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 do with her?” She

have no intention of letting them put her back into the claiming territory. She

it

matter what it takes.” I say to

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

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

Layan. And while these unfortunate events have

man is delusional. An unfortunate event is breaking a

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

say, my voice ringing out over the crowd,

me?” Elder Carson says, turning to

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

Jara. You have no jurisdiction

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 from every

savage beasts that think you can get to her, will have go through me.” I snarl at

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

you’ll have to go through

making eye contact with me before turning to

to stand beside them. One after another, the true

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

and wraps her arms around her. Layan looks at me. “Will they really put me back in there?

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