The Claiming by Cooper

Chapter 35

Mason
It is announced at dinner that the contestants have agreed to a social gathering but only with a select few of us. Annabel only chose three claimants for her social gathering, while Hana and Jara both chose five each.
Elder Jason stated that the social gatherings would not be held in the main house this evening, as there were too many males that were not chosen, and he was not going to allow any more fighting and dying outside the claiming territory.
The three missing wolves from Layan’s claim had been found, torn to shreds. If Elder Jason didn’t believe us before, he did when he saw the remains of the three wolves the Alpha had killed.
“Tomorrow there will be an announcement for my verdict on the rest of this year’s claiming process. Tonight, if you were not selected for the social gathering, please feel free to relax, work, spar or go for a run. The thirteen of you that were selected for the social gathering will be meeting in the females’ housing area this evening. This does not mean that you have free rein over the place. If you are found wandering outside of your social gathering alone, you will be removed from the premises and your time with the contestant will be over for the evening.”
“What about the rest of us? When do we get our time with the females?” Someone asks behind me.
The Elder gives him a hard look. “As I mentioned earlier, my verdict will be announced tomorrow morning. The contestants have been informed and are in agreement with my decision. Once boundaries are re-established, social gatherings will be reinstated.”
“The thirteen selected, please join me up front.” Elijah and I stand, as does Seth. Hana selected both of them for her social gathering. One of my warriors and two of Seth’s warriors were selected for Jara’s social gathering, along with a Beta from another pack. I was the only Alpha selected for her social gathering.
I can’t help giving Typhon a smug smile as I pass him. I hear his low growl of frustration at consistently being overlooked for social gatherings. You should have taken better care of your mate, a*shole, then you wouldn’t even be here.
Elder Jason walks us outside where five guards are waiting to escort our group. “You have been hand-picked by the contestants for tonight’s social gathering. I suggest you take advantage of this gift that has been given to you. If any of you think that this is a chance for you to make a move, find a hidden way into the female’ s housing or otherwise do anything that makes these contestants or their guards uncomfortable, you will be removed immediately and banned from all further social gatherings, possibly from the claiming itself.” He gives us all a hard look.
“Gentlemen, you have been warned. Enjoy your evening.”

The guards escort us to the females’ housing. It has been set up so that there are three rooms for meeting, but the main living space is open to all and looks more like a party than a social gathering. There are food and drinks set out and music playing in the background. The girls have made tonight special for us, their chosen few.
Without needing to say anything, we break off into our small groups, joining our females. We’re all in the main living room and the atmosphere is more relaxed than any so far. It’s nice to actually see what it could be like if I were to claim Jara. She is easily managing the conversation with those around her while still keeping an eye on Annabel. I’m guessing the main room was
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mostly for her, giving her a chance to feel comfortable before breaking off into a smaller room.
Jara’s laughter brings me back to our little group.
“Stop telling my secrets, Joshua.” She says, playfully smacking him on the chest with the back of her hand.
“Is it a secret, Alpha Jara, when everyone in our pack knows about it?” He replies, giving her a flirty smile.
Okay, I didn’t think through how this small gathering might make me feel this level of intense jealousy. I know I’ve been given more time with Jara than anyone, but this small group of males are my direct competition. These are the ones she is willing to have claim her. These are the males she currently favors.
“Let’s call it a pack secret, then.” She says, watching him over the rim of her glass as she takes a sip of her drink.
“My apologies, Alpha Jara, for telling your secrets.” He takes her hand and kisses it, his eyes never leaving hers.
The Beta, Luke, clears his throat. “If I may be so bold, Alpha Jara, how did we,” he gestures to the five of us, “get selected for this evening out of so many.”
She pulls her hand away from Joshua, turning her full attention to Luke. “Beta Luke, you and this small group are the only ones that have interested me enough to spend more time with you.” She looks at all of us.
“Every one of you has spoken to me as if I were a person, not a female to be claimed. Each of you, in our conversations, made me feel as if you see me for me, not as some trophy to win. If I am to be claimed, I want it to be by someone that wants to me, Jara, not me, the last female Alpha or even me, the contestant.” She turns
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her attention back to him.
“So that is why you are all here. You have piqued my interest enough that I want to get to know all of you better. And what better way to get to know each other than to spend a quiet evening together.”
“At the risk of sounding ungrateful, I wish we had more than an hour with you tonight, Alpha Jara.” The warrior from my pack says.
“Please, for tonight, all of you call me Jara. And tonight, you’re here as long as I choose for you to be. If we’re all having a good time, then we can stay and enjoy our time together for hours.”
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