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.

you screw 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

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

my

I can almost see the

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

it

make. “And in some ways, it’s the hardest thing you’

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 each a tray with sandwiches,

he?” Luke says, taking the tray before

Alpha his entire life.” I say, setting the tray on the stage, my stomach growling

a good Alpha, 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 should choose Mason

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

I didn’t still have you at the top of my list of claimants, Luke.

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 anything that Luke can do to

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

your housing, Jara?” Luke asks, as

“I would like that.” I tell him, and I mean it. I’ve enjoyed our time

as we turn to begin

striding toward me. “Alpha Jara. I demand equal time to the other Alphas that

no intention of giving you even a moment of

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

spit out his name. “If you try to claim me, I will leave your shredded, battered, bleeding body on the claiming field. Don’t

group of people have overheard and begin moving in our direction. I see Typhon’s pack move to stand behind him,

Alpha’s command but know this. If any of you attempt to