The Claiming By Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 3

Layan’s Return by Cooper (Jara & Mason)

Chapter 33

Mason

I can’t sleep without my mate beside me. I try, I honestly do, but it’s not working at all.

Title of the document

I finally get up checking on the twins before heading into the hall to check on the

Lunas, passing Antonio on the way. He chuckles. “I passed Asher on my way down to check on them and he passed Seth.”

I guess we all had the same idea. And none of us could sleep.

Now, I stand back, watching the Lunas walk Layan to the edge of the territory. I continue to be impressed with Layan and her resilience. When she lifts her head  and enters the territory, I want to clap for her. She really is special. And I REALLY hope my Beta claims her.

I watch as, not unexpectedly, Elijah finds a spot on the gra*s*s outside the claiming territory. He won’t move until it’s time to enter the territory.

I walk up to Jara, kissing her cheek. “It’s my turn today, love.”

She turns and looks at Elijah and nods. “Take care of our Beta.” She says before heading back to the housing.

Gamma Luke, making sure everyone who has returned to the pack got home safely and letting him know that Layan went into the

a week at the latest.” I tell

a new pack member

caught McKenna, so have high hopes.”

of food, bringing them back out and sitting

only the roles are

plate of food, chuckling, but his gaze remains fixed on the territory. “Do you know

no idea. There’s been a lot of crashing and what sounds like branches breaking. She’s not big enough to cause those branches to fall if she’s standing on

afternoon. And when dinner is served, I bring him dinner as well, sitting next to him. The crashing has stopped, and it’s

something, Mason.” Elijah

does, I know that whatever he

turn and look at me. “I decided before I left the pack that if I don’t claim Layan, I’m

eyebrow at him. “Excuse

not knowing that she’s with someone else. I can’t. I don’t know why but the thought of her being with anyone else… I can’t be around it, I can’t see it. It would break me.” He says

him. I feel angry at the thought of losing my Beta. But Elijah is more than that. He’s my friend, the closest friend I have next

you don’t hunt her Elijah? I mean, if she’s the key to getting you back to our pack,

don’t understand.” He

quietly. I want to understand, but I won’t give up on him without

me his plan, his reasons behind what he plans to do. In the end, I can’t argue with him. His rationale is sound, his

a huge risk,

it’s why I’m telling you now that I won’t return

in a long time. I don’t want

ask him more about his plan, when we both catch the scent of a fire. Not the fire from the cave, that would be a hint of smoke on the night breeze. This is heavy smoke,