The Claiming by Cooper

The Council Chapter 12: Jara

Jara

When we return to the conference room after lunch, I feel better about our plan to take care of Layan. I know that she needs us, the four of us that were in the claiming with her.

But for now, I need to make sure that not only Layan, but every werewolf female is safe.

As we sit down, Elder Jason steps up to begin.

“As I mentioned earlier, we have two more petitions that seem to be in opposition to each other. The first was presented by Alpha Gunnar, the second was presented by the Lunas. We’ll start with Alpha Gunnar’s petition. It states that packs will have absolute oversight and control of their she-wolves, with the notable

exception of their requirement to enter the claiming process after they reach the age of maturity.”

“What does that even mean?” I ask him.

“It means that I say what happens to the she-wolves in my pack.” Gunnar says, smirking at me and it’s a look that has the hair on the back of my neck going up.

“Meaning that you get to rape them because they are in your pack?” Hana asks.

“Meaning, that if their ‘mate’,” he uses air quotes, “can’t get her pregnant, then as their Alpha, it’s my duty to propagate the species and impregnate her.”

“You’re disgusting.” Annabel says.

“So, let me get this straight.” I say, standing up, because I want to make sure every Alpha in this room is paying attention and hears what I’m about to say. “After all your bullshit this morning about needing to be the strongest wolf to catch a she-wolf to ensure the continuation of the species, it sounds to me that if you STILL can’t get a mate, you’re basically going to steal the mates of those in your pack who beat you out, rape their she-wolves and then what? Give them back to their mates? Is that what I’m understanding?”

I can tell by the way the other Alphas are looking at him that they do not agree with this. The claiming was put into place so the strongest survive. It may not be the best system, but it’s certainly a better option than Alphas sitting back and raping their pack members’ mates.

“It wouldn’t be like that.” Gunnar says.

“How would it be?” Hana asks, coming to stand beside me.

saying, we have to ensure that our species doesn’t go extinct.” He says, his voice not nearly as strong as

birth his young. Alpha or no, if you can’t do that, you’re pretty worthless.’ So, I’m guessing if your pack mate can’t get their ‘worthless’ mate pregnant, you’re going to do your duty, as an Alpha, and make sure she gets pregnant?”

grits his teeth,

a vote.”

only one that voted for,his petition, thank goodness. Maybe there’s

species after all.

docket today is the petition put forth by the Lunas. This

the Alphas realize that it’s likely we’ll be here until tomorrow.

we need to break so that everyone can make arrangements to stay another night and not have their packs expect them until tomorrow?” Elder Jason

let the pack know we won’t be back until late tomorrow, or maybe early the next

before we finally settle back into the conference room and Elder

before, the last petition of this meeting was put forth by the Lunas with the support of their mates. The first item in the petition states, ‘She-wolves will have complete and unlimited access to each

Alpha Shawn

werewolves after all. We’re pack animals. There are so few of us and we’re spread out all over the country, so we don’t even know each other. We want to change that.” Hana says. Since she’s taking lead

to a vote.”

it’s thirteen to one, with Alpha Gunnar against the change. Since he wanted

be put into law.” Elder

states, ‘She-wolves will assist with pregnancy and birthings”.”

Alpha Saul and Alpha Zaire whip their heads around

doctors, we don’t need she-wolves meddling in the birthing process. And what are they going to do during their pregnancy? Rub their feet?” Alpha Emmanuel asks. I dislike

Hana asks and I can tell by the tone in her voice that

haven’t, what kind of

ever had a menstrual

of your questions, young lady?” He snarls.

snarls right

any of you state the obvious, you are correct, I don’t either. But my body has the ability to do those things where yours doesn’t. I can be empathetic with a she-wolf that may lose her pup in a way that none of the Alphas in this room can. And there are several she-wolves who have given birth who could be a positive and caring support to those who are struggling with their pregnancies or even during childbirth. I would use my mother-in-law as an example. She does know

pages now