The Claiming by Cooper

Chapter 23

Mason
After kissing Jara one more time and watching to make sure she made it inside the contestant housing, I turned and headed back to the main house. Just as I get there, Alpha Typhon steps out from the shadows.
“I bet you think you’re special, sneaking around with Alpha Jara He says, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Actually, Typhon, I do feel special. I wasn’t sneaking, Jara asked me to walk her home.”
I move to pass him. “You know you won’t catch her. She’s mine.” He says.
“Yeah, you planning to kill this Beta too in order to catch her?” I say, stepping up into his space. “I wonder. Does he know that you killed your last Beta to catch Mila? That your Beta was the one that should have claimed her. I wonder what he would think if he found
out.”
He snarls at me, his claws coming out. “See, the difference.
between you and me, Typhon, is that I have nothing to hide. You, on the other hand, have secrets and a history of Alpha females dying while in your care. You don’t deserve her, and you won’t get her. Not if I have anything to say about it.”
“Well then, I’ll just have to make sure you’re taken out early.” He
says.
“I’d be very careful about threatening another Alpha, Typhon.” Seth comes up to stand beside me. “1 knew something had happened that made people look at you differently when you claimed my
sister, but killing your own Beta? That’s low.”

“There aren’t any rules about injuring or killing other claimants. This is about determining who is the strongest and the most deserving of having a mate.” He points his thumb at his chest. “That’s me.”
“I’m curious, Typhon.” I say, watching him closely. “Who did you have to pay off to be able to be in this claiming? I can’t imagine that anyone would willing to allow you in after killing not just your mate, but an Alpha female.”
“Jara’s claiming is open to anyone. I have every right to be here.” He asserts.
“Well, just remember,” I say, stepping back, “the rules go both. ways, Typhon. I’m not the only one that should watch my back in the claiming territory.” I turn and head inside.
“Alpha Mason.” Seth calls as I start to head toward my room.
I turn to look at him, not sure if this is about me walking Jara back to her housing or about the conversation with Typhon.
“Alpha Seth. If all goes well, we’ll be family in a few weeks. Please, call me Mason.”
He smiles at that. “Call me Seth.” He falls into step beside me.
“I wanted you to know, I’ve requested that my pack watch to make sure that Typhon doesn’t try anything underhanded with you. They won’t stand back and let you claim my sister, but I’ve asked them to step in, if possible, if there is an issue with Typhon.”
“And your pack is willing to do that?”
“My pack loved Mila and therefore, they hate Typhon. They’ll do
anything to ensure that he doesn’t catch Jara.”
“As will I.” I tell him.
He nods. “Did you enjoy your walk with Beta Hana?”
His smug smile is instant. “I did. Did you enjoy your walk with my sister?”
“Very much. Have a good night, Seth.
“You too, Mason.”
The next morning, we’re back by the stage. Nearly half of the remaining claimants will be pulled for Hana’s claiming.
As usual, they ask if anyone wants to be removed from the lottery. I turn and walk to the tables to remove my name. Today, I’m one of only three. Myself, Typhon and one other Alpha.
When I turn back to watch the lottery drawing, I see Jara watching me. Maybe she didn’t believe me when I said I was here for her alone, but I am. When I catch her eye, I wink at her, watching her cheeks turn a slight shade of pink and her lips twitch. I go to stand beside Elijah as they begin pulling names for Beta Hana’s lottery.
Seth is pulled first as the automatic contestant. After that, all different ranks are pulled including several from my pack. When Elijah’s name is pulled, I give him a slap on the back. “Good luck.” I tell him.
“I’m going to need it. Several of these Alphas are fast, including Alpha Seth and I heard she asked him to walk her back to their housing last night.”
“She did.” I tell him.
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