The Claiming by Cooper

Mason

When we arrive at the claiming territory, it’s a madhouse. The line to get in was ridiculous, made longer as we had to wait while a car in front of us was surrounded by an escort and taken away.

“Which one do you think that was?” Elijah asks beside me.

“The Alpha or the Beta, if I had to guess.”

We finally make our way through, getting the explanation that if we were to go into the sectioned off area for the females without prior approval, we will be shot on sight. The penalty, if you survived the silver bullet, is disqualification from this and all future claimings.

“They mean business. The security has never been like this before.”

“We’ve never had a claiming like this before, at least not in recent years.”

As we turn toward the main house, we can see the driveway to the females temporary housing. We’ve been given a map and the clearly identified ‘off-limits’ areas. I’m guessing that they are not only marked on the map, but also around their building as well.

When we get to the main house, we wait to get our parking spot, then we wait in line to check in. Housing is limited and rather than housing the females in the same building as some of the males, they have them in their own building and are doubling us up. Thankfully, Elijah and I are in the same room.

When we’re finally checked in, we grab out bags and get to our room. Tonight, we won’t see the contestants for this year’s

However, starting tomorrow morning, I’ll get my

agree to go back downstairs and begin to meet our competition. I know not everyone here

group. If the elders aren’t careful, this energy could get out of control very easily. There are too many of us and

other an omega. Omegas are not built to handle this level of masculine energy and it’s possible that he mouthed off to the

all safe and notice that they are subtly moving toward me and Elijah. If this turns into an

shitshow under control before it becomes a melee of teeth and claws.” Elijah says just as someone walks in with an airhorn.

yourselves under control, or you will find yourselves disqualified.” An older werewolf says, moving to

and

our ears.

here, not you. This is my domain, and I will not have our females threatened in any way. If

The testosterone level doesn’t decrease, but everyone does a better job of holding themselves together for

there are notable differences. Some packs obviously only allow ranked members to sit together, while others allow anyone to sit with them, including other packs. I fall into the latter category

him that I like. I can tell he’s intelligent and not the kind of Alpha that rules with fear like some of the others here. I knew his father, as Seth only became Alpha a couple of years ago. If he’s anything like his father, he’ll be a good

and finding a seat at my table. When he sits,

okay if I join you.”

have to admit, I’m surprised

moment before turning to his food. “They all intend to try and claim my sister. While I understand their