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.

asleep first, then Annabel. Hana looks up at me. “What are they going

letting them put her back into the claiming territory. She needs

you. No matter what it takes, we make

what it takes.” I say to

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

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

are all aware of what has happened to the Omega Layan. And while these unfortunate events have caused a

man is delusional. An unfortunate event is breaking a leg, not being

claiming territory.” I hear Layan whimper behind me as she breaks down into tears. Annabel rushes to her, holding her as she crumbles

ringing out over the crowd, causing them all to

me?” Elder Carson says, turning

said 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 only now see that

have no jurisdiction here. The

have more authority here than you do, Elder. Believe me when I say, that girl will go back into the claiming

can get to her,

“And, you’ll have to go through me. I’d rather die than let any one of

“And you’ll have to go through

me.” Mason says, making eye contact

stand beside them. One after another, the true ranked members come to stand side by

me. “Fine! We will wait until my replacement shows up tomorrow. He can decide. Good luck if

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

stroking her hair while her mother tries to comfort her. “I was serious, Layan. You’re going back in there over my dead body. I won’t allow it, no matter who declares it. Go with your parents back to your room.