The Claiming By Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper (Jara & Mason)

Chapter 40

Jara

Hana and I decide to have dinner in the main dining hall, knowing that if we spend more time with those a*s*sessed today, it will make them feel better physically. It is apparent, though that many wolves are missing. I would a*s*sume that they are all from Alpha Cameron’s pack.

Annabel joins us for dinner and afterward, I go to see Elder Jason. “Do you need my a*s*sistance to prepare for Alpha Cameron’ s funeral?” I ask him. I should have asked earlier when I said the funeral would be tonight, but I was distraught and then Mason was going into his a*s*sessment and my mind was clouded with the possibility of losing him.

Title of the document

However, now, my focus is fully on making sure that Alpha Cameron’s pack is given proper time to grieve the loss of their Alpha.

“No, Alpha Jara. You’ve been plenty busy today and based on the interactions I saw at dinner, your a*s*sistance and that of Beta Hana greatly helped to heal the claimants who were a*s*sessed.”

He looks out to where the back of the main packhouse is, his eyes glazing over. “I have set up a pyre for this evening. I plan to give anyone from Alpha Cameron’s pack who wishes to speak, time to say whatever they want to say.”

I nod. It’s how it should be done. “While it’ s not common to have an Alpha ceremony immediately after a funeral, I believe it is necessary this evening. There has been enough chaos during this claiming, and I don’t want any more wolves to feel lost or bereft without their Alpha. Between the rea*s*sessment and the loss of their Alpha, many omegas and warriors from Alpha Cameron’s pack might be close to losing their minds or going feral.”

“I agree.” I tell him. While it is unusual, these men are away from their packs, they have been through rea*s*sessment which I now understand is a horrible, grueling process and they’ve lost their Alpha. The possibility of what’s left of Alpha Cameron’s pack going feral is high until there is a new Alpha. And I know Beta Luke will be a good Alpha. He obviously cares about his pack a great deal.

“Good. I’d like you to lead the ceremony.” I whip my head around to look at Elder Jason.

“Me? Why me?”

Alpha. And while I am as well, you being an Alpha female seems to impact males from every pack, not just your own. I think you being there, leading the ceremony will ensure that Alpha Cameron’s pack pledges their allegiance to Beta Luke as their new Alpha and will give them some peace during

with Elder Jason, but I’m willing to do anything needed to ensure the safety and peacefulness of Alpha Cameron’s pack. “I’ve never led an Alpha ceremony before.”

took the liberty of writing out the instructions for you, just in

over the document Elder Jason hands me and realize it’s

this.” I

you. I’ll be there in case something happens, but this

later, we’re all standing in front of the pyre where Alpha Cameron’s body is lying. His entire pack

on the stage, addressing the

to other packs as well as the Elders. He was a true Alpha, and his loss will impact us for years to come. This evening, before we light the fire and send our Alpha to the Moon

and how terrible it is that he went feral just

about something their Alpha did for them, whether it was to protect them, comfort them or bring them peace in a time of loss, Alpha Cameron was definitely one of the good ones. I can’t help but wonder why our Moon Goddess chose to take him instead of someone like Typhon who doesn’t deserve to be

know I have tears running down my face. And while I know I need to present as a strong Alpha, I can’t help but cry over the loss of

as the fire ignites, burning into the night, taking Alpha

finally starts to die

Jason returns to the podium. “I know that those of you in Alpha Cameron’ s pack are grieving and that this is unusual, but we are in an unusual situation. Tonight, your Beta, Beta Luke, will stand and take his oath

one from their pack disagrees with Beta

their

will you join me on stage please.” Elder Jason looks at me, as I make my way

and Seth’s looks of confusion. I’m still not exactly sure why Elder Jason wants me to lead the ceremony, but I’m

me the ceremonial knife and cup before beckoning Beta Luke over to me. “Alpha Jara will be presiding over the Alpha ceremony this evening.” He

I do know Beta Luke. He is in my claiming, and he is one

eye, I see Elder Jason smiling. Perhaps this is what he was hoping I would do. Confirm to the members of this pack that I believe in their new Alpha and trust that he

turn to Luke. “Beta Luke, please