The Claiming By Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 3

Layan’s Return by Cooper (Jara & Mason)

Chapter 34

Layan

When I entered the territory, I didn’t really have a plan. I only have ten claimants so it shouldn’t be too hard to avoid them. I’ll use the water, the trees, anything I need to get out of here and then I can claim Elijah for myself.

Title of the document

I’m glad Alpha Davis caught McKenna. I like him and I’d have been fine if he had claimed me, but I feel like my heart belongs to Elijah. Especially after the last couple of weeks. He has taken advantage of the time Davis was in the territory to spend time with me. I’ve spent time with the others, but most of my time has been with Elijah. I’ve gotten to know him, and he’s gotten to know me.

I had the hard conversation with him. I needed to know that if the worst happens, if I can’t have children, that he was okay with that. He a*s*sured me that he wants me. He hopes, as I do, that I can have children, but if not, he said he would be happy waking up with me in his arms every morning for the rest of his life.

I also made sure he knew that I’m terrified of the mating process. He swore to me that we would go at my pace, and I believe him. Elijah isn’t the kind of man to force himself on me or anyone. He is patient and kind and I’m pretty sure he’s in love with me. I’m also pretty sure that I’m in love with him.

jogging through the territory, trying to figure out what I want to do when I see it. I didn’t realize that I would remember exactly where it was, but the

I see it happening in front of me. Me running, my blond hair flying out behind me, my eyes wild with fear, my face a

on my heels in his wolf form. I remember my relief that he couldn’t claim me, not realizing that he would try anyway. The memories flash in front of me, being tackled to

life forever. This spot, this small little area that stole my innocence and possibly took away my ability to ever have children. This spot that seems so meaningless but

I feel the anger boiling up inside me. This one stupid, insignificant spot shouldn’t

for branches, rocks and brush. I will burn away this spot

make sure that the fire doesn’t spread, so I carefully place enough rocks around the spot to ensure that the fire won’t

twigs, fire feeders and starters. It’s a good start,

the trees and finding branches that are large enough to keep a fire going, but small enough that if

firewood and create the firepit that I want. Once I have it set, I go to the cave to search,

as I’m turning to head back to the firepit I’ve created, I stop, looking at the wall where I originally signed my name. I was the second person to sign my

even

a rock, ready to leave my mark. A real mark

returned. Stronger

I am different than I was a year ago. I am stronger. I’m no longer the innocent girl that sees life through rose-colored glasses.