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.

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

worry, I’m sure Alpha Antonio will be willing to get re-evaluated so he can catch you, Annabel.” Hana teases and Annabel blushes

breakfast, we walk to the stage. Elder Jason asked us to join him while he announces to the group what the next 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

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

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

looks at us. “Good morning, ladies.” A chorus of ‘good

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

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

begin actively complaining, saying

Elder Jason bellows and

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

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

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

Annabel says quietly. We all know what that means. All the blood from Layan and the mutilated wolves has to be washed away. Elder Jason seems to understand that if Annabel smells what happened during Layan’s claiming,

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

as last night. Last night

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, please pack your

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