The Claiming By Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 4

The Contest by Cooper (Jaxon & Evangeline)

Chapter 10 Jaxon

My original idea of asking each other a question at each mile marker was to pass the time, help me to think of something, anything other than my sore muscles, my aching feet and the cramp in my stomach that could be from running, hunger or both.

However, I realize quickly that this is a great opportunity to get to know the woman that I intend to take as a mate. I just hope she’s not going to be like Taylor and string me along. Which gives me my idea for the next question.

We run through the 70-mile marker, grabbing cups of water and getting cheers. My cousin Griffin is at this rest stop. He will be taking over for my Uncle Seth in a couple of months.

“Only Tobias and Taylor are ahead of you Jax! And they both look like they are running out of steam. You’ve got this!” He says as I pass.

“Keep it up, Evangeline, you’ve can do it!” He encourages her.

Griffin is great. I like him a lot. But he got some of his mother’s bubbly, cheerleader qualities, and right now, while I appreciate the sentiment, it’s a bit tough to take.

“Thanks, Griff.” I say, downing my water.

“Thank you, Alpha Griffin.” Evangeline says and we continue on our way.

I wait until we’re well past the rest area before I look at Evangeline.

“Ready for the next question?” I ask her.

“Sure.” She says.

“If you win, how are you going to handle it when you find your mate?” I ask her.

She sighs. “Honestly, I don’t know. It might depend on who he is, how he feels about being co-Alphas. Right now, I’m leaning toward staying single. I’m sure I could find a sperm donor so I could have an heir.” She tells me.

Oh no, this is not the answer I was hoping for.

“What if he’s willing to be co-Alphas?” I ask. My parents do that, and my sister intends to do the same. I would definitely be okay with that.

“Except, it’s MY title that has to change, right? Even if I win the pack lands, possibly defeating him in this contest, if I take him as my mate, he still gets to be Alpha, and I have to be Luna. The titles alone imply that he is head of the pack, and I would be second.”

my mother as an equal, and so does everyone else in our pack. I expect it

the packs are ran like

your parents? You mother is technically a higher ranked wolf than your father.”

her as an equal. And, at least toward us kids, she is the iron fist and Dad is the softy, It’s not that way

it could be an acceptable solution too.” I say,

will very much depend on who my mate is, if I

tell her, feeling like I’ve dodged a bullet and glad

next couple of miles before she

twin? I mean, I know you aren’t identical,

from seeing my other sisters. I’d say that it’s nice having a close bond with Jordan. We’re very close, closer than either of us are to our other sisters. Although, based on my observations, your

share just about everything. We are only 6 months apart in age, so we have a lot in common, unlike Makayla who is two years

is bothering me, she always knows, even if no one else does. And the same is true for her. We are in tune with each

says and we fall back into silence, each of us getting caught up

it, mile marker

so close!” Evangeline

to make the first round.”

we jog into the 80-mile rest stop,

Alpha Maximus. He is Alpha Davis and Luna McKenna’s oldest son and one of the people

a few minutes. You’re really close

Max.” I

is it?” Evangeline asks

1 am.”

far enough

can’t keep up this pace. So, while it’s been great chatting with you, I can’t keep up anymore. You’ll

she and I are in the third and fourth places. I can

pace, waiting for her

to stay with me. Really. It’s

that we are both going to finish and move to the next round. It’s the middle of the night. I’ m tired too. As long as there aren’t too many people

long moment. “Why are you being so nice to me?”

your question?” I

“Sure.”

I was drawn to you the minute I saw you in that clearing.” I frown. “Was that

was

my side. And, for some reason, it’s always easier to bare your soul in the dead of night, don’t you