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.

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

I just didn’t truly understand the pressures of being an Alpha until

my opinion?”

almost see the relief on

then, even when you make the wrong decision, your pack will follow you. They will trust you

make it sound

the hardest thing you’ 11 ever do.” I say, thinking of

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

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

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

showing him favoritism, Jara. And I understand why. He’s a good Alpha, a strong Alpha. He’d be a

I would treat you well, make you my Luna, listen to you, let you stand beside me as leaders of our

free hand over his. “I wouldn’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 been given the special time in my social gatherings if I didn’t think highly of you.

talking and laughing over pack events and things we’ve 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,

I need to head back to my housing to get showered before the

housing, Jara?” Luke asks, as

up at him. “I would like that.” I tell

name, as

“Alpha Jara. I demand equal time

no intention of giving you even

before I claim you,

try to claim me, I will leave your shredded, battered, bleeding body on the claiming field. Don’t

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

“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