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

Elijah POV

suddenly there is smoke pouring into the room. I jump out of bed, just remembering to grab my phone, before I race out of

Not only that, but I also know she’s with Layan. I won’t let that sweet girl get hurt. Not if I can help

room. They are coughing as they exit

process and

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

a quick inventory to make sure she’s not injured. “We

nods and I push both of them in front of me, turning

that Hana’s guards have her

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

I call, getting his attention. He looks up, realizing we’re trapped

He yells, coming over to look

everyone okay?” He asks.

far, but I want to get them out of the house. The roof is already caving in up

bottom and make sure you catch them if

does and then I turn to Jara. “You’re up next, Luna.” I tell

as she starts to climb down, the house rumbles again, the floor we’re on, shifting around, part of it collapsing and shaking the ladder loose. Lewis moves and catches 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

you.”

“Trust me?”

soars when she nods her head yes.

here safely, that’s

into position at the bottom of the ladder. She gets down without an incident, but I can hear things crashing and falling

turn, Layan.” I say, taking her by

I can’t.” Her body is trembling so badly I’m not sure she could get

on my back.” I tell her, turning and squatting down in front of