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.

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

plus.”

your biggest competition?”

of you are on it, by the way.”

older and has had longer to train, Stefan, for the same

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

Alpha Zaire and Luna Gia’s daughter. I won’t

Do you think he has

him, even though he’s just made the cutoff to

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

our sister is any indication, I’d

and they don’t seem to realize that they are in a room full of people. They are lost in their own world. “Not

expect a lot of that. It would surprise me if some don’t 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

participate in the contest, if any of the

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 leaders of our own

my mouth goes dry. Thankfully, Maggie answers for me as I grab my water, downing

into a competition

frown and turn to look at Maggie. “What

shrugs. “Just repeating something I heard dad say

then, she WAS

born in that

chased down by the group of guys that are here for the

“Barbaric!” Maggie says.

to look at

I have to admit,