The Claiming By Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 4

The Contest by Cooper (Jaxon & Evangeline)

Chapter 7 Evangeline

Jaxon is nothing like I was expecting. He’s…nice. That’s not to say that he doesn’t have the Alpha arrogance. He does of course. But he’s nicer than I was expecting.

We talk over dinner and it’s pretty casual. Others join in our conversation periodically and we join in theirs. Surprisingly, there’s an air of camaraderie rather than competition. I’m guessing that will change overnight, but for now, it’s casual and comfortable.

I notice that Jaxon isn’t drinking alcoholic beverages either and I comment on it.

“I’m here to win, not party.” He says.

Magdalena snorts. “Did you two rehearse that?” Jaxon looks confused.

“I said almost the exact same thing to Makayla, our sister, earlier.” I say.

“It says a lot to me about the ones that are drinking. They are either here to search for their mates, or they don’t understand how brutal the next two days are going to be.” He says.

Maggie leans forward. “Who do you think will come in first?” She asks him, smirking. I’m already guessing his answer will be the same as ours.

“Me, of course.” And there it is. We both laugh and I can see that arrogant Alpha look come out.

“You don’t think I can do it?” He asks.

“That was also our answer when Makayla asked who we thought would be first.” Maggie tells him. “Both of us said we would be first.” He smiles at that.

“Will you run with your sisters, help them along?” I ask him, curious.

They are strong in their own ways, but I’m faster than any of them. Plus, it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon, so I expect Teagan and Rowen to make the cut. Raelvn…” He says moving his hand in

plus.” I

is your biggest

both of you are on it, by the way.” That

older

I nod. “All three of them are on our list as well. What about Celine? Stefan’s sister? Alpha Zaire and Luna Gia were very strong leaders of their pack, and their son Alden seems

she’s Alpha Zaire and Luna Gia’s daughter. I won’t underestimate her.”

you think he has

Absolutely. You’d be mistaken to underestimate him, even though he’s just made the cutoff to participate. We celebrated his birthday last week, but he will

Jordan takes the opportunity to lean forward. “How many do you

snorts. “If our sister is any indication, I’d say

the table, seeing Rowan talking to Alejandro. Their heads are close together and they don’t seem to realize that they are in a room full of people. They are lost in their own world. “Not

end up dropping out during the contest. It’s going to be spread out over nearly half a year, so that provides plenty of time for people to come of age and find their mates. And there

“I hadn’t considered that. But since existing pack leaders aren’t eligible to participate in the contest, if any of the Alpha heirs find their Lunas, those females

current or future Alpha.” Jaxon says watching me. “If, say, you and I were mates, we could both still compete, since neither

goes dry. Thankfully, Maggie

during the competition. Who knows, you may walk into a competition

frown and turn to look at Maggie. “What

“Just repeating something I heard dad say about when he met

she WAS the goal.”

wasn’t born in

imagine? Getting chased down by the group of

“Barbaric!” Maggie says.

all turn to look at

It was nuts. Although, I have to admit, it seems like it worked. All of our parents seem happy.”