The Claiming By Cooper

The Council by Cooper (Jara & Mason)

Chapter 16

Jara

When we returned to the pack, Mason goes to check with Elijah, and I checked in with Stella to make sure everything has run smoothly while I was gone. She said that everything went well, but that we are in need of a food run. She had made a list of items that we need.

Title of the document

“Stella, if we need food while Mason and I are away, just get it. We can discuss it later. I don’t want the pack to suffer because we aren’t here.”

“Yes, Luna.” She says.

“Truly, Stella, if there is a problem, we’ll discuss it. But I’ve kept you in charge of the kitchens because I know you can handle it. I trust you.”

“Thank you, Luna. That means a lot.”

After checking with Stella, I go to find Lewis. He’s the pack member I’m most concerned about and was the most worried about leaving so soon after arriving. When I find him, he’s in training, sparring with another warrior.

“Luna! You’re back!”

“I am. We just got back. How is everyone?”

They all stop sparring, finding a way to get closer to me. When I first arrived here, it made me uncomfortable, but after speaking to my mother and having a better understanding of my impact on all of them, I understand it. So even though they are sweaty and shirtless, I make a point of reaching out and touching each of them, noting which ones need more of my time and attention.

Lewis, in particular, seems to have suffered in my absence. When I touch him, I feel the darkness rippling across his back.

So, I sit down, watching as they spar, taking turns having my pack, members come sit next to me.

“Why do I feel worry in your mind, love?” Mason asks through our mind link. “Lewis. He didn’t do well with me being gone.”

“He was very close to going feral before the claiming this year. I’m sure it will take a while.”

“What do you think of a*s*signing him as my guard next weekend when I go to Alpha Davis’s pack.”

your second guard. Luke is a seasoned and tested guard. I know he would give his life for you. I don’t know where Lewis’s mind is. But, if you feel strongly about it, I’ll talk to him and see if I feel comfortable

he and his mate arrive? And who’s pack were they a part of before, I never

are still getting settled in. I’ll have to make them an official part of our pack before he leaves to go with you to Alpha Davis’s pack. And, as to which pack he came from,

mean Luke and his mate were part of

that won’t sit well when

force someone to stay in your pack. It’s

Hana’s guard and his mate move to Seth’s

in our mind link. “Sure did.

“No!”

care. Those guards are good men. Their mates are probably thankful

know what’s even better?” Mason asks

“What’s that?”

little girls. So, we aren’t just getting another female in our

out laughing and all the warriors stop to look at me. “Sorry, Mason is being funny.” I say out loud, and I hear

my

just made my

“Always happy to oblige.”

how would you feel about sparring

go wide. “I’m not sure Alpha Mason

I’m going to go change and I’ll be right back.” I

I don’t plan to

is bright as the sun. “Okay,

know my plan. As expected, he’s fine with it. When I get back, I begin sparring with Lewis. At first, the feral-fever that has started to creep back in, impacted his abilities, but as we continue on, he becomes sharper in his focus, better able to predict my moves and counter them. I still beat

I knock him on is a*ss again, I reach my hand down and help

Thank you, that was

a chance to take on our Luna?” I hear and turn

take me on?” I ask,

all at once, Luna. That

be fair. I wouldn’t want my best warriors to be embarra*s*sed when their Luna kicked all their a*s*ses at once. So, why don’t you

they can defeat the two of us together. Elijah has come outside with Mason. He stands, shaking his head, watching as the warriors decide if they

are you on,