The Claiming by Cooper

The Council Chapter 45 Jara

Jara

Later, after dinner, we sit and watch a movie. This time, her pack members don’t stay quite so far away, offering to bring us popcorn or refill our drinks. I’m happy to see that Layan doesn’t flinch or cower when they get closer to her. They are all trying to be very careful around her and it seems to be working.

Elijah and Lewis shift out before we’re done watching the movie, and my night guards come to stand watch over me.

While Layan still sits in between us, she doesn’t fall asleep against me. When the movie ends, she turns to me.

“Would it be okay if I slept with you again? I’m sleeping better, but my best sleep is when you’re here.”

“Absolutely.” I say.

“Am I invited too?” Hana asks.

“Of course.” Layan says, laughing. It’s good to hear her laughing again.

We get ready and crawl into bed. Layan asks us about our pregnancies, and we tell her all the things that we like and don’t like about it.

“Did you hear that Mignon felt her little one move?” Hana

asks.

“Already?” I ask.

0.009

“Yes, I can’t wait for that. That will be so exciting.”

until we all drift off to

Elijah POV

asleep when I’m awakened by a loud booming sound. My room and bed begin to shake violently and suddenly there is smoke pouring into the room. I jump out of bed, just remembering to grab my phone, before I race out of

watch. Not only that, but I also know she’s with Layan. I

were on duty pushing into Jara’s room. They are coughing as they exit the room, Jara asking what happened.

to Jara, grabbing Layan in the process and pushing the two of them against the wall, using my body as a shield to keep the

that I might trigger Layan. It can’t be helped. Protecting Jara and

quick inventory to make sure she’s not injured. “We have to move.” I say.

both of them in front of

have her safe.

The floor below us is chaos. Alpha Davis is barking orders at his men, trying to put the fire out and trying to figure out who is attacking us, because that’s what

attention. He looks

He yells, coming over to look at

everyone okay?” He asks.

get them out of the house. The roof is already caving in up here.”

and make

“You’re up next, Luna.” I tell her and help her get on the

Jara before she crashes to the floor. I reach out, pulling Layan against me, holding on to her as I watch Lewis set Jara on her feet. I can feel Layan’s body shaking in her fear and hear the

to you.”

“Trust me?”

heart soars when she

get you out of here safely, that’s

of the ladder. She gets down without an

say, taking her by the shoulders and guiding her to the ladder.

so badly I’m not sure she could get down by herself.

I tell her, turning and squatting down in front of