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.

then Annabel. Hana looks up at me. “What are they

them put her back into the

you. No matter what it

what it takes.”

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 until

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

these unfortunate events have caused a delay in the claiming process, the claim will go

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

back into the claiming territory.” I hear Layan whimper behind me as

out over the crowd, causing them all to go

me?” Elder Carson says,

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

no

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

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

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

have to go through me.

says, making eye contact with me before turning

One after another, the true

tomorrow. He can decide. Good luck if he decides to put her back

looks at me. “Will they really put me back in there? I can’t, Jara. I can’t…” She

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. Hana and 1 will be there soon.” I turn and look at Annabel. “Will