The Claiming By Cooper

The Council by Cooper (Jara & Mason)

Chapter 25

Jara

The weekend with Layan went really well. She slept both nights that we were there, with no nightmares. When she’d begin to whimper or flinch in her sleep,

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Hana, Annabel or I would wrap our arms around her tightly and whisper in her ear that we were here for her until she would settle and fall back into a dreamless sleep.

Unfortunately, the stress of the weekend began to take its toll on me as well. I woke up the last morning feeling ill and while Layan was still asleep, I raced into the bathroom and vomited. I had vomited again while I was in the shower. And then, when we went down to breakfast, the smell was overwhelming and made my stomach turn. I had quickly excused myself and gone to the bathroom, dry heaving since my stomach was already empty.

Since she is an omega and can’t afford it for herself, we asked Asher to get her a cell phone. However, Alpha Davis insisted that she is his pack member, and he would provide for her. He got her a cell phone and Hana set it up before out last day.

As we started to get ready to leave, I could see the fear coming back into her eyes.

“Look at me, sweet girl. We will be back here next weekend. All of us. You are not alone, and Hana has set up a cell phone for you. We’ll be calling you every night to make sure that you are okay and to talk as long as you need us.”

“Come on, let’s practice.” Annabel says and I take Layan’s phone, sitting beside her on the couch while Annabel walks into another room and calls her, requesting a video chat. I show Layan and her mother how to answer the call and make sure that they have the video on…

“You can call us any time, day or night, Layan.” Mignon tells her. “And if you have a nightmare, you’ll be able to see us on your phone and know that you aren’t alone.”

“And before you know it, we’ll be back here. Alpha Davis has said, we can come as often as we want.” Hana says and Layan looks at Alpha Davis who nods his a*s*sent.

“Okay.” She says quietly, still gripping the phone with Annabel’s face on it. “Now, we’re going to hang up and you’re going to dial either Hana or Mignon so you know that you can reach us at any time.” I say and we practice until she has it down.

We begin packing up the cars to go. I first help Annabel, then Mignon and Asher, before helping Hana head out. When I give Hana a hug, she whispers in my ear. “Stop on your way home and get a pregnancy test.”

I pull way and look at her, questioningly. She nods. “Trust me, but to be positive, it’s best to test. At least then you’ll know for sure.”

I’m still thinking about what she said but as I’m about to leave, Layan begins crying. I walk to her, hugging her tightly.

and I will be here as soon as possible, we all will. You’re not alone, Layan. We’re

my chest before getting her tears under

a favor this

“Will you try to eat and make sure

and then

in for another hug. “It’s

as she pulls away, she gets an incoming video call from Annabel. I watch

you were going to answer my call. Don’t forget, we’re only a phone call away, any time, day or night.” She says and while

“I’m just checking on you

shows up on her screen. She looks up at me and begins

go, Mignon,

says as Layan

left now, so I

you’re still there. I’ll call back in a

smiling when she responds. “You don’t have to. Annabel and Mignon have already called. I know I’m not alone.” She

aren’t. Not ever, Layan. I

love you too.

for me. I wave before

“Yes, Luna?” She answers.

you about calling

She smiles. “Yes, Jara.”

you okay?” I

promise to call

say to her

back, closing my eyes. This weekend was exhausting and stressful, but it was

was a good thing you did this weekend, Luna.

Maybe you’ll catch Layan

eyebrow. “You do know that Elijah wants