The Claiming By Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 3

Layan’s Return by Cooper (Jara & Mason)

Chapter 19

McKenna

I had gone to my room after speaking to Luna Jara about Layan. I can’t believe my mother left me in the dark about so many things. Important things. How am I supposed to be any sort of mate or Luna if I don’t know what’s going on? So, I had called my mother.

Title of the document

“Hey honey, how are you? How’s the claiming going?” She had asked me.

I was quiet for a moment thinking about what Katerina told me before tears had started falling again. I had forced myself to stop crying before coming inside the house but when I heard my mother’s voice, they had started again.

“McKenna? McKenna, baby, what happened?” My mother’s worried voice came through the line.

“Why didn’t you tell me momma? Why didn’t you tell me about what really happened with Layan and what really was going on in our previous pack? Why did you hide that from me?”

“Oh sweetheart. Who told you?”

“It doesn’t matter. It should have been you that told me, especially about Layan. Mom, I thought she was acting to get attention. Acting! I thought her panic attacks were all a ploy to get more males interested in her. Mom….I feel like a fool.”

“Oh, hun. I’m sorry. I wanted to tell you, wanted to let you know before you left. But after we got here to Alpha Luke’s pack, you’ve been so happy. His pack is so much better than our other pack. The males here are better men. I didn’t want you to be scared going into your claiming. I wanted you to be excited, to enjoy the thrill of the hunt the way it’s supposed to be.”

“But mom, what if I went into this thinking everything would be great and something happened? I would have been completely unprepared. I need to rethink all of the men I’ve already put into my claim.”

a reason. Follow your heart and your gut. Don’t let what has happened in the past effect your claiming. I want you

an Alpha, but…. what if….” I can’t even finish.

to me, McKenna Allen. That man went feral. The Lunas have made sure that this event is much safer than last year and probably any year since the claiming process started. If you need to speak to those Alphas again to decide that your instinct is correct, do it. But don’t remove them because of your fear of what they might do. That’s not

and possibly me with the

know that he was thinking such disgusting things. I wouldn’t allow him

you, mom, for always looking out

too, sweetheart. Do you need me

the Alphas.” I say, thinking of one

sweetheart. Call

that call. Today,

in the eyes of many that have been spending time

Davis, may I speak with

McKenna.” He says and we

chosen anyone else for

to ask what I want

out about what truly happened to Layan. I didn’t

“I think that’s understandable.”

I made a connection with. That first night, I had so much fun dancing with you. I felt carefree and relaxed, and

well.” I look up at

pack. She didn’t tell me the entire story. I didn’t learn about that until I

you’re afraid of having an Alpha claim you?” He

at him. I feel his finger tucking my hair behind my ear before moving to my chin and lifting my head to look at

to allay your fears. What I would tell you is that I know all of the Alphas in this year’s claiming very well. They are all great men and great Alphas. Any of them would make a good mate to you or the others in this year’s claim. None of us even feel close to going feral. I know because last year, I wasn’t sure I’d make it to this year. But