The Claiming By Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 3

Layan’s Return by Cooper (Jara & Mason)

Chapter 17

Jara

I was so happy when everyone at Layan’s claiming tried to calm her. What a difference from last year. Hana and I couldn’t have been less enthusiastic, but both McKenna and Katerina seem happy, excited even. Layan proved once again how much inner strength she has by getting on that stage and choosing her first two candidates. I don’t think anyone was surprised by her choices.

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Elijah caught up to us as we left and walked with us, well, mostly Layan back to our housing. Unlike last year, anyone is welcome in the house. However, everyone is also aware that there are three Alphas and Lunas staying here with their new pups, so no one is stupid enough to try to force their way inside.

I go up to our room, finding my mother who has just put the twins down for a nap. I’m so lucky and thankful to have her here.

She puts her finger to her lips, telling us to be quiet. Mason and I walk over to the cribs, stroking our babies’ cheeks and hair before leaving them to sleep.

When we step out of the room, my mom turns to us. “I heard from Seth. He and Hana will be coming later this week. Hana is dying to get here to support Layan.” “Of course she is.” I say, knowing I’d be the same.

“Let’s go grab some lunch while it’s quiet.” Mason says.

I hear some quiet chatting coming from outside. I don’t think anything of it until I hear Layan’s name. Being the protective woman that I am, especially with my friend, I walk to the door and see Katerina

McKenna. He wants Layan. I think it’s

least put his name into our claimings? I mean, he’s a Beta.”

does

when I was in my previous pack, ranked members always wanted

wanted to enslave you and your mother, force you into a mate bond and were willing to use both of you as breeders. Your mother left when she started hearing that your father and Alpha were planning to share her with the other ranked members in the pack. Is that the life you want for yourself? To be shared, even if it’s against your will, with all the ranked members of your pack?” I ask her. She frowns.

did you mean then?” I ask

well, it seems like she’s trying to gain sympathy. She had the attention of every male in the claiming today. That doesn’t seem like something someone would do if they are as shy as she claims to be.” She says. I’m pretty sure that my

happened to her

marked by an Alpha that was going feral while he was in his wolf form.

Katerina steps in.

between me and Katerina. “What

her Luna, but not here. I know Layan’s upstairs and could overhear us.”

looking more and more confused. “That’s fine. But I will say this. Elijah loves Layan.

going back inside as Katerina pulls McKenna away, closer to the forest. I go into the kitchen and Mason’s arms come around

got you all riled up, my little

“McKenna.”

confusion. “What about

sigh. “To be fair, it doesn’t appear that anyone told her about what truly happened to Layan. I’m not sure how that’s possible, but I think it is. She was basically saying that Layan was

If she didn’t know, then you can’t put the blame solely on her.” It’s not much longer before Katerina and a sniffling McKenna come