The Claiming By Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 3

Layan’s Return by Cooper (Jara & Mason)

Chapter 6

Mason

This year’s a*s*sessment seems to be much more intense than any of the years I remember before. The a*s*sessor told me Elijah looked like shit when he came out of his a*s*sessment. I didn’t even see him. I’ve been so busy taking care of the others and keeping an eye on Jara, that I haven’t had a minute to go check on him. When Layan shows up in our pack lands, saying she knew Elijah needed her. I know it isn’t just us. When I have a moment, after sending Jara up to our room to lay down. I call Seth.

Title of the document

“Is it me or is this year’s a*s*sessment worse than usual?” I ask.

“I thought it was just me. This is terrible. My pack members are wrecked. Hana wants to help, but I keep having to tell her to take breaks.”

I tell him about Layan showing up in my pack and what she told me about the a*s*sessors using her in Alpha Davis’s and most likely Elijah’s a*s*sessments.

“So., they know us better, since we’ve become a closer-knit community. They know how to push our pack members to the extreme.” Seth says.

“Yes, but it doesn’t seem like it’s intentionally cruel, although it probably feels like it to them. It feels like they are making sure that these men have control over themselves to ensure that no one gets killed this year and that we don’t have a repeat of last year.”

“I agree. But between you and me, I’m glad I’m not going through a*s*sessment this year.

“I couldn’t agree more.” I say before hanging up.

Thankfully, Jara slept the rest of the afternoon and the a*s*sessments finished for the day before she woke up. When she did, we went to the pack hospital to check her pulse, the babies’ heart rates, anything and everything the doctor felt was necessary. After hearing that momma and babies were healthy, I agreed that she could help again tomorrow, with the same parameters in place.

As we walk back to the packhouse, well, I’m walking, she’s waddling in her cute way. I give her the information that I’ve been waiting to drop on her, knowing she’ll be excited.

“So, Layan is still here, in Elijah’s room. Has been all day.”

She turns to me. “Get out!” She thinks for a minute. “All day?”

“Mmhmm, and I know Elijah is awake because I saw the omegas taking a couple trays of food upstairs.”

you think they’re doing?”

talking. Catching up on old times.” I

her fingers up in

we talked a lot

her head for a kiss. I may have to lean over her belly now to kiss her properly, but

away, about to suggest that we re-enact one of those moments, when I see Jace sneaking out of the packhouse, heading

my mood because

he going?” She

says he’s been sneaking off at night. He’s tried to talk to him about it, but

watch him sneaking through the forest trees for

to him. Maybe he’ll talk to you as his Alpha. Things are still pretty

to.” I tell her, not willing to let her walk alone, even

we get inside, she takes my hands. “Go, I’m fine. I’m going to see what I can find out about Layan and Elijah.” She says, a mischievous look in her

before kissing her nose and jogging

pace. I know he’s not leaving the pack, I just want to make sure that he’s okay. He’s pretty young to have to deal with the loss of both of his parents, but I still don’t like him out here by

find him out in the forest, picking something up off

say quietly and even though I tried not to startle him, he

Of what,

yourself after

He says, looking down. A sure

night. Want to talk about it?” He looks up

if I walk with you then?”

alone, Alpha, if

is a pack. That means that we all support each other. I’m the Alpha of that pack. That means that I’m in charge of making sure everyone in my pack is safe, healthy and happy. And

and Brynn?” I ask him. It’s only been a couple of months, but

fine.” He says, still not looking at

are you searching for

up to look at me. “Why do you think I’m looking for

an Alpha, Jace. It’s my job to figure these things out.” I tell him, exaggerating the truth a bit,

kicks the dirt with his shoe. “I

parents’ feelings? “You don’t

to me, but I