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.

used to talk” she puts her fingers up in air quotes, “when

lot on those walks.” I

may have to lean over

to suggest that we re-enact one of those moments, when I

must catch the change in my mood because she turns to look in the direction I’m looking.

he going?” She

sure. Luke says he’s been sneaking off at night. He’s tried to talk to him about

him sneaking through the forest trees for

talk to you as his Alpha. Things are still pretty tenuous

packhouse, then I’ll go see what he’s up to.” I

takes my hands. “Go, I’m fine. I’m going to see what I can find

kissing her nose and jogging out

to make sure that he’s okay. He’s pretty young to have to deal with the loss of both of his

the forest, picking

though I tried not to startle him, he jumps up, putting his hands

He says, looking guilty. Of what, I can’t even imagine.

by yourself after dark?” I ask him, slowly approaching

down. A sure sign that he’s hiding

something.

been sneaking out every night. Want to talk about it?” He looks up

with you then?” I

be alone, Alpha, if that’s okay.”

making sure everyone in my pack is safe, healthy and happy. And right

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

fine.” He says, still not looking at me. When he doesn’t continue. I try

you searching for out

his head shoots up to look at me. “Why do you think

Alpha, Jace. It’s my job to figure these things out.” I tell him, exaggerating the truth

with his shoe. “I

says

“You don’t want

They’ve been really nice to me, but I think it

what it is, and we can decide together if it will

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