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’re a Beta, you make decisions every day, but you always know your Alpha has your back. If you screw up, he’s there to support you or to make it right. Now, I’m the Alpha and there

I just didn’t truly understand the pressures of being

my

I can almost

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

make it sound

hardest thing you’ 11 ever do.” I say, thinking of Mason and how he’s talked about having to put down his

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

beat, does he?” Luke says, taking

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

all know you are showing him favoritism, Jara. And I understand why. He’s 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 over

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

my 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. That

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’

head back to my housing to get showered before the

walk you to your housing, Jara?” Luke asks, as we

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

Jara.” I hear my name, as we turn to begin walking

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

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

me before I claim you, Jara.”

you try to claim me, I will

in our direction. I see Typhon’s pack move to stand behind him, a show of

to look at all of them. “I understand you must follow your Alpha’s command but know this. If any of you attempt to help Alpha Typhon claim me,