The Claiming By Cooper

The Claiming by Cooper Book 4

The Beta Trials by Cooper (Jace & Jordan)

Chapter 21 (Jordan)

I know my mother’s threats aren’t idle.

They never have been. My mother is a strong, powerful wolf, one that my father doesn’t trifle with, whether because of the mate bond or my mother’s strength. So, I know when she says that she expects me and Taylor to be civil for the next 24 hours, she means it.

My problem is, this is my pack and Taylor disrespected me. I have enough problems with the males not taking me seriously, I really don’t need this shit from my cousin who hasn’t had to deal with the bullshit I’ve been dealing with for years.

“Am I clear?” My mother asks. “Crystal clear mother, but I will not be disrespected in my own pack,” I say. “No, you will not, or your cousin will face the wrath of her mother,” Aunt Hana says. “Not only do Alphas not disrespect each other, but family doesn’t treat family like this.”

I stand to leave, Jace standing beside me.

“I’m sorry, Jordan,” Taylor says as I move toward the door.

I stop and nod, but I don’t say anything. Nothing that comes out of my mouth right now is going to sound like an Alpha and my father taught me that if you can’t say something like an Alpha then you shouldn’t say anything at all.

When I step outside the room, Jace grabs my hand. “Are you okay?”

“No, Jace. I have to go do f*ucking damage control because my cousin challenged me in front of the pack, then my mother and Aunt basically took over the situation and now I have to make sure everyone knows that I’m still in charge, just in time for me to leave and let my brother, who I’m sure is the perfect Alpha, take over my pack for me,” I say sarcastically.

I take a step away from him, ready to head into the dining room and face whatever backlash I get, but he holds onto my hand.

“I’m coming with you, Jordan. She challenged my Alpha too. Don’t you think it would be better if we presented a unified front?” he asks.

know everyone heard

knows now that you were my

I made the mess, I’ll deal with whatever cleanup is required,” he says and honestly, I don’t have the energy to argue with

room. Jace moves into position just behind me and to my left. When

problem?” I ask, my voice ringing

people turn and

for? She’s your Alpha,” he says, supporting me like he always

no problem, Alpha,” most everyone in

at each individual in the room. Some of the other Alphas wink at me,

eye contact with everyone in the room, or stared them down, I walk

our food, Jace and I go to sit with Jaxon and Evangeline. “You always keep it interesting, don’t you sis?” he

and I change the subject, asking Evangeline

injured in the battle. I’m surprised to find Taylor there,

got injured protecting my pack lands, Jordan. It’s the least I can

body flinch. I watch as she gets herself

Jason would like him to participate

nod, turning to go find Dr. Braxton

am sorry, Jordan. I handled that

stop and turn to her, looking down for a moment, making sure that I

an Alpha female, people want to be close to you, want to be with you. As a female Alpha, all they do is challenge you. You don’t understand it yet, but you will. And I guess…. I guess I just expected more from someone who will be facing the same struggles that I am. I guess I thought you’d understand that challenging me in front of my pack would make my position that much h*arder

myself to remain calm and be the Alpha my

male that showed interest in you because they wanted your position. You can thank Jace for that. You haven’t had to fight your own pack members to maintain your position as their Alpha. You haven’t yet realized that many of the

understand the position we’re in. And if we can’t support each other, if we can’t be

Jace. I don’t know what will happen with the bear clan and I don’t know what will happen between me and Jace. But, as one female Alpha to another, I suggest you take this time to figure things out with your mate. Come to some sort of resolution with him and with

walk away,