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.

Title of the document

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.

removed. He seems very intent on making sure we’re safe. If

so he can catch you, Annabel.” Hana teases and Annabel blushes beautifully, making her blue eyes shine

steps are. I’m wondering if he’s planning to surround the stage with guards and when we arrive, I see that I’m right. Every available guard is around the stage. We walk onto the stage and our individual guards come to stand right behind us. Elder Jason isn’t taking

group, I make eye contact with the ones from last night. They either smile, wink or one blows a

with hard eyes. He’s not happy about last night. I give my shoulders a slight shrug as if to

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

been sent home.” He stops and while no one actively expresses anger at this, there is a lot

the chatter dies down, Elder Jason continues. “Second, every male claimant will be rea*s*sessed

the males begin actively complaining, saying they’ve already

and

you to be rea*s*sessed, but if 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

will be evaluated today. Once 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 be

claiming territory will be thoroughly cleaned before you enter, Annabel. I

to be washed away.

social gatherings will begin again today, but only for those 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 be allowed to attend her social gatherings this evening as well. Alpha Jara will be allowed to

excited. I want the same group as last night. Last night was the best time I’ve had since I’ve

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.

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