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?”

to impact males from every pack, not just your own. I think you being there, leading

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.” I tell

of writing out the instructions for you,

and realize it’s exactly what occurred when

do this.” I

there in case something happens, but

hour later, we’re all standing in front of the pyre where Alpha Cameron’s body is lying. His entire pack is here, but so are many others,

on the stage,

good Alphas. He was a man known not only to his pack, but 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 Goddess, I offer everyone the opportunity

stage. He speaks of what a strong and powerful Alpha Cameron was, how he loved and cherished his pack and how terrible it is that he went feral just before this year’s

to talk 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

I know I have tears running down my face. And while

everyone has spoken, Elder Jason lights the pyre and we watch as the fire ignites, burning into

fire finally starts to

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 as your new Alpha. Is there anyone here that would

that no one from their pack disagrees with Beta Luke

their

please.” Elder Jason looks at me, as I make my way

looks of confusion. I’m still not

the ceremonial knife and cup before beckoning Beta Luke over to me. “Alpha Jara will be presiding over the

claiming, and he is one of the few that I’ve chosen to spend extra time with

would do. Confirm to the members of this pack that I believe in their new Alpha and

to Luke. “Beta Luke, please step