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.

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

I know I am. I just didn’t

you want my opinion?” I

almost see the

make decisions that are always meant to put your pack first, to be the best decision for them, then, even when you make 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

make it sound so

thinking of Seth and some of the decisions he’s had to make. “And in some ways, it’s the hardest

lunch out here. He made sure that I sent extra water out for both of yon.” He says, handing us each a tray with

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

stage, my

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

mate to you, too. I would treat you well, make you

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

Luna wouldn’t be a bad thing. But, in the back of my mind, I can’ t help but compare him to Mason. Luke

head back to my housing to

Jara?” Luke asks, as we come to the turn

him. “I would like that.” I tell him, and I

my name, as we turn

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

intention of giving you even a moment of my time.

before I claim you, Jara.” He says

“If you try to claim me, I will leave your shredded, battered,

moving in our direction. I see Typhon’s pack move to stand

but know this. If any of you attempt to help Alpha Typhon claim me, you’re shredded bodies will be left