The Claiming By Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 3

Layan’s Return by Cooper (Jara & Mason)

Chapter 37

Jara

Layan’s claiming has been extremely quiet. It’s making me nervous. The only sounds are at night when we hear Elijah calling out to her.

Title of the document

“She’ll be fine, love.” Mason says for the hundredth time. We’re sitting outside on the deck at the housing where we listened to Hana’s claiming last year.

We’ve just heard Elijah’s howl for tonight, so we know that Layan isn’t yet claimed. “Why aren’t we hearing any other howls. I would have thought we’d have heard something by now, other than Elijah saying goodnight every night.”

Mason stands, taking my hand and pulling me to my feet. “Time for bed. We’ll head back over the main packhouse in the morning and see what happens.” After tossing and turning for what feels like hours, Mason finally pulls me onto his chest and begins purring. The sound instantly relaxes me, settling me. I feel him kissing the top of my head, as I drift off to sleep.

The next day, we take our time getting ready. Other than Mason checking on the pack, we don’t really have anything to do here.

McKenna and Davis emerged yesterday, Davis sporting a mating mark. McKenna seems much calmer now. I think the two of them will be good together. He will help her to grow as a person and as a Luna, and she will bring him and their pack happiness and a level of playfulness that most packs don’t have.

I’m in the packhouse helping to prep for tonight’s dinner when I hear a commotion. “He caught her. He did it.” I hear someone say as they rush past the kitchen.

Who caught her?

I quickly wash my hands and go racing out the back of the packhouse. There is Elijah, carrying an unconscious Layan in his arms. The others in her claim walking with him, escorting them out of the territory.

I smile as I walk up to him. “You caught her?” I frown before he answers. “Is that what I think it is on your neck, Beta?” I ask him.

gives me a smug

to stand beside me. I look, between the

the wolves. Or specifically, one wolf. Me. “You want to run that one by me?” I say and

very quiet way I asked. Anyone who knows me knows that, when I’m angry, if I’m yelling, you’re

it to say, I told Layan she had to choose me first, that

She

our warriors who was in the claiming comes up and slaps a hand on Elijah’s shoulder. “One of the most incredible things I’ve ever witnessed

of the gunmen says, coming over to congratulate Elijah. They all come up

I bark at him to get

if you decide to stand here much longer, I’m going to a*s*sume that you’re ready to have said conversation and we will have it before you take your mate, who

done. “See you later everyone.” He says, carrying Layan

watches him with a smile

him, pointing my finger

me to him. “I’d have never let him leave. But I knew I didn’t have to worry about it. Even if he got past me, there was no way he was getting past

out a breath of irritation. “You could

were already struggling

through his hair. “You’re a really good mate, you know that?” “I try. I try to keep

for the annual claiming?” I hear McKenna ask, distracting me from thoughts of pulling my

at her, but she’s giving a mischievous grin to Davis. “You know, I

low at the challenge of hunting his mate again. I feel Mason chuckling against me. Alphas LOVE to hunt their

one.” Davis says, his voice

racing off, shifting as

her?” Mignon says,

chuckle. Mignon looks around

arms around her. “He’s giving

She asks, looking at

a chance before I catch her.” He turns his head, listening.