The Claiming By Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper (Jara & Mason)

Chapter 32

It was hours before Layan finally woke.

When she did, she looked around and immediately broke into tears. We all moved around her, hugging her and letting her know that she’s safe here.

“Your parents are on their way.” I say, because I don’t know what else to say. I’m angry that 1 couldn’t keep her safe, that she and the rest of us are being forced into this entire process.

Title of the document

“Will… will you stay with me until they get here?” She asks quietly.

“I’ll stay here as long as you want me, we all will. Claiming be damned. That pack of savages can go hang for all I care.”

A ghost of a smile crosses her face before she turns her face away and I see tears dripping from her eyes to the pillow.

“How about, I lay here with you, so you know, even in your sleep, that you’re safe?”

She turns and looks at me, before nodding. I crawl into the bed beside her.

“And I can lay on your other side, so you’re wrapped in love and protection.” Hana says, crawling into her bed on the other side.

“Come on, Annabel. You can join us too.” I make space between myself and Layan and Annabel crawls in between us. I wrap my arm around the two of them and feel Hana lay her arm across them, holding on to me. We’ve wrapped them in our embrace.

Hana looks up at me. “What are they going to do with her?”

her back into the

it takes, we

what it takes.” I say to

was released from the hospital in the morning, and Elder Carson called a meeting in the early afternoon. According to Mason, he’s been replaced, but his replacement won’t be here until tomorrow. Apparently, he intends to continue acting like he’s in charge

calls Layan to the stage. She gives me a terrified look and Hana and I take one of her hands and walk her onto the stage. I turn and nod for Annabel to join us. We will be presenting a unified front to these males. They do not get to choose what happens

all aware of what has happened to the Omega Layan. And while these unfortunate events have caused a delay in the claiming process, the

delusional. An unfortunate event is breaking

go back into the claiming territory.” I hear Layan whimper behind me as she breaks down into

out over the crowd,

Elder Carson says, turning to

no. Layan is in no condition to go back into the claiming territory. She will be allowed to go home with her family.” I point to where her parents are standing and

have no jurisdiction

do, Elder. Believe me when I say, that girl will go back into the claiming territory over my dead body.” I hear a collective gasp from every male in

can get

rather die than let any

in front of the stage where we are standing. “And you’ll have to go through

have to go through me.” Mason says, making eye contact with me

the true ranked members come to stand side by side, willing to

decide. Good luck if he decides to put her back into the claiming territory.” He says

and wraps her arms around her. Layan looks at me. “Will they really

back in there over my dead body. I won’t