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.

Alpha and there is no one else. I’m that person who

am. I just didn’t truly understand the pressures of being an

you want my

and I can almost see the relief on

when you make the wrong decision, your pack will follow you. They will trust you because that even if you make a

it sound

had to make. “And in some ways, it’s the hardest thing you’ 11 ever do.” I say, thinking

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

Luke says, taking the tray before thanking the

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

a strong Alpha. He’d be a good mate to you.” I can’t help but raise my eyebrow at him. Is he telling me 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 discount me,

still have you at the top of my list of claimants, Luke. And, as you know, you

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

the main house. I need to head back to my housing to get showered before the afternoon

Jara?” Luke asks,

tell him, and I mean it.

hear my name, as we turn to

demand equal time to the other Alphas that you are showing

step forward, Luke right beside me. “Alpha Typhon, I have no intention of giving you even a moment

be in your favor to know me before I claim you, Jara.” He says purring his words, but it does nothing for

you try to claim me, I will

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

all of them. “I understand you must follow your Alpha’s command but know this. If any of you