The Claiming by Cooper

Chapter 161

Layan’s Retum Chapter 6 Mason

Mason

This year’s assessment seems to be much more intense than any of the years I remember before. The assessor told me Elijah looked like shit when he came out of his assessment. I didn’t even see him. I’ve been so busy taking care of the others and keeping an eye on Jara, that I haven’t had a minute to go check on him.

When Layan shows up in our pack lands, saying she knew Elijah needed her. I know it isn’t just us. When I have a moment, after sending Jara up to our room to lay down. I call Seth.

“Is it me or is this year’s assessment worse than usual?” I ask.

“I thought it was just me. This is terrible. My pack members are wrecked. Hana wants to help, but I keep having to tell her to take breaks.”

I tell him about Layan showing up in my pack and what she told me about the assessors using her in Alpha Davis’s and most likely Elijah’s

assessments.

“So. they know us better, since we’ve become a closer-knit community. They know how to push our pack members to the extreme.” Seth says.

“Yes, but it doesn’t seem like it’s intentionally cruel, although it probably feels like it to them. It feels like they are making sure that these men have control over themselves to ensure that no one gets killed this year and that we don’t have a repeat of last year.”

“I agree. But between you and me, I’m glad I’m not going through assessment this year.

“I couldn’t agree more.” I say before hanging up.

Thankfully, Jara slept the rest of the afternoon and the assessments finished for the day before she woke up. When she did, we went to the pack hospital to check her pulse, the babies’ heart rates, anything and everything the doctor felt was necessary. After hearing that momma and babies were healthy, I agreed that she could help again tomorrow, with the same parameters in place.

As we walk back to the packhouse, well, I’m walking, she’s waddling in her cute way. I give her the information that I’ve been waiting to drop on her, knowing she’ll be excited.

“So, Layan is still here, in Elijah’s room. Has been all day.”

She turns to me. “Get out!” She thinks for a minute. “All day?”

“Mmhmm, and I know Elijah is awake because I saw the omegas taking a couple trays of food upstairs.”

“What do you think they’re doing?” She asks me, slyly

“I’m sure they’re just talking. Catching up on old times.” I say, smiling.

fingers up in

a lot on those walks.” I said.

didn’t.” She says, turning and lifting her head for a kiss. I may have to lean

those moments, when I see Jace sneaking out of the

because she turns to look in the direction I’m

going?” She asks.

sneaking off at night. He’s

the forest trees for a moment.

go to him. Maybe he’ll talk to you as his Alpha. Things are still pretty tenuous between

to.” I tell her, not willing to let her walk alone, even a short

inside, she takes my hands. “Go, I’m fine. I’m going to see what I

at her before kissing her nose and jogging

leaving the pack, I just want to

forest, picking something up

and even though I tried not to startle him, he jumps up, putting

guilty. Of what, I

you doing out here by yourself after dark?” I ask him,

says, looking down. A

something.

about it?” He looks up at me then shakes his head, no,

walk with you then?”

alone, Alpha, if that’s

sure everyone in my pack is safe, healthy and happy. And right now, one of my pack members isn’t happy.” I say, moving to sit on a fallen tree

living with Luke and Brynn?” I ask him. It’s only been a couple of months, but I know

looking at me. When

for out here?” I ask

his head shoots up to look at me. “Why do you think I’m looking for

things out.” I tell him, exaggerating the truth a bit, but at

kicks the dirt with his shoe. “I don’t want to hurt

says

he mean his parents’ feelings? “You

really nice to me, but I think it would hurt their feelings.

we can decide together

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255