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.

right. Now, I’m the Alpha and there is no one else. I’m that person who has to

I just didn’t truly

you want my opinion?”

I can almost see

you make the wrong decision, your pack will follow you. They will trust you because that

it sound

ways, 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

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

he?” Luke says, taking the tray

stage, my stomach growling as soon as I smell the food. I’m

strong Alpha. He’d be a

a good mate to you, too. I would treat you well, make you my Luna, listen

the top of my list of claimants, Luke. And, as you know, you never would have been given the special time in

overheard at the claiming. Talking with Luke is easy, and I can see how easy it would be if 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 way into my heart. I don’t know that there is

done, we walk back toward the main house. I need to head back to my housing to

I walk you to your housing, Jara?” Luke asks, as

at him. “I would like that.” I tell him, and I mean it.

as we turn to

toward me. “Alpha Jara. I demand equal time

“Alpha Typhon, I have no intention of giving you even a moment of my time. I thought I’d been

will only be in your favor to know me before I claim you, Jara.” He

“If you try to claim

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

understand you must follow your Alpha’s command but know this. If any of you attempt to help Alpha Typhon claim me, you’re shredded bodies will be left on the