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.

Jason will have them removed. He seems very intent on making

Antonio will be willing to get re-evaluated so he can catch you, Annabel.”

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.

last night. They either smile, wink

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 ‘too bad’ before turning my attention back to Elder Jason who

at us. “Good morning, ladies.” A chorus of ‘good mornings’ echoes over

a couple of announcements this morning and my verdict for the remaining contestants. First, the omega, Layan, has been sent home.” He stops and while no one actively expresses anger at this, there is a lot of shifting in the crowd. One less

dies down, Elder Jason continues. “Second, every male claimant

actively complaining, saying they’ve already been a*s*sessed,

Elder Jason bellows and the crowd

leave the claiming territory today. I will not require 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 several males nodding their head in agreement. Mason being one of them. He catches me watching him and he winks at me again. I

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

to look at us. “The claiming territory will be thoroughly cleaned before you enter, Annabel. I

away. Elder Jason seems to understand that if Annabel smells what happened

the a*s*sessments, 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

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

If you are in Annabel’s lottery, please step forward. The

step forward. The last one walks away, conceivably to leave the claiming. I step down, looking for Seth, but