming territory for four days. She could be injured, hungry, dehydrated. Let me check her.”

He nods and let’s me approach. I walk up and move Mignon’s hair from her face. I glance at Beta Asher and see the look of total adoration on his face.

tells me and his pride in his new mate is

I finish checking her

be a good mate to her.” He says and I step back, letting him

rest of the group begins clapping, howling and stomping their feet at him catching his mate. Because I am standing so close to him, 1 feel the change in him. There are too many

snarl is vicious, and the area goes quiet. Elder

free to take your mate to your quarters. We’ll find alternate arrangements for

this is not going to be sufficient. He can’t keep her safe from all these males and that’s exactly what he’s

Asher take Mignon to our house. She has her own room there and

He says,

one. Your main house is filled with unmated males, but our house is not. After Mignon wakes and they complete the bond, if they want to move back here, fine. But for now, it will save fighting and keep Mignon from

from Beta Asher to me and then to the group of males milling around waiting for his final word. The excitement in the air

step out of line in

guards will have orders to take you

to Elder

“Thank you, Alpha.”

all the thanks I

I show him her room. I watch as he gently places her on the bed, covering her before looking

you. Make sure she gets both before

Alpha. And thank

“Thank you, Luke. Now, can

He says and we head to

an, Annabel and Hana

you get them settled?”

and