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.

our species doesn’t go extinct.” He says, his voice not nearly as strong

that would continue our species, keep us strong and build a better future for our species. And I believe you said, and I quote, ‘A woman’s job is to be a bed warmer for her mate and 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

grits his teeth, not

it to a vote.”

vote was thirteen to one, Gunnar being the only one that voted for,his petition, thank goodness. Maybe there’s hope

species after all.

today is the petition put forth

grumbling as the Alphas realize that it’s likely we’ll be here

arrangements to stay another night and not have their packs expect them

extend our stay, and let the pack know we won’t be back until late tomorrow, or maybe early the next day.

room and Elder Jason takes his petition at

was put forth by the Lunas with the support of their mates. The first item in the petition states, ‘She-wolves will have

Alpha Shawn asks.

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 on

a vote.”

to one, with Alpha Gunnar against the change. Since he wanted total and complete domination

will be put into law.” Elder

petition states, ‘She-wolves will assist with pregnancy and

and Alpha Zaire whip their heads around to us, a slow smile spreading on Alpha Zaire’s

are they going to do during their pregnancy?

asks and I can tell by the tone in her voice that she’s about to

course, I haven’t, what kind of question is that?” He

a menstrual

the point of your questions, young lady?” He snarls.

snarls right back.

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 what it’s like, and while she may not

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