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

so he can catch you, Annabel.” Hana teases and Annabel blushes beautifully,

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 right

wink or one blows a

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 the

looks at us. “Good morning, ladies.”

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

Jason continues. “Second, every

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

bellows and the crowd

claiming territory to claim one of this year’s contestants, you will do so. That is your choice.” There is

anyone 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

at us. “The claiming territory will be thoroughly cleaned before you enter, Annabel.

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

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 the members of her social gathering again this evening.’’ There is a lot

I’m excited. I want the same group as last night. Last

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

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