The Claiming By Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper (Jara & Mason)

Chapter 46

Jara

Sparring with Mason is fun. He’s good. Really good, and he is helping me to become a better fighter, something I will need in the claiming territory if I’m to walk out unclaimed.

When I finish sparring with Alpha Luke, Elder Jason indicates that sparring is done for the day. I’m dripping in sweat. Having Mason and Luke back-to-back gave me quite a workout. Luke extends his hand to shake. When I clasp it, 1 ask him if stay back with me for a moment.

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He agrees and the others begin heading inside to shower and get lunch. I see Mason turn and look at me before heading inside. Something in my stomach clenches at the look on his face. It’s not hurt exactly, but I’ve never given anyone special attention except him until now.

When the group is far enough away, I gesture to the stage. “Will you speak with me?”

“It would be my honor, Alpha Jara.” “Please, call me Jara.”

“Then you must call me Luke.”

I give him a smile as we lean against the stage. “I wanted to know how you are doing, taking over as Alpha.” I tell him.

His back is to the stage, and he pulls one leg up, propping his foot against it as well, his demeanor relaxed. He looks out over the training field before answering. “It’s not as easy as I thought it would be.” He says looking at me before looking down.

“I thought shifting from Beta to Alpha would be a fairly easy transition. Don’t get me wrong, I know that I have huge shoes to fill replacing Alpha Cameron, but…”

“But?” I question gently, putting my hand on his arm.

you always know your Alpha has your back. If you screw up, he’s there to support you or to make it right. Now, I’m the Alpha and there is no one else. I’m that person who has to get it right. My

up for the challenge, I know I am. I just didn’t truly understand the pressures

my opinion?” I

can almost see the

the wrong decision, your pack will follow you. They will trust you because that even if you make a mistake, and you will, it was with their best intentions

it

is.” I say, thinking of Seth and some of the decisions he’s had to make. “And in some ways, it’s the hardest thing you’ 11 ever do.” I say, thinking of Mason and how he’s talked about having to put down his

the kitchen staff comes over, two trays in his hand. “Excuse me, Alphas. Alpha Mason thought you’d both like to take your lunch out here. He made sure that I sent extra water out for both of yon.” He says, handing us each a tray

doesn’t miss a beat, does he?” Luke says, taking the tray before thanking the staff

tray on the stage, my stomach growling as soon as

a good mate to you.” I can’t help but raise my eyebrow at him. Is he telling me I should choose Mason

I would treat you well, make you my Luna, listen to you, let you

claimants, Luke. And, as you know, you never would have been given the special time in my social gatherings if I

he claimed me. Being his Luna wouldn’t be a bad thing. But, in the back of my mind, I can’ t help but compare him to Mason. Luke is a wonderful man, he’ll make a great Alpha, but Mason…Mason has already started worming his

the main house. I need to head back to my housing

Luke asks, as we come to the turn

tell him, and I mean

I hear my name, as we turn to begin

me. “Alpha Jara. I demand equal time to the other Alphas that you are

have no intention of giving you even a

me before I claim you, Jara.”

you try to claim

a group of people have overheard and begin moving in our direction. I

command but know this. If any of you attempt to help Alpha Typhon claim me, you’re shredded