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.

don’t like it, I think Elder Jason will have them removed. He seems very intent on making sure we’re safe. If they refuse, they’ll be out.”

can catch you, Annabel.” Hana teases and Annabel blushes beautifully, making her blue

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 right behind us.

smile, wink or one blows a kiss.

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

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

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

“Second, every male claimant

reaction. Many of the males begin actively complaining, saying they’ve already been

Elder Jason bellows and

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

you are clear, Annabel will be scheduled to enter the claiming territory.

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

washed away. Elder Jason seems to understand that if Annabel smells what happened during Layan’s claiming, she may become terrified and

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

Last night was the best time

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

forward. The last one walks away, conceivably to leave the