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.

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

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

her, ever happens again. But we also know that any human that doesn’t have absolute control over

goodbyes and thank Jason

immediately

Mason asks me, kissing

you rub the sides of my stomach.” My head is

as long as you like.” He says, I nod, not saying

it against my body, lulls

can walk.”

you.” He says, this time kissing the top of my head that is tucked up

exerting too much energy, love. Why don’t you plan to sleep in tomorrow. Elijah should be back to full strength and

Melinda had come into the room today and without anyone saying anything to her, she had crawled into one of the omegas laps, leaning against him. At first, I thought Brynn

her presence had helped them to heal faster,

out later that some a*s*sessments included Melinda, and the pack

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

slowly get up, feeling a cramping in my side. 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 is wreaking

where our pack members are going after their a*s*sessments. I get another cramp in my side and I stop to rub

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

some cramps this morning. I’m making my way

the pups are giving you problems today, maybe

to go sit outside for a bit and see

heal one of our pack members, but the link between us stays wide open. He’s worried

not finding a spot that works for me. My stomach cramps seem to be getting worse, not better

putting my hands on the armrests of the chair and hauling my body up to stand. As I do, I feel a pool of wetness between my legs, soaking my

stop, looking

he’s still distracted, but multi-tasking

Instantly, I feel

“What happened?”

“I think it’s time.”

confusion. “Time for

meet our little ones.

open, followed by the

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