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.

of them. Plus, it’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon, so

marathon plus.”

is your biggest competition?” I

a list, both of you are on it, by the

I had to pick my top three. I’d probably say Tobias, because he’s older and

Zaire and Luna Gia were very strong leaders of their pack, and their son Alden

her, but if she’s Alpha Zaire and Luna Gia’s daughter. I won’t

Do you think he has a chance?” He

to underestimate him, even though he’s just made the cutoff to participate. We celebrated his birthday last week, but he will be fierce.” He nods,

opportunity to lean forward. “How many do you

sister is any indication,

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 just our sister.” I

over nearly half a year, so that provides plenty of time for people to come of

Jordan. “I hadn’t considered that. But since existing pack leaders aren’t eligible to participate in the contest, if any of the

their mate is the current or future Alpha.” Jaxon says watching me. “If, say, you and I were mates, we could both still compete, since neither of us are

in my stomach, and my mouth goes dry.

into a competition and BAM there she is, flooding your senses with her intoxicating scent and distracting

frown and turn to look at Maggie. “What are you talking

shrugs. “Just repeating something I heard dad say about when

she WAS the goal.” I

I wasn’t born

by the group of guys

“Barbaric!” Maggie says.

all turn to look at

me. I agree. It was nuts. Although, I have to admit, it seems like it worked. All of