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.

be here as soon as possible, we all will. You’re not alone,

nods against my chest before getting her tears under

you do me a favor this week?” I

to eat and make

looks at her mother and then back at me. “Yes,

pull her in for another

incoming video call from Annabel. I watch as she looks at it frowning and answers

a phone call away, any time, day or night.” She

Mignon. “I’m just checking on you Layan. I know we’re all leaving, but we’re still here for you.” She

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

to go, Mignon,

as Layan disconnects her call to answer

has left now, so I

turns the phone and I wave. “Oh, you’re still there. I’ll call back in a bit to check on

Annabel and Mignon

you aren’t. Not ever, Layan.

you too. Thank

car, Luke and Lewis waiting patiently for me. I wave before getting in. Before I’ve

“Yes, Luna?” She answers.

you about calling me Luna,

She smiles. “Yes, Jara.”

okay?” I

I promise to call

I say to her before

head back, closing my eyes. This weekend was exhausting and

a good thing you did this weekend, Luna. What all of your

knows, Lewis? Maybe you’ll catch Layan in the claiming

raise an eyebrow. “You do