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.

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

I’m sure Alpha 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. We walk onto the stage and our

out over the group, I make eye contact with the ones from last night. They either smile, wink or one blows

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

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

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 female to claim

continues. “Second, every male claimant will

reaction. Many of the males begin actively complaining, saying they’ve already been a*s*sessed, calling this outrageous, and

and the

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

all of you are clear, Annabel will be scheduled to enter the claiming territory. If, for any reason, one of her claimants

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

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,

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 social gatherings this evening as well. Alpha Jara will be allowed to choose

Last night was the best time I’ve had since I’ve

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.

away, conceivably to leave the claiming. I step down, looking for Seth, but find