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

plus.” I

you think is your biggest competition?” I

on it, by the way.”

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

list as well. What about Celine? Stefan’s sister? Alpha Zaire and Luna Gia were very strong

Alpha Zaire and Luna Gia’s daughter.

brother? Do 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 be fierce.” He nods, looking

do you think are here just to find their mates.” She

our sister is any

they are in a room full of people. They are lost in their own world. “Not just our sister.” I say, nodding at the

“Yeah, I 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 find their mates. And there are so many Alpha heirs out there coming of age, that if they find their mate, those mates would not be

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

Jaxon says watching me. “If, say, you and I were mates, we could both still compete, since neither of us

a fluttering in my stomach, and my mouth goes dry. Thankfully, Maggie answers for

Evie will be turning 18 during the competition. Who knows, you may walk into a competition and BAM there she

to look at Maggie. “What are

repeating something I heard dad

then, she WAS the goal.” I

so glad I wasn’t born in that generation.”

the group of guys that

“Barbaric!” Maggie says.

to look at

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