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 has to

the challenge, I know I am. I just didn’t truly understand the pressures of

want my opinion?” I ask

He says and I can almost

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

make it sound so

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

thought you’d both like to take your lunch out here. He

a beat, does he?” Luke says, taking the tray before

say, setting the tray on the stage, my stomach growling as soon as I

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

too. I would treat you well, make you my Luna, listen to you, let you

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

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, he’ll make a great Alpha, but Mason…Mason

we walk back toward the main house. I need to head back to my housing to get showered before the afternoon social gatherings

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

like that.” I tell him, and I mean it. I’ve enjoyed

hear my name, as we

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

right beside me. “Alpha Typhon, I have no intention of giving you

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

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

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

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