The Claiming By Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper (Jara & Mason)

Chapter 36

Jara

The next morning, we all wake up a bit later than usual. Over breakfast, Annabel is chatting happily. She had a really great time last night and Alpha Antonio had been given permission to cany her to her bed, under the surveillance of a guard. When he had laid her down and removed her shoes, she had woken up and he had gently kissed her goodnight.

“It was my first kiss.” She says, her eyes glazing over with the memory and her fingers touching her lips.

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She refocuses on us. “Are their lips always so warm and soft?” She asks us.

“No.” Hana says and we both turn to look at her. I’ve only ever kissed Mason and his lips are always warm and soft.

She grimaces at us. “Some warrior in my pack kissed me in school one day. His lips were cold and cracked. It wasn’t a nice experience.” I watch as her eyes glaze over. “But Seth’s lips are always warm and soft.”

“Maybe it’s because they are Alpha’s? Mason’s are the same.” I say shyly.

We all get lost in our thoughts for a moment. “How do you think they will feel about getting re-evaluated?” Annabel asks.

they don’t like it, I think Elder Jason will have them removed. He seems very intent

so he can catch you, Annabel.” Hana teases and Annabel

are. I’m wondering if he’s planning to surround the stage with guards and when we arrive, I see that

They either smile, wink or one blows a kiss. While I like them all, Alpha Mason is still at

a prickle at the back of my neck, and I look out over the crowd again. Alpha Typhon is staring at me with hard eyes. He’s not happy about last night. I give my shoulders a slight shrug as if to say

He turns and looks at us. “Good morning, ladies.” A chorus of ‘good mornings’

the remaining contestants. First, the omega, Layan, has been sent home.” He stops and

Elder Jason continues. “Second, every male claimant will

Many of the males begin actively complaining, saying they’ve already been a*s*sessed, calling this outrageous, and verbally refusing

Jason bellows and the crowd quiets

you want to enter the claiming territory to claim one of this year’s contestants, you will do so. That is your choice.” There is a lot of grumbling, but I see several males nodding their head in agreement. Mason being one of them. He catches me watching

all of you are clear, Annabel will be scheduled to enter the claiming territory. If, for any reason, one of her claimants does not pass their evaluation, you will be excluded from this year’s events and another male will

territory will be thoroughly cleaned before

from Layan and the mutilated wolves has to be washed away. Elder Jason seems to understand that if Annabel smells

that have been re-evaluated. Annabel will have a social gathering with her group this evening. Those that choose to submit to evaluation from Beta Hana’s group will

want the same group as last night. Last night was

rea*s*sessment of Beta Hana’s lottery claimants and begin a*s*sessment of Alpha Jara’s claimants. The a*s*sessors will be arriving in the next hour. If you are in Annabel’s lottery, please step forward. The rest of you are dismissed for now. If you choose to exclude yourself from re-evaluation,

nineteen of Annabel’s claimants step forward. The last one walks away, conceivably to leave