The Claiming by Cooper

The Council Chapter 23 Mason

Mason

Luke had contacted me to let me know that they had arrived safely. He had also let me know that Layan was in terrible shape, so I knew that I wouldn’t hear from Jara tonight. Her goal is to help Layan and that should be her focus. It doesn’t mean I don’t miss my mate or hate crawling into our bed alone that night.

The next morning, I wake and get ready for the day. Today is the first alliance meeting and it works well that Asher is with Alpha Davis. He will be there to gauge his reactions to what we want to discuss and having our mates in his pack.

This is a video call, and I have Elijah join me. Seth and I had talked about how we want to run these meetings. For now, one of us will take the lead, but eventually, we’d like everyone to take a turn facilitating the call and creating the agenda.

When the video feed begins to connect, I’m excited and antsy to speak with Asher to see how my mate is doing. I’m sure she’s fine, but it would make me feel better to see her. We didn’t plan for it, but a man can hope.

As soon as Asher and Davis connect, I don’t even have a second before Antonio is jumping in.

“Asher, how are our mates.”

Suddenly, Annabel is looking over Davis’s shoulder.

“You mean this mate?” She asks coyly and I watch the tension ease from Antonio’s face. I notice that Annabel has both her hands on Davis’s shoulders. It could be coincidence, but I don’t think so.

Behind her, Hana leans over Davis’s other shoulder. I can see that she is also touching him as she leans over him. “Or did you mean this mate?” Hana asks.

“That’s the mate I was hoping to see.” Seth says smiling, and the tension around his eyes also eases.

this mate.” Jara says and her beautiful face enters the screen pushing between Davis’s

can feel my own tension

I knew she was okay, but I know what she’s going to say before she says it. I’m an Alpha too, so I

to see the hottest man on the planet.” She says,

you’ve found him.” Antonio says

you’re not my type.” And she gives me a smoldering look that

can gorgeous. Take care of

love you.” She says,

more.” I say as she pulls out

as her voice gets farther away, making me chuckle.

I know you all have work to do. Your baby and I love you, Seth.” Hana

baby.”

before standing

I’ll take care

time but come home

leave, I see Asher watch to make sure the door closes before he turns back to the video. He scrubs his hands over his face before turning

here. I’ve never seen a she-wolf or any wolf look like

mates to come here and look after Layan. And, if I’m being honest, it’s not just Layan. Having them here is helping

them touching you.” Seth

I hope that’s

know what my mother told Hana and Jara. I mean it more that I