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.

Elder Jason will have them removed. He seems very intent on making sure we’re safe.

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

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

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

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

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

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 female

Jason continues. “Second, every male claimant

the males begin actively complaining, saying they’ve already been a*s*sessed, calling

Jason bellows and the crowd quiets

so. That is your choice.” There is a lot

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

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

Elder.” 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

submit to evaluation from Beta

same group as last night. Last night was the best time

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

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