The Claiming By Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper (Jara & Mason)

Chapter 52

Jara

After Alpha Antonio and Luna Annabel leave, I spend the rest of the day in social gatherings. The only ones that aren’t included are the ones in Hana’s claiming.

For those individuals, I will only have one day to get to know them before I enter the claiming territory.

Title of the document

That night, when Mason walks me back, I stare at the house where I’ll be sleeping. I’ m the only one left. While the house is still full of guards, there won’t be anyone for me to really spend time with. I decide to ask Elder Jason if Mason can sit with me in the evenings, so I’m not so alone.

The next morning, I join Elder Jason on the stage as the seventy-five claimants line up, ready to enter the claiming territory. I can see they are antsy, there is a nervous energy in the air, they are ready to enter the territory

As soon as the gun goes off, it starts. Unlike before, when every claimant ran into the territory, several of the claimants begin tearing into their competition. I see Seth turn as he’s running into the territory. He slows, as if he’s going to turn around and help. I leap off the stage, running toward the ones lying on the ground. I look at my brother.

“GO!” I shout, knowing he will have a target on his back, just like Mason. Hana has shown him the same favoritism that I’ve shown Mason. He turns, running into the territory just as I’m tackled to the ground.

“No, Jara. The claiming haze has started. They may try to claim you if you approach them.” It’s Mason, his strong arms wrapped around me, holding me in a steel cage of muscle.

“They’re k*illing them!” I shout, watching m horror as bloody bodies lie on the outskirts of the claiming territory.

When the last claimant heads into the claiming territory, Mason lets me go and I race to check the ones on the ground. There are at least fifteen of them. When I get to the first one, I put my hand over my mouth. He’s been slashed to pieces.

“Jara, let us handle this.” Mason says, coming up behind me.

I turn to him. “Is this what it’s going to be like when you enter my claim?” I know my eyes must show the horror I’m feeling. I had no idea it would start before they even entered the claiming territory.

hesitancy, but I know he won’t lie to

the ma*s*sacre unfold. “I was right, you’re all a bunch of

back just as Elder Jason comes up

turn and see that he’s brought several members of the temporary pack hospital. I move aside and let them

say as one stops to check the man at my feet. The

feel Mason come to stand behind me, his hands

“Why?” I whisper.

one of you this year. There are a lot of wolves that will go down

stinging my eyes. These men, these wolves, only wanted a

one’s alive!” One of

The medic begins making tourniquets to stop the

at me.” I command

glazed eyes turn in my direction. “What’s

voice

do you know who

“Alpha Jara.”

you to live, Barrett. Do you hear me? This medic will stop your bleeding and your wolf will heal you. Do

turns his head slightly to look at me. When he doesn’t respond, I try again. “You

“No, Alpha.”

right here. I’ll be here

and see that the medic is stitching him up, the bleeding almost under control. “I need a stretcher!” He calls and I move out of the way as they put Barrett on

command those still living to stay alive. I have no idea if it will

turn to look at the bloody remains of those that didn’t even make it into the claiming territory. I look

give them a warrior’s send off.

at my