The Claiming by Cooper

Layanı Return Chapter 7 Jara

Jara

The second day of assessment is as grueling as the first. I take it slowly, making sure that I don’t overextend myself. I take hourly breaks and when I feel my babies start to slow their movements, as if my healing our pack is draining them too, I stop and go lay down to rest. Yesterday I slept nearly four hours before Mason woke me for dinner. Today is the same.

Layan had stayed one night with Elijah and had gone home the next morning. She knew her pack needed her and I’m thankful I can help in my pack as well. From everything we’ve heard from all of the packs, this year’ s assessments are far worse than previous ones.

When I ask Mason about it, he decides we should call Councilman Jason and ask him.

We’re in his office, and I’m on his lap, as always, these days. I lean back against him, and he begins rubbing circles on my stomach, soothing me and our little ones.

“Councilman Jason.” He answers on the third ring.

“Councilman. This is Alpha Mason.”

“Mason, how are you? How are assessments going? I haven’t heard of any males failing.”

“No, none of my pack members have failed assessment so far. We have one more day of assessments to go.”

“I didn’t just mean your pack, Alpha. None of the packs have a single male that has failed assessment.”

Mason and I look at each other. “So, the council was right?” I ask.

“It would appear so.

“And we think this is because the she-wolves are providing this vaccination effect in the packs?” Mason asks.

“That’s my take on it.” Jason says.

Mason and I sit in silence for a moment.

“So, what can I do for you Alpha, Luna?” He asks.

“We wanted to know why this year’s assessments seem much more intense than the usual assessments.” Mason asks him.

“Well, in truth, I think it should have always been like this. I fought for stronger assessments, especially since they were done months in advance of the claiming, but I was overruled. When I spoke to the council this year, and told them my reasons, they agreed. We’re still determining if this level of assessment will be needed in the future, but given that no one has failed, it appears that, while difficult, it is valuable. We can ensure the safety of our females, and our pack mates can still successfully pass

assessment.”

“So, it doesn’t have anything to do with Layan going back into the claiming this year?” I ask him.

her, ever happens again. But we also know that any human that doesn’t have absolute control over their

our goodbyes and thank Jason before

don’t immediately move

me, kissing the

just feels really good having you rub the sides of my stomach.” My head is leaning back against him, my

can stay here as long as you like.” He says, I nod, not saying

the feel of it against my body, lulls

walk.” I say, sleepily.

the top of my head that is tucked up against him chest. “You’ve been exerting too much energy, love. Why don’t you plan to sleep in tomorrow. Elijah should be

him. At first, I thought Brynn would get upset. But she watched the omega wrap his arms around Melinda, before sighing and leaning his

mommy, I can help.” Melinda had said. She isn’t able to heal those assessed on her own, but her presence had helped them to heal faster, especially the omegas who were coming out of assessment nearly

had started crying when she got in their lap, holding her tightly. We found out later that some assessments included Melinda, and the pack members not being

let Mason tuck me into bed and

next morning, he is already gone when I wake. I slowly get

cramping in my side. I shower, rubbing my stomach, trying to soothe my babies

come nearly to term is wreaking havoc on my entire body.

I head down to where our pack members are going after their assessments. I get another cramp in my side

drifts into my mind. Always so attentive,

some cramps this morning. I’m making my

giving you problems today, maybe

fight him, but these cramps are stronger than normal. “I’m going to go sit outside for a bit and see how I feel after

feel him getting distracted, probably helping to heal one of our pack members, but the link between us stays wide

I’m uncomfortable, not finding a spot that works for me. My stomach cramps seem

body up to stand. As I do, I feel a pool of

looking down.

my head, he’s still distracted, but

focus on me.

“Umm, Mason…”

him laser focused

“What happened?”

think it’s

confusion. “Time

ones. I’m pretty

banging open, followed by the

I hear Mason

on?” I hear Elijah.