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.”

thinks that she’s second to my father, not even my father. He treats my mother as an equal, and so does everyone else in our pack. I expect it will be the same for Jordan. At least, that’s what she’s hoping to find in her

are ran like that.”

What about your parents? You mother is technically

an equal. And, at least toward us kids, she is the iron fist and Dad is the softy, It’s not that way outside of our family, but everyone also knows that

be an acceptable solution too.” I say, crossing

much depend on who

him during this competition.” I tell her, feeling like I’ve dodged a

our breath over for the next couple of miles before she asks her

like being a twin? I mean, I know you aren’t identical, but

other way. But I guess, from seeing my other sisters. I’d say that it’s nice having a

about everything. We are only 6 months apart in

I’d say Jordan is my best friend, my closest friend. I have other guy friends, but if something 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 other in a way that is probably only

silence, each

it, mile marker 80 is coming

so close!” Evangeline

the first

we jog into the 80-mile

Tobias?” I ask Alpha Maximus. He is Alpha Davis and Luna McKenna’s oldest son and one of

a few minutes. You’re really close

Max.” I

it?” Evangeline

1 am.”

we’re far enough away, I look at

I can’t keep up this pace. So, while it’s been great chatting with you, I can’t keep up anymore. You’ll have to leave me behind.” She

the third and fourth places. I can afford to slow down and continue my conversation with my

waiting for her to

don’t have to stay with me. Really. It’s a race.”

going to finish and move to the next round. It’s the middle of the night. I’ m tired too.

“Why are you

your question?” I ask

“Sure.”

minute I saw you in that clearing.” I frown. “Was that yesterday? The day before? Whenever

that was

nothing but time and honesty on my side. And, for some reason, it’s always easier to bare your soul in