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.

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 decisions have to be the best every time. It’s more pressure than I thought it would be.” He turns to

I just didn’t truly understand the pressures

you want my opinion?” I ask

and I can almost see

to be the best decision for them, then, even when you make the wrong decision, your pack will follow you. They will trust you

make it sound

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 pack mates

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

he?” Luke says, taking the tray before thanking the staff

the tray on the stage, my stomach growling as soon as I smell the food. I’m starving after my

why. He’s a good Alpha, a strong Alpha. He’d be a good mate to you.” I can’t help but raise

I would be a good mate to you, too. I would treat you well, make you my Luna, listen to you, let you stand beside me as leaders of our pack. Don’t

be here speaking with you if I didn’t still have you at the top of my list of claimants, Luke. And, as you know, you never would have

the back of my mind, I can’ t help but compare him

I need to head back to my housing to

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

like that.” I tell him, and I

my name, as we turn to begin

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

have no intention of giving you even

in your favor to know me before I claim you, Jara.”

Typhon.” I spit out his name. “If you try to claim me,

have overheard and begin moving in our

to look at all of them. “I 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 claiming field beside