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.

removed. He seems very intent on making sure we’re safe. If they refuse, they’ll

willing to get re-evaluated so he can catch you, Annabel.” Hana teases and Annabel blushes beautifully, making her blue eyes shine

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

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

happy about last night. I give my shoulders a slight shrug as

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

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

continues. “Second, every male claimant will be rea*s*sessed before entering the claiming

complaining, saying they’ve already been a*s*sessed, calling this outrageous,

and the

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

willing to submit to re-evaluation, those of you in Omega Annabel’s lottery 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

thoroughly cleaned before you enter, Annabel. I will

know what that means. All the blood from Layan and the mutilated wolves has to be washed away. Elder Jason seems

with her group this evening. Those that choose to submit to evaluation from Beta Hana’s group will

same group as last night. Last night was the

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 for now. If you choose to exclude yourself from re-evaluation, please pack your bags and leave the territory

one walks away, conceivably to leave the claiming. I step down,