The Claiming By Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 3

Layan’s Return by Cooper (Jara & Mason)

Chapter 7

Jara

The second day of a*s*sessment is as grueling as the first. I take it slowly, making sure that I don’t overextend myself. I take hourly breaks and when I feel my babies start to slow their movements, as if my healing our pack is draining them too, I stop and go lay down to rest. Yesterday I slept nearly four hours before Mason woke me for dinner. Today is the same.

Title of the document

Layan had stayed one night with Elijah and had gone home the next morning. She knew her pack needed her and I’m thankful I can help in my pack as well. From everything we’ve heard from all of the packs, this year’s a*s*sessments are far worse than previous ones.

When I ask Mason about it, he decides we should call Councilman Jason and ask him.

We’re in his office, and I’m on his lap, as always, these days. I lean back against him, and he begins rubbing circles on my stomach, soothing me and our little ones.

“Councilman Jason.” He answers on the third ring.

“Councilman. This is Alpha Mason.”

“Mason, how are you? How are a*s*sessments going? I haven’t heard of any males failing.”

“No, none of my pack members have failed a*s*sessment so far. We have one more day of a*s*sessments to go.”

“I didn’t just mean your pack, Alpha. None of the packs have a single male that has failed a*s*sessment.”

Mason and I look at each other. “So, the council was right?” I ask.

“It would appear so.”

“And we think this is because the she-wolves are providing this vaccination effect in the packs?” Mason asks.

“That’s my take on it.” Jason says. Mason and I sit in silence for a moment.

“So, what can I do for you Alpha, Luna?” He asks.

“We wanted to know why this year’s a*s*sessments seem much more intense than the usual a*s*sessments.” Mason asks him.

like this. I fought for stronger a*s*sessments, especially since they were done months in advance of the claiming, but I was overruled. When I spoke to the council this year, and told them my reasons, they agreed. We’re still determining if this level of a*s*sessment will be needed in the future, but given that no one has failed, it appears that, while difficult, it is

with Layan going back into the claiming this year?” I ask

her, ever happens again. But we also know that any human that doesn’t have absolute control over their wolf may kill in the territory. We’re putting every possible safeguard in place to ensure that

our goodbyes and thank Jason

I don’t immediately move to

love?” Mason asks me, kissing the side of

good having you rub the sides of my stomach.” My head is leaning back against him, my eyes

as you like.” He says, I nod,

it against my body, lulls me to sleep. I wake, feeling

can walk.” I say,

can carry you.” He says, this time kissing the top of my

tomorrow. Elijah should be back to full strength and Brynn and Luke are helping. Even

the omegas laps, leaning against him. At first, I thought Brynn

able to heal those a*s*sessed on her own, but her presence had helped them to heal faster, especially the omegas who were coming out of a*s*sessment nearly comatose from

had started crying when she got in their lap, holding her tightly. We found out later that some a*s*sessments included Melinda, and the pack members

I let Mason tuck me into bed and I fall asleep curled up in

I shower, rubbing my stomach, trying to soothe my babies and my overstretched body. Even with advanced healing, having twins that have come nearly to term

getting dressed, I head down to where our pack members are going after their a*s*sessments. I

love?” Mason’s voice drifts into my mind. Always so attentive, but definitely more

this morning. I’m making my

pups are giving you problems today, maybe you should sit it

are stronger than normal. “I’m going to go sit outside

helping to heal one of our pack members, but the link between us

magic. But after several minutes, I’m uncomfortable, not finding a spot that works for me. My stomach

chair and hauling my body up to stand. As I do, I feel a pool of

stop, looking

Mason in my head, he’s

Instantly, I feel

“What happened?”

“I think it’s time.”

his confusion. “Time for what?”

us to meet our little ones. I’m pretty

open, followed by the moans of those in the room as the sound intensifies their

hear Mason say “Alpha, what’s going on?” I hear