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.”

talk until we all drift off to sleep.

Elijah POV

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

is hurting my Luna on my watch. Not only that, but I also know she’s with Layan. I won’t let that sweet girl get hurt. Not if I

into Jara’s room. They are coughing as they exit the room, Jara asking

process and pushing the two of them against the wall, using my body as a shield to keep the roof

buck naked, and I worry that I might trigger Layan. It can’t be helped. Protecting Jara and Layan

a quick inventory to make sure

both of them in front of

Hana’s guards have her safe. When we

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

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

yells, coming over to look at

everyone okay?” He

house. The roof is already caving in up here.” I say, just as someone brings a ladder.

first, stand at the bottom and make

next, Luna.” I tell her and help her get on the ladder.

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

happen to you.” I look down into her terrified hazel

“Trust me?”

soars when she nods her head yes.

you out of here safely, that’s a

at the bottom of the

I say, taking her by the shoulders and guiding her

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

turning and squatting down