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.”

feel better if he were 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

speaking of Luke, when do he and his mate arrive?

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

his mate

won’t sit well when Alpha Shawn gets

force someone to stay in your

his mate move to Seth’s

did. And guess

“No!”

going to love us that much more now. But I don’t care. Those guards are good men. Their mates are probably thankful

what’s even better?” Mason asks

“What’s that?”

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

to look at me. “Sorry, Mason is being funny.” I say out loud, and I hear him snort in

else, my

just made

“Always happy to oblige.”

turn back to Lewis who has been hovering near me. “Lewis, how would you feel about sparring with your Luna?”

Alpha Mason would be okay with me sparring with

go change and I’ll be right back.”

plan to hold back, so you shouldn’t

smile is bright as

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

I knock him on is a*ss again, I reach my hand down and help him up. “I think that’s enough for one day, don’t you,

that was a

on our Luna?” I hear and turn to see a

you want to take me on?”

at once, Luna. That wouldn’t

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 all take on your Alpha and Luna at

Mason. He stands, shaking his head, watching

you on, Beta?” A