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 to

letting them put her back into the

you. No matter what it takes, we make sure

takes.”

early afternoon. According to Mason, he’s been replaced, but his replacement won’t

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 to

these unfortunate events have caused a delay in the

unfortunate

as she breaks

I say, my voice ringing out over

Elder Carson

her family.” I point to where her parents are standing and only now see

Jara. You have no jurisdiction here.

I have more authority here than you 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

you can get

have to go through me. I’d rather die than let

front of the stage where we are standing. “And you’ll have to go through me. I believe the omega deserves to go home with her

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

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

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

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

“I was serious, Layan. You’re going back in there over my dead body. I won’t allow